In Goyang City, there is a place name called 'Brewery Intersection.' The Goyang Takju Cooperative Manufacturing Plant at this intersection is the starting point of Goyang's alcohol story. One hundred years ago, there was a distillery here, and people referred to that distillery as the name of the village.
This region, situated along the vast fields of the lower Han River, has long been famous for its high-quality rice. It was a suitable environment for several distilleries to be established.
There are currently several places brewing alcohol in Goyang. They vary widely in character, ranging from makgeolli families that have maintained their traditions for 100 years to groups of brewers that release a new beer every month.
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Goyang's Alcohol Story
To understand Goyang's liquor, you must first know two names. One is pontoon bridge, the other one is KawajiC. The former is the name of a 100-year-old distillery, and the latter is the name of a 5,000-year-old rice seed.
pontoon bridge
In 1915, a brewery opened in Jukgyo-dong, Deogyang-gu. It is said to have started with setting up a general store nearby and brewing and selling alcohol inside.
It is said that the founder learned how to brew royal wine from a court lady. Although this is not a verified record, it gives us an idea of where this distillery's pride comes from.
It is said that when it rained heavily, the water rose as far as the area of present-day Wondang-dong. Since people had to take a boat to get around, the neighborhood naturally came to be called 'Baedari'.
People [at] the distillery in that neighborhood Baedari-doIt was called.
It is as if the place name became the name of the alcohol, and even after the alcohol was gone, only the name remained as the place name. In Seongsa-dong, the old village name 'Witbaedari Village' still remains.
Kawaji Rice Seeds — Rice from 5,000-Year-Old Seeds
In 1991, heaps of rice seeds were discovered in the Daehwa-dong area, where the development of Ilsan New Town was in full swing. The name of the village located there was Kawaji.
Radiocarbon dating results confirmed that these are the oldest cultivated rice seeds found on the Korean Peninsula. This means that rice farming was already taking place in these fields about 5,000 years ago.
Goyang City adopted this name as is to create its own brand of rice. Working with the Gyeonggi Agricultural Research and Extension Services, they refined the variety and began full-scale cultivation in 2019.
Kawaji rice has a stickiness level between non-glutinous and glutinous rice. Instead of the sticky sweetness characteristic of glutinous rice, it produces a refreshing sweetness that falls cleanly.
The Songpo fields where this rice is grown are the last remaining granary in Goyang. Almost all of Goyang's premium makgeolli today originates from this rice.
Goyang Takju Joint Manufacturing Plant
In 1975, five breweries within Goyang were merged into one. This was a product of a period when local distilleries were consolidated for administrative convenience. The result was the Goyang Takju Joint Manufacturing Plant in Seongsa-dong, Deogyang-gu. The license held by the Baedari family since 1915 was incorporated into this facility and survived.
This is where Baedari Makgeolli and Tongil Makgeolli come from. Both names are drinks that need no introduction in Goyang.
There is a well-known anecdote associated with Baedari Makgeolli. Former President Park Chung-hee, who frequently visited a nearby golf course, enjoyed this liquor, and due to that connection, it was supplied to the Blue House for 14 years.
Thanks to this, there is a story that this makgeolli alone could be brewed with rice even during times when the use of rice was prohibited.
Baedari Makgeolli
Alcohol content is 7%. It is slightly higher than typical commercially available makgeolli.
It is said to be a method of slightly increasing the alcohol content to reduce the weight, as the high rice content makes it thick.
It starts light and refreshing, with the sweetness of rice building up as you drink. It is a liquor that pairs well with rich, oily snacks.
You can easily find it at the Nonghyup Hanaro Mart in downtown Goyang.
Baedari-do
In April 2022, the same family obtained another brewery license. They adopted the name from the old distillery. Baedari-dodid it.
The reason for going out of their way to obtain a new license while holding the existing one is clear. It was to produce unsweetened sake brewed with Kawaji rice separately.
The mass-market model uses the old license, while the craft model uses the new license. It is as if one family opened two separate doors.
The 5th and 6th generations, a family of three, worked together. The brewery is located on Gajwa-ro in Ilsanseo-gu, and the headquarters and logistics are in Haengsin-dong, Deogyang-gu.
In addition to Kawaji Takju, Jugyoju, a medicinal liquor that revived a traditional family home-brewed liquor, and Goyang Makgeolli 7 and 10, released in 2025, will be released together.
Kawaji Takju
This is a drink released on April 7, 2022. Initially, it was available in 7.5% and 9.5% alcohol content, but now it has been standardized into two varieties: 8% and 10%.
It is Samyangju, brewed in three stages. By dividing the process rather than adding the rice all at once, the layers of flavor become thicker.
Aromas of banana, pear, and grape skin waft through the heavy texture. The impression of this drink is the point where tart apple flavor and vanilla nuances overlap.
Even without added sweeteners, the sweetness is distinct. It is a sweetness created by the medium stickiness of Kawaji rice, so it does not leave a sticky residue and finishes cleanly.
It can be purchased at local food direct sales stores operated by Nonghyup in the Goyang area. The cycle of buying liquor brewed with local rice at a local store perfectly illustrates the character of this alcohol.
Haengjusanseong Fortress
Located in Haengsin-dong, Deogyang-gu, it is a space of just over 20 pyeong. The cold aging room and analysis room are densely packed along the workflow, giving the impression of a laboratory.
CEO Lee Kwang-hee opened it in 2020. Goyang City's first premium local specialty liquor originated here.
To obtain a license for regional specialty liquor, it must be brewed using agricultural products from the city, county, or district where the brewery is located and adjacent areas, and must receive a recommendation from the head of the metropolitan government. It is thanks to this qualification that online sales are possible.
The name of the liquor comes from Goyang City's mascot, Goyang Cat. The package design was drawn by the CEO's daughter.
Nyangi Takju Fresh (5% ABV), Nyangi Takju 9 (9% ABV), and Nyangi Takju White (10.5% ABV), which is brewed three times using only rice, yeast, and water, are available.
Nyangi Takju 9
Five additional ingredients are added to Kawaji rice. The principle of this brewery is to create flavor using only domestic ingredients without artificial sweeteners.
It is fully fermented and aged, so it is carbonation-free. It goes down smoothly, but leaves a heavy body.
The acidity from the omija is distinct. The sourness, reminiscent of refreshing omija tea, harmonizes with the sweetness of honey.
It pairs well with seasoned meat or greasy food. It goes well with dishes like seafood pancake, seasoned fried chicken, and soy sauce bulgogi.
If you prefer something lighter, you can choose Nyangi Takju White. It is a pure grain liquor brewed only with Kawaji rice, yeast, and water, without any other ingredients.
Makgaeju
It is a company that started in December 2021. Initially, its main business was online distribution of over 300 types of traditional alcoholic beverages.
A place that used to sell other people's liquor decided to brew its own. In September 2023, it acquired a makgeolli brewery and shifted its focus to manufacturing.
This brewery, located in Deogyang-gu, produces Makgaeju Takju, glutinous rice Makgeolli, and Mimiok Makgeolli. Somsom Makgeolli, a pure grain liquor without added sweeteners, is also a product of this place.
Having been in distribution for a long time, they know what sells and what remains. It remains to be seen how that sense is reflected in the alcohol.
Makgaeju
It is a liquor named exactly after the brewery. It also signifies that it is the face the company puts at the forefront.
Somsom Makgeolli from the same house has a distinct character. It is an 8% ABV pure grain liquor brewed three times using only Goyang Kawaji rice, water, and traditional yeast.
A refreshing acidity accompanies the aroma that alternates between yogurt and green grapes. If you drink only the top layer without mixing, it gives the impression of a Moscato.
Kkik Beer Company
‘The name 'Kkik' combines three elements: 'Kkik' (to drink), the onomatopoeia 'Kkik', and the English word 'geek'. All six co-founders are former head brewers. They met as colleagues at a brewery and started the company.
In 2018, we first opened a pub at the Daerim Shopping Center in Euljiro and started with Gypsy Brewing, brewing alcohol using borrowed equipment.
In 2020, he established his own brewery in Gwansan-dong, Deogyang-gu. After weighing Paju and Gimpo, he chose Goyang based on the route to the store in Euljiro.
The pub is in Seoul, but the place where the alcohol is born is Goyang. The Euljiro branch serves as a showroom that introduces new beers first.
From March 2021 Monthly Kkik BeerIt has been continuing by releasing one beer with a new recipe every month.
Smime
It is exactly as the name suggests. I named it with the hope that it would blend into the public.
It is a drink designed so that even those who find the characteristic bitterness or strong aroma of ale overwhelming can drink it comfortably.
Citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit rise over a smooth base created by rye and caramel malt. A delicate floral scent provides a finishing touch.
2023 International Beer It won a gold medal at the competition. In the same year, this brewery achieved a record where all of its submitted products won awards.
Playground Brewery
It is in Beopgot-dong, Ilsanseo-gu, next to Jayuro. A vast brewery site unfolds in a location quite far from the city center.
It opened in 2015 and launched the Ilsan Taproom the following year. It is well known for using masks from the Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori as the faces for each beer.
A deep, hop-rich lager becomes a gentleman lager wearing a nobleman's mask, and an opaque dark beer becomes a witch chocolate stout wearing a grandmother's mask.
They do not limit themselves to any genre, ranging from Pilsner to Sour and Saison. There are also consistent attempts to incorporate local agricultural products, such as the Ruby Saison made with Gochang bokbunja.
The taphouse relocated to One Mount in Ilsan in 2023 and is currently operating under the name Ilsan Taco Brewery. However, the brewing location remains in Beopgot-dong.
Hopsplash IPA
Originally, it was a liquor meant to be made in a single batch and then disappear. It was a limited edition made by pouring in hops to celebrate the lifting of hop import restrictions.
It is said that they put so much hops in it that they lost money the more they sold. However, the response was so enthusiastic that it went from 'sold out' to 'just one more batch' repeatedly.
It eventually made it into the regular lineup. It is the first generation of domestic New England IPAs released at a time when New England-style IPAs were hard to find in Korea.
Double dry-hopping Mosaic Cryo, Galaxy, Chinook, Citra, and Simico. Tropical fruit aromas surge from the hazy glass.
The bitterness is suppressed, while the aroma and fruitiness take precedence. The addition of oats creates a smooth, lingering texture.
It won the gold medal in the New England IPA category at the 2018 Asia Beer Championship.
Brew House The Table
It started as a pub in Jongno. It was a place renowned for its beer, and the time and experience accumulated since those days are the assets of this brewery.
‘The origin of the name 'The Table' is interesting. It is said to have come from the practice of placing aging tanks under the tables so that customers could drink fresh beer immediately.
My mother, who suggested starting a beer business in Ilsan; my older brother, who maintains the brewing equipment; and my younger brother, who manages the brewery. It is a place run by the whole family.
In 2012, a brewery was established in Pung-dong, Ilsandong-gu. It was equipped with German Caspari machinery, of which there are only a few in the country. The variety of beer produced here amounts to about a dozen types.
On the lager side, there are Fine Pilsner and Bosingak Dunkel, and on the ale side, there are Baekya, Happy Weizen, and Yuzu Ale.
Added to this are Oh My Goze, made with domestic sea salt, Brown Ale Macho King, and Imperial Stout. It is a lineup that has filled in the classics of style one by one rather than chasing trends.
The very first beer produced was Honey Brown Ale. This drink, made with domestic honey to give it a subtle honey aroma, is still sold today.
Recently, they launched the Seoul 1988 line of the German Pilsner group and even broke into the German export market. It is as if the expertise accumulated over more than 30 years is finally making its way out.
Masilgoyang
This is Masilgoyang, which the brewery is promoting as a local brand.
Starting as Goyang Pale Ale, it has now established itself as a regional line bearing this name. It has also been named on the list of winners at international beer competitions.
The alcohol content was kept low and the bitterness suppressed to ensure the glass empties easily. The hop aroma is distinct but does not overpower, and the neat sweetness of the malt provides balance.
Pungdong Brewery is focusing on production as it expands its facilities, so it does not offer on-site sales. The product is available at its directly managed stores in Jongno and Mapo, Seoul.
You can buy it in cans and bottles at the large liquor store in Haengjunae-dong, Deogyang-gu.
