Themes & Stories

In the thousand-year-old ancient capital of Gyeongju, liquor is not merely a beverage of preference, but a food that connects history, people, and culture. Throughout Gyeongju, there are liquors with their own unique stories: traditional Beopju brewed in the old houses of Gyodong, premium Yakju (medicinal herb liquor) enjoyed in traditional Korean restaurants, Makgeolli (unrefined rice wine) reinterpreted with the youthful sensibilities of the city, and exceptional liquors that have gained nationwide love through broadcasts. Every moment travelers raise their cups, they encounter the millennium's profound fragrance.

Traditional liquors found in Gyeongju

Gyeongju Gyodong Beopju, with a history of 350 years, deserves to be called “liquor that drinks time.” This liquor, passed down from the Choi family's wealthy household, is brewed using only sweet rice, nuruk (fermentation starter), and clear water. When the liquor, aged at low temperatures for 100 days, permeates the mouth, its subtle aroma and gentle sweetness awaken the senses.

The history of Beopju dates back to the Joseon Dynasty during King Sukjong's reign. It began when Choi Gukseon, who managed food in the royal court, returned to his hometown and started brewing liquor. Later, it became established as “liquor for welcoming guests” as it was served to guests along with the generous hospitality of the wealthy Choi family. Currently, descendants of the Choi family continue brewing the liquor as holders of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Gyodong Beopju is excellent as liquor itself, but it is truly complete when paired with the scenery of Gyochon Traditional Village. Walking through the village alleys where the local Confucian school and old houses remain intact is like traveling through time. Touring with a bottle of Gyodong Beopju on the path leading to Gyerim, Cheomseongdae Observatory, and the restored Woljeonggyo Bridge is like traveling through a millennium in the heart.

The Elegance of Traditional Liquor, Te monje of Yosukgung

Following the stone path through the hanok (traditional Korean house) courtyard makes the heart flutter like beautiful hanbok (traditional Korean costume) skirts. Yosukgung 1779, considered the most luxurious traditional Korean restaurant in Gyeongju, is not simply a restaurant but a stage reminiscent of a banquet of the nobility during the Silla Dynasty. The liquor presented here is Te monje. As the name suggests, it's “liquor that holds great aspirations,” and it is distinguished for its elegant flavor.

Te monje 1779 originated from the traditional home-brewed liquor of the wealthy Choi family. The number 1779 represents the year when the Choi family established their residence in Gyodong, Gyeongju, but the liquor's roots run much deeper. This is because the liquor brewing methods enjoyed by nobles and hwarang (young warriors of the Silla Dynasty) in royal courts have been passed down intact. Te monje, brewed with utmost care during the fermentation process, boasts a smooth flavor and refreshing fruit aroma that distinctly differentiates it from existing traditional liquors.

The liquor bottle, inspired by Silla pottery, particularly enhances the value of the liquor. When enjoyed with Yosukgung's splendid Korean table d’hote, the liquor, food, and space harmonize to entice all five senses. A meal and a cup of liquor become Gyeongju's story itself and leave unforgettable memories. At the gift shop next to Yosukgung, visitors can purchase Te monje and enjoy the pleasure of taking memories of the trip home as gifts.

Give More, Makgeolli with Youthful Sensibility

Gyeongju's liquor culture doesn't stop at tradition alone. There's a sensual liquor that the young welcome. That's “Give More.” As the name suggests, it breaks the stereotypes about Makgeolli and makes this traditional liquor all the more attractive by embracing an innovative approach.

This Makgeolli, brewed and fermented at low-temperature for over 90 days using local specialties like cherry, Sillabong (Hallabong), and barley, eliminates the liquor’s astringency and leaves a smooth flavor. The transparent glass bottle packaging reminiscent of wine makes you want to post it on social media the moment you see it.

Eco-friendly upcycling sensibility is added here. Soap made from jigimi (rice wine lees) left after brewing the liquor, and bags made from discarded rice sacks are all the more worth purchasing as they show consideration for the environment. The space, filled with vintage charm and cute accessories, make it perfect for a nice photo shot. Makgeolli here is reborn not as a simple traditional liquor, but as a lifestyle beverage that will make each moment special.

A Name that Created a Buzz, Takwol Makgeolli

Finally, a name that cannot be left out is “Takwol Makgeolli.” After appearing on variety shows and becoming a nationwide topic, it has established itself as Gyeongju's representative liquor as its name, meaning “excellent choice” in Korean, suggests.

Takwol Makgeolli boasts of an excellent refreshing taste and light aftertaste thanks to its natural carbonation obtained during the fermentation process. It tastes cleaner and more refined than existing Makgeolli, making it recommended not only to young people but also to foreigners trying Makgeolli for the first time. Its neat bottle design also makes it popular as a gift. This is why travelers take it as souvenirs when leaving Gyeongju.

This Makgeolli is not a brand that was completed overnight. It's the result of a collaboration between a father who has brewed Makgeolli for over 20 years and his son, who added modern sensibility to it. In Gyeongju, where tradition and modernity intersect, Takwol Makgeolli has stylishly changed the image of the most Korean liquor into a chic modern liquor.

[Gyodong Beopju]
Address: 19-21 Gyochonan-gil, Gyeongju-si
Contact: +82-54-772-2051
Hours: 09:30-18:00 (closed every Sunday)
Website: http://www.kyodongbeobju.com

[Te monje 1779]
Address: 25 Gyochonan-gil, Gyeongju-si
Contact: +82-54-777-1779
Hours: 11:00-20:00
Website: https://www.1779.kr/temonje

[Give More Makgeolli]
Address: 153 Wonhyo-ro, Gyeongju-si
Contact: +82-507-1308-4304
Hours: Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 11:00–18:00 / Sat, Sun 08:00–18:00 / (closed on Tuesdays)
Website: https://www.instagram.com/gyeongju_sik_brewery

[Takwol Fresh Makgeolli]
Address: 1085 Poseok-ro, Gyeongju-si
Contact: +82-507-1316-8381
Hours: 10:30–20:30
Website: https://smartstore.naver.com/takwolkorea

Text and photos by travel writer Yoo Eun-yeong
※ The above information was prepared in September 2025 and may be subject to change, so please check before traveling.
※Gyeongju Hwabaek Convention Bureau holds the copyright to the texts, photos, videos, and other information used in this article. Unauthorized use of any part of this article is prohibited.