Korean Drinks: From Soju to Herbal Teas

Korea has a long history of making liquor, some designated Major Intangible Cultural Assets. As well as commercially available spirits, there are many homemade fruit and herbal versions.

Soju - similar to vodka at around 25% a.c. - is drunk neat and cold, as a cocktail, or steeped with cucumber or lemon for extra flavour. MahkGulLi is the oldest Korean liquor: milky white, just 6% a.c., a true folk drink that pairs beautifully with Korean savoury pancakes. JungJong is a clear distilled rice wine akin to Japanese sake.

Korea's traditional teas are extraordinary. YuJa Cha (citron tea) and MoGwa Cha (quince tea) are made from fruits packed in honey or sugar - as delicious cold as hot. Ginseng tea, jujube tea, ginger tea, and the special GoolSahmCha (fresh ginseng in honey) round out a truly remarkable range.

Happy drinking!