Alcohol
소주 Soju
A clear Korean distilled liquor, poured into small shot glasses and drunk with food, often shared at the table.
Spice: Not spicy
Sul (alcohol)
막걸리 Makgeolli
A cloudy, milky-white rice wine low in alcohol, usually shaken before pouring and often drunk with Korean pancakes.
- Unrefined Rice Wine
- Spice: Not spicy
At a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Rice (sometimes wheat flour), nuruk (a fermentation starter), water |
| How it's served | Usually a chilled bottle or kettle, with a shallow bowl or cup for each person at the table |
| Spice level | Not spicy — No chili heat. |
| Allergens | Wheat |
| Ask about | Some brands use rice-only starters; check the label on the bottle. |
| On the menu | 막걸리 (Makgeolli) |
| Also called | makkoli · makgeoli · makkeolli · Korean rice wine |
| Region | Nationwide |
Based on the usual recipe. Restaurants vary, so always tell the staff.
How to drink Unrefined Rice Wine
Mix it gently
The rice settles at the bottom, so gently turn the bottle to mix it before opening.
Pour for each other
Fill each other's bowls or cups. When someone older pours for you, hold your bowl with both hands.
Have it with food
Makgeolli is usually drunk alongside a meal or drinking food (anju), often a hot pancake such as pajeon.
How to order it
Order it as 막걸리. It comes by the bottle or kettle, and one person can order a bottle alone, though it is usually shared.
- On the menu: 막걸리
- Usually sold: 1 bottle or 1 kettle
Where it comes from
Makgeolli first appears in written records in Yangjubang, under the name hondonju. From 1964, food shortages meant rice could not be used for it. It was brewed with imported wheat flour and corn instead. Today, makgeolli brewed from rice is popular and has taken its place as a traditional Korean liquor.
Sources: Encyclopedia of Korean Culture (encykorea.aks.ac.kr)
Similar dishes
Questions about Unrefined Rice Wine
Do you shake makgeolli before drinking it?
Usually, yes. The rice settles at the bottom, so mix it gently before pouring. Open the cap slowly, since some makgeolli is fizzy.
Can you drink makgeolli by yourself?
Yes. Adults can order a bottle alone, though it is usually shared at the table.
Do you drink makgeolli with pajeon?
Often, yes. Pajeon, the green onion pancake, is a common partner, especially on rainy days.
- By Jason Kim (Bumsoo)
- Last reviewed October 10, 2026