Traditional liquor brand Kkuljudang said on the 2nd that "Geumchang makgeolli" won the grand prize at the 2026 Korea Wine & Spirits Awards. Geumchang makgeolli is a traditional makgeolli produced by the Kkuljudang brewery located in Geumchang-dong, Dong District, Incheon. It is a pure grain liquor made by brewing three times using only rice, water, and nuruk, and is finished at 9% alcohol by adding only water.
Unlike typical makgeolli, which emphasizes sweetness, Geumchang makgeolli aims for differentiation with a subtle sweetness layered with a dry, weighty profile. It is being recognized as a product that blends traditional production methods with a modern touch.
Kkuljudang operates not just as a brewery but as a complex cultural space that combines traditional liquor education and hands-on experiences. It holds Traditional Liquor Educational Institution No. 14 under the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and is expanding visitor-participation content through brewery tours and traditional liquor brewing experience programs.
Through the "Sul Writer's House Pub," it is showcasing a space that combines traditional liquor with fusion Korean cuisine. The goal is to establish a region-based traditional liquor tourism model through a structure in which products, education, experiences, and the store are organically connected.
A Kkuljudang official said, "We aim to target younger generations and the premium market at the same time by adding a modern sensibility to a traditional brewery," adding, "We will continue to work to spread traditional liquor culture and strengthen our brand competitiveness."