[Visiting Breweries] 14. Hansan Soju, a Traditional Korean Liquor from Hansan Village

Uhiyeol, Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 3 of Chungcheongnam-do

Hansan Sogukju is a famous liquor from the Hansan region, and its color is like cheongju (clear rice wine).

It is said to be a royal liquor from the Baekje period, brewed and drunk by Baekje exiles to forget their sorrow after losing their country.

Entering the Joseon Dynasty, it became the most widely known liquor, with its brewing method recorded in various books such as Dongguk Sesigi, Gyeongdojap, Siuijeonseo, and Gyuhap Chongseo. Hansan Sogukju is a unique and outstanding folk liquor, and its tradition is being passed down by the inheritor, Uhiyeol, and the successor, Najangyeon. Source: Hansan Sogukju Homepage

There are jars on one side, creating a quaint atmosphere.

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Hansan Sogukju, Korea's First Liquor

Hansan Sogukju, with a 1,500-year-old tradition from the Baekje Kingdom, is made using 100% glutinous rice from Seocheon-san and nuruk (fermented rice starter). It also includes various wellness ingredients like chrysanthemum, soybean, ginger, and red pepper. After 100 days of fermentation, it develops a sweet aroma and a unique savory taste, leading to the nickname 'Anjeonbaengisul' (literally, 'sitting-down liquor'), known for its ability to make one unable to get up once they start drinking.

Hansan Sogukju (18%) is a high-quality product with a transparent, light beige color, a sweet taste, and a delicate aroma. Bulgukju (43%) is distilled from Hansan Sogukju using a traditional method, and its deep aroma and flavor deepen over time. In addition to its great taste, it is believed to have pharmacological effects such as blood purification and detoxification, as well as enhancing blood pressure by dilating peripheral blood vessels and suppressing the blood vessel motor center, making it potentially beneficial for preventing hypertension.

Source: Hansan Sogukju Pamphlet

Inside the building, there's an office and an exhibition hall.

These are the liquors being sold.

I think the various liquor bottles crafted from ceramics are so beautiful.

Unable to Get Up Once You've Started

Hansan Sogukju, preserving the 1,500-year-old tradition of the Baekje royal family, is brewed using glutinous rice and nuruk (fermented rice starter) for 100 days. With its sweet taste and high alcohol content, it's a high-quality traditional Korean liquor that can easily make you intoxicated, so much so that it prevents you from getting up once you've started drinking.

There are numerous stories about scholars losing their past due to the deliciousness of the liquor or thieves being caught after getting drunk while attempting to steal. It is said that after the fall of Baekje, the exiles wore white mourning clothes and brewed the liquor to soothe their sorrow for the loss of their country, which is why it came to be called Sogukju.

Source: Hansan Sogukju Pamphlet

Since I visited, I had to get a stamp, haha!

I received this as a gift from an acquaintance during Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving).

I personally collect miniature liquor bottles, so I bought this one.