Korean Makgeolli Visit Brewery

Kooksoondang Ihwaju

국순당 이화주

ABV 12.5%

Volume 400ml

Product passport

Taste and aroma

Dense sweet rice porridge · Ripe banana and honey grain · Faint pear-blossom nuruk floral · Custard-thick body · Caramelized rice finish

Pair with

Korean pancakes (jeon) · fried chicken · kimchi

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Data source: Matched to Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp. data; View dataset
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Official brewery site drink.ksdb.co.kr Search Naver Shopping Naver Shopping Check Sooldamhwa via Naver search Yesnal Makgeolli 古 Compare a similar drink · Korean Makgeolli · Gangwon · 8% Icing Grapefruit Try another from this brewery · Korean Traditional Drink · Gangwon · 4% Kooksoondang See the brewery Gangwon Browse same-region drinks Korean Makgeolli Browse same-type drinks

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Description

Kooksoondang, one of Korea's largest traditional beverage producers in Hoengseong, Gangwon-do, revives the historic Ihwaju ('pear-blossom wine') tradition with this 12.5% ABV makgeolli bottled in a compact 400ml format. Ihwaju historically refers to rice wine made in spring when pear trees bloom, using a special ihwa nuruk (pear-blossom nuruk) that captures ambient yeasts during pear-blossom season. The aroma is dense and layered: sweet rice porridge, ripe banana, a honeyed grain depth, and a faint floral whisper from the ihwa nuruk culture. On the palate, the body is thick and almost custard-like, with concentrated grain sweetness that rolls slowly across the tongue. At 12.5%, the alcohol provides structure and warmth rather than harshness, and the finish is long with caramelized rice notes and a faint spiced edge. This drinks more like a dessert rice liqueur than a session makgeolli. The 2019 Chajaganeun Yangjojang designation recognizes the brewery's scale and heritage. Serve at 10-14°C in a small cup - the concentration rewards slow sipping. Pair with yakgwa (honey pastry) for a traditional sweets pairing, or with salty jangajji (pickled vegetables) where the dense sweetness and salt create a satisfying push-pull.