Taste the real flavors of Korea—discover traditional soju and handcrafted makgeolli in a guided 90-minute class in Seoul. Learn production methods, compare premium varieties, and enjoy snacks paired to each pour.
Taste the real flavors of Korea—discover traditional soju and handcrafted makgeolli in a guided 90-minute class in Seoul. Learn production methods, compare premium varieties, and enjoy snacks paired to each pour.
The room hums with quiet anticipation as a wooden table is set with small ceramic cups and frothy pitchers; Seoul's evening light filters through narrow alley windows and the scent of toasted rice drifts in. Participants gather around a local guide who unpacks bottles both familiar and obscure, inviting you to compare, question and taste your way through Korea's drinking history.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Baekusaeng Makgeolli · Seoul, Seoul
The room hums with quiet anticipation as a wooden table is set with small ceramic cups and frothy pitchers; Seoul's evening light filters through narrow alley windows and the scent of toasted rice drifts in. Participants gather around a local guide who unpacks bottles both familiar and obscure, inviting you to compare, question and taste your way through Korea's drinking history.
Soju and makgeolli have roots that stretch back centuries—distilled spirits and fermented rice drinks born from household kitchens, ceremonial rites and village breweries. In the city, those traditions meet modern craft: small-batch makgeolli from family-run breweries and premium sojus that emphasize terroir and grain. The class places these drinks in cultural context, explaining traditional production methods, regional differences and how commercialization changed flavor profiles over the 20th century.
Expect a hands-on blind tasting of multiple premium sojus, a guided pour of Baekusaeng makgeolli, and light dried Korean snacks to cleanse the palate. The pace is conversational: tasting, comparison, and a short demonstration on basic cocktail builds using soju.
Practical guidance: schedule this 90-minute experience in the evening, arrive 10–15 minutes early for check-in, and bring ID—this is age-restricted. The venue is typically reachable by Seoul Metro; wear comfortable shoes for walking between subway and venue. Hydrate before you arrive, pace tastings, and plan safe transport afterward—Seoul's taxis and late-night subway options make it easy to get back to your hotel.
This tasting is ideal for curious travelers who want a focused, culturally grounded introduction to Korea’s most iconic spirits.
easy.
1.5 hours.
No special fitness required; mostly seated or standing for short periods.
You must be of legal drinking age in South Korea (typically 19) and present ID at check-in.
Yes—sessions are designed for all experience levels, with guided explanations and palate-cleansing snacks.
Most classes are conducted in English or with English-speaking guides; confirm language at booking.
Full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start; bookings may be canceled by the operator if minimum participants aren't met.
Soju and makgeolli evolved from household fermentation and distillation traditions; mass production in the 20th century shifted flavors, but recent craft revivals return to regional grains and methods.
Support small producers who use sustainable rice sourcing and recyclable glass; the class encourages responsible consumption and reduced waste.
Baekusaeng Makgeolli operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




The room hums with quiet anticipation as a wooden table is set with small ceramic cups and frothy pitchers; Seoul's evening light filters through narrow alley windows and the scent of toasted rice drifts in. Participants gather around a local guide who unpacks bottles both familiar and obscure, inviting you to compare, question and taste your way through Korea's drinking history.
The room hums with quiet anticipation as a wooden table is set with small ceramic cups and frothy pitchers; Seoul's evening light filters through narrow alley windows and the scent of toasted rice drifts in. Participants gather around a local guide who unpacks bottles both familiar and obscure, inviting you to compare, question and taste your way through Korea's drinking history.
Soju and makgeolli have roots that stretch back centuries—distilled spirits and fermented rice drinks born from household kitchens, ceremonial rites and village breweries. In the city, those traditions meet modern craft: small-batch makgeolli from family-run breweries and premium sojus that emphasize terroir and grain. The class places these drinks in cultural context, explaining traditional production methods, regional differences and how commercialization changed flavor profiles over the 20th century.
Expect a hands-on blind tasting of multiple premium sojus, a guided pour of Baekusaeng makgeolli, and light dried Korean snacks to cleanse the palate. The pace is conversational: tasting, comparison, and a short demonstration on basic cocktail builds using soju.
Practical guidance: schedule this 90-minute experience in the evening, arrive 10–15 minutes early for check-in, and bring ID—this is age-restricted. The venue is typically reachable by Seoul Metro; wear comfortable shoes for walking between subway and venue. Hydrate before you arrive, pace tastings, and plan safe transport afterward—Seoul's taxis and late-night subway options make it easy to get back to your hotel.
This tasting is ideal for curious travelers who want a focused, culturally grounded introduction to Korea’s most iconic spirits.