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

If you’re visiting Seoul and have a penchant for exploring beyond the usual tourist fare, a rice wine tasting session with a Korean liquor sommelier might just be your next favorite activity. This experience offers a chance to taste rare, high-quality makgeolli and learn about Korea’s traditional rice wines from experts in a cozy, hidden setting. With knowledgeable guides, authentic bottles, and engaging stories, it’s a truly immersive way to get closer to Korean culture—beyond the K-pop and kimchi.

What we especially love about this tour is the personalized approach—led by Jay, a seasoned Korean liquor sommelier, and Sam, a certified local brewer, you’ll get tailored insights into the world of rice wines from small, local producers you wouldn’t find on your own. The chance to sample unfiltered, artisanal makgeolli and hear about its history from people who know it intimately is genuinely rewarding. A minor consideration: the tour is a bit short, at just over an hour, so if you’re a serious enthusiast, you might want to extend your experience elsewhere.

This tasting suits travelers eager to explore Korean culture through its drinks, those interested in authentic, small-batch products, and anyone who enjoys discovering hidden gems behind the scenes. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a curious connoisseur, this experience provides valuable insights and delicious drinks at a fair price.

Key Points

• Expert-Led Tasting: Hosted by a professional sommelier and a certified brewer, ensuring in-depth knowledge.
• Unique Selections: Opportunity to taste rare and premium makgeolli from small local producers across Korea.
• Authentic Experience: Tasting takes place in a cozy, hidden backroom of a specialty rice wine shop, enhancing intimacy.
• Educational & Cultural: Learn about the traditions, history, and cultural significance of Korea’s rice wines.
• Convenient Location: Situated near Hapjeong station, making it easy to access from central Seoul.
• Price & Value: At approximately $42 per person for 1 hour 20 minutes, offers a rich, educational experience for the price.

The Experience: An In-Depth Look

The Venue and Atmosphere

The tour begins in a discreet backroom of a small, specialty rice wine shop in Seoul, conveniently located in a mall connected to Hapjeong station. This cozy setting feels like a hidden treasure, perfect for those who appreciate authenticity and want to escape the bustling city streets. The intimate size, capped at 10 travelers, ensures personalized attention and lively discussions.

Guests are welcomed into a warm, inviting space where the focus is on learning and tasting. The shop itself is a treasure trove of Korean rice wines, many from small, local producers whose bottles rarely make it outside Korea. This exclusivity makes the experience feel special—you’re sampling some of the finest and rarest makgeolli in Korea.

The Guides and Their Approach

Jay, the host and a Korean liquor sommelier, and Sam, a certified brewer, bring a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm. Reviewers highlight their fun, personable, and highly informative style, with Sam speaking perfect English and sharing captivating stories behind each bottle. As Elizabeth notes, she appreciated learning about the making process and history of makgeolli, which she previously only drank casually.

Sam also offers insights into local brewing traditions, explaining how small producers craft unique flavors that differ from mass-produced brands. Their storytelling makes the tasting lively and engaging, transforming what could be a simple sip into a cultural journey.

Tasting Selection and Flavors

The core of this experience is the sampling of the best makgeolli Korea has to offer. Unlike the mass-market versions, these are often unfiltered (hazy) and fermented with care. Reviewers like Miika appreciated the variety of tastings, noting that they could purchase bottles to take home, which adds value beyond the session.

You’ll also get to sample soju, another pillar of Korean alcohol, at a nearby small distillery with a history spanning 400 years. This part of the tour, while not the main focus, complements the makgeolli tasting and offers insights into Korea’s broader spirits culture.

Learning and Cultural Insights

This tour is about more than just tasting alcohol; it’s about understanding its cultural roots. Jennifer highlights how she learned about makgeolli’s fascinating history and significance, which made the experience deeply meaningful. Being introduced to small, local breweries also reveals Korea’s vibrant craft scene, often hidden from travelers.

Sam and Jay share stories about the cultural importance of rice wines in Korean traditions, festivals, and everyday life. This contextual background enriches the tasting, transforming it from a casual drink session into an educational exploration.

Practical Details and Value

At $42.14 per person, the experience offers excellent value considering the quality and exclusivity of the tastings. It’s a relatively short activity, around 1 hour 20 minutes, but packed with insights, samples, and stories. The group size is kept small, making it ideal for engaging conversations and personalized attention.

The tour operates at 5:00 pm and is bookable on mobile tickets, which adds to its convenience. Since it is recommended to book about 10 days in advance, planning ahead ensures you won’t miss out on this unique experience.

What Reviewers Say

Multiple guests praise the hosts’ knowledge and friendliness. Elizabeth mentions how she was able to learn how makgeolli is made and its history, while Miika appreciated the variety of tastings and stories. Jennifer emphasizes the hosts’ personable nature and the fascinating cultural background shared during the session.

Anthony highlights the fantastic quality of the wines and cocktails, mentioning that the staff appreciated their visit and that the experience was “phenomenal.” Overall, reviewers agree this tasting offers both delicious drinks and meaningful cultural insights.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers interested in authentic Korean drinks and cultural learning. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy discovering small, local producers and want a personalized, intimate setting. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a connoisseur, you’ll appreciate the detailed explanations and tasting variety.

It’s also great for groups, especially private ones, as the hosts can customize the experience. If you’re curious about Korea’s traditional spirits or want to skip the touristy bars for something more meaningful, this tour fits the bill.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Experience?

If you’re after an authentic, educational, and delicious introduction to Korea’s rice wines, this tour delivers. The combination of expert hosts, rare bottles, and cultural insights makes it a worthwhile addition to your Seoul itinerary. It’s especially ideal for those who appreciate small-batch, artisanal products and want to learn the stories behind their drinks.

The intimate setting and knowledgeable guides make this a memorable experience—whether you’re a seasoned lover of spirits or a curious newcomer. The tour’s value lies in its ability to connect you with Korean traditions, craftsmanship, and flavors you won’t easily find elsewhere.

This rice wine tasting is a thoughtful, enjoyable way to deepen your understanding of Korea’s drinking culture while savoring some of the country’s best-made spirits.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tasting lasts approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, making it a manageable activity that fits well into a busy day.

Where does the tour take place?
It starts at Sool Society, located in a mall connected to Hapjeong station in Seoul—a convenient spot near public transportation.

Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers or minors?
No, only adults born in 2005 or before are allowed, as the activity involves alcohol tasting.

Can I purchase bottles to take home?
Yes, reviewers mention that they were able to buy some of the tastings’ bottles after the session, which is a lovely bonus.

How many people are in a group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring a personal and engaging experience.

What about weather considerations?
Since the activity is held indoors, weather doesn’t impact the experience. If canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.