Banana scented makgeolli? Shindong Makgeolli was different from any other makgeolli I’ve had before, it had a hint of bananas in it. The restaurant gets its alcohol from Shindong Brewery, a small brewery in the Chilgok County of North Gyeongsang Province that the owner stumbled upon. In this timeworn brewery, one master brewer makes the alcohol by himself, deciding on the length of fermentation and the amount of water to infuse by relying on his years of experience.
Traditionally made with rice, barley or wheat and naturally fermented (and sometimes flavored with nuts or fruits), makgeolli is known to be the oldest alcoholic drink in Korea. Fragrant and refreshing, this milky drink which pairs beautifully with many Korean dishes makes for an especially great choice for large gatherings during holidays. And of course, what you get at a convenient store represents only a fraction of the diverse types you can try and explore in Seoul. Whether in a traditional setting or with a modern twist, these makgeolli bars will offer an array of delectable and invigorating sips.