Asia Insight

An Alcohol Renaissance in South Korea

0.028mMay 6, 2022

Young South Koreans are building breweries to make makgeolli, soju and other traditional alcohol. Hangang Brewery, established in 2018, sells a wildly popular makgeolli that uses 100% Seoul-grown rice with no sweeteners. One former owner-chef closed his restaurant to focus on brewing makgeolli, while 4 entrepreneurs launched an online business selling regional alcohol paired with labels designed by young artists. Traditional alcohol is no longer just a fun pastime, but a form of self-expression for the young people shaping a new culture.