Traditional Soju Class and Makgeolli Tasting in Seoul

We got to learn about and taste many different Makgeolis and sojus! I had never heard of Makgeoli and had never tried soju and this was a fabulous introduction! Really informative and very fun!

My husband and I had a great time learning about and tasting the different Korean alcohols. We love craft beer in the US and this tasting really fit with our interests. It was fun to learn about the dedication and pride that goes into making traditional Makgeoli. We also got to learn what goes into all the different sojus. Great experience all around!

We really enjoyed the experience. Our only advice would be to give yourself a little extra time to get there because it's tucked away, but that's part of what makes it a great experience.

A fun experience that will leave you both tipsy and informed. Joe let us through an illuminating experience that gave us insight into the culinary history of Korea as well as the cultural significance of Soju and Makgeolli. We got a chance to taste a diverse array of drinks and learn about how they’re made. We also got some good snack pairings as Joe prepared more artisanal offerings. Along the way, he gave us really good tips on buying Korean liquor overseas, and how to navigate the market. It was both fun and relaxing; but be worn the alcohol is pretty strong and you will leave with a good buzz if you drink everything. Joe also followed up with some guides and recommendations, which were so helpful for buying Korean liquor when we came back home.

Joe was incredible. His Makgeolli was delicious and it is clear he is dedicated to his craft. We thoroughly appreciated the attention to detail; he explained so much context of the historical Korean experience with alcohol, how Makgeolli came to be, how Soju was created, and how the spirits evolved. He was so knowledgeable and friendly! We were really interested in the history and he was so excited to share the historic nature of rice development in Korea and how that places into the intricacies of the growth of Korean alcoholic beverages. Joe is a treasure; I am so glad we chose to do this tasting experience!

We had the absolute pleasure of joining the makgeolli and soju tasting class, and it completely exceeded our expectations. The highlight of the experience was our guide, Joe—an exceptional host whose passion and knowledge about Korean traditional alcohol made the entire session both informative and incredibly fun. Joe guided us through a carefully curated tasting journey, explaining the deep history and cultural significance behind each drink. From the smooth subtleties of artisan soju to the rich, earthy notes of freshly brewed makgeolli, every sip came with a story. Joe made the experience accessible to everyone, whether you were a seasoned drinker or completely new to Korean spirits. What really stood out was how engaging and approachable Joe made the experience. He struck the perfect balance between education and enjoyment—answering questions with insight, sharing personal anecdotes, and creating a relaxed atmosphere that encouraged everyone to participate and connect. By the end of the session, not only did we have a newfound appreciation for Korea’s traditional drinks, but I also felt like I had taken part in a meaningful cultural exchange. Highly recommend this class for foodies, travelers, and anyone looking to dive deeper into Korean culture. Cheers to Joe for making it unforgettable!