The 6 Best Soju & Makgeolli Tastings in South Korea

1.Soju Tasting at Distillery – story of 3 pigs

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 166 reviews · from $43Our pick

Join Sam Lee at Samhae Soju in Seoul’s Mapo-gu for a 90-minute tasting inside a working distillery closed to the public. You’ll learn how takju, cheongju, and traditional soju are made, hear the story of Samhae soju, and sample at least seven Korean spirits, including premium soju at 45% alcohol or higher. Small groups keep the session social and relaxed.

“Sam was amazing. I learned a lot and drank a lot! We went through the process of making Soju as well as Korean culture and history. Sam also gave an amazing list of recommendations afterwards.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Learn and Make Your Very Own Craft Makgeolli

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 94 reviews · from $70

At Baekusaeng Makgeolli in Seoul, Joe leads a two-hour, hands-on class on traditional Korean rice wine. You will taste several makgeolli styles, learn about rice, nuruk, yeast, filtering, and conditioning, then prepare about 1.2 liters to take home and ferment. The small class size keeps the lesson practical and personal.

“Wonderful experience learning about the art of rice wine making. Joe was an incredible instructor who gave us hands on opportunity in the making of this age old product. We even made a batch to take home with us. Got to taste a wonderful flight of different blends as well. I really enjoyed the class!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Traditional Soju Class and Makgeolli Tasting in Seoul

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 35 reviews · from $66

In Seoul’s Ahyeon-dong, Joe leads a 90-minute tasting of fresh Baekusaeng makgeolli, commercial and traditional varieties, and 10 premium sojus. You’ll compare flavors, sample light snacks, learn how Korean alcohol is made and used, and mix simple cocktails. The group is limited to 10 people.

“informative. tons of alcohol, passionate host with a cute space where he teaches ppl ht make soju too”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Makgeolli Brewing Class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · from $75

At The Sool Company in Hyehwa, local specialists guide you through makgeolli brewing, from washing rice to filtering. You’ll taste home-brewed samples, learn about Korean fermentation, and leave with either an ingredient kit or a bottle. Sessions may be led by instructors such as Omar or Inji.

“Had a wonderful time with Omar, learning how to make makgeolli and then putting it into practice. He was a great instructor and took his time answering questions and giving us a great insight into makgeolli, how it’s made, and its importance in Korean culture. Highly recommended!”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Learn and Craft Makgeolli in a Traditional Brewery

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · from $80

At Baekusaeng Makgeolli in Seoul’s Ahyeon Market, Korean alcohol sommelier and brewery founder Joe Kim teaches you how to make traditional makgeolli. In two hours, you’ll taste craft and commercial rice wines, sample soju, learn the tools and ingredients, make your own batch, and take home a kit for about 1.5 liters.

“Super informative. Definitely a great class not a demonstration. Joe was incredibly engaging and a great teacher. A lot crowded into 2 hours. Totally absorbing and very educational.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier – Finest Makgeolli (& Soju)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 1h 20m · from $44

Meet sommelier Jay and certified brewer Sam for an 80-minute tasting of at least five Korean rice wines and spirits. You’ll sample rare makgeolli from small producers, learn how it is made, and compare flavors in a small group of up to 10 people. The tasting takes place in a specialty rice wine shop near Hapjeong Station.

“GREAT tour!! Sam was incredibly knowledgable and fun -- I would highly recommend to learn more about Makgeolli and Soju :)”

Check availability →Read our full review