Busan Cooperative Brewing said on the 14th that at the 2026 Korea Wine & Spirits Awards, the premium draft makgeolli "Uri Hepssal Saengtak" won the grand prize in the Korean rice wine draft makgeolli general institutional sector. It is the third award after 2021 and 2022.
Marking its 13th year, the Korea Wine & Spirits Awards is Korea's representative liquor competition. With the goal of "discovering and widely promoting good domestic liquor and supporting the formation of a sound drinking culture," ChosunBiz has hosted it every year since 2014.
This year's event drew entries of 1,118 brands from 260 companies. It is the largest among domestic competitions that cover comprehensive liquor. Of these, 449 brands won the grand prize.
Busan Hapdong Brewing is a representative Busan-region makgeolli brewing corporations founded in 1970. Over the past 50-plus years, it has led the local draft makgeolli industry by modernizing manufacturing facilities and improving distribution systems and brewing methods. In addition to Uri Hepssal Saengtak, the company currently produces makgeolli such as "Saengtak (6%)" and "Mild Saengtak (5%)."
Uri Hepssal Saengtak, selected for the grand prize this time, is a 7% premium draft makgeolli made with newly harvested rice from the Gimhae Plain in Busan. It not only brings out a deeper flavor and the inherent aroma of rice than regular makgeolli, but is also cited for its soft and pure taste like freshly cooked rice.
A Busan Hapdong Brewing official said, "Today's results were achieved through the harmony of good materials and supplies, the devotion of master artisans, and thorough hygiene management," and added, "We will continue striving to make excellent makgeolli that delivers a fresh and healthy life."