Gumi City, Makgeolli 'Seonsan Original' Made by Youth... Korea Liquor Awards

Only Mepssal, Glutinous Rice, and Traditional Nuruk Used

Yogurt-like Texture and Sourness Characteristics

On the 5th, Gumi City in Gyeongbuk announced that 'Seonsan Original' from the local liquor company Agricultural Corporation 'Seonsan' won the grand prize in the Takju and Raw Makgeolli traditional liquor category at the 2024 Korea Liquor Awards, the largest domestic liquor competition held at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Seoul.

Gumi City's 'Seonsan Original', recipient of the Korea Liquor Awards.

Since its inception in 2014, the Korea Liquor Awards is the most prestigious liquor competition in the country, selecting the best liquor in each category through evaluations by a professional liquor tasting panel. This year, it was held on the largest scale ever, with 218 companies and 1,061 brands participating.

'Seonsan Original' is a product made from 100% original liquid, naturally fermented for over 60 days using only Seonsan Mepssal rice (40%) and glutinous rice (60%) grown around the Nakdong River area, and traditional nuruk (fermentation starter). Unlike commercial Makgeolli, it is characterized by a texture and acidity reminiscent of yogurt.

Seonsan Brewery is preparing to launch 'Seonsan Yakju,' which is said to have been personally brewed and presented by Kim Jong-jik, the founder of the Yeongnam School in the 15th century. The company is also striving to expand into living brands such as apparel linked to local stories, and plans to introduce sterilization systems and large-capacity equipment to enhance price and export competitiveness.

CEO Kim Seong-sik said, "We are pleased that the quality and distinctiveness of the premium Makgeolli 'Seonsan Original' have been recognized through this award, and we will do our best to contribute to the consumption of local agricultural products by expanding sales."

Gumi City plans to provide multifaceted support for the global market entry of local processing companies, including Seonsan Brewery, 'Olgot' (frozen gimbap), Nongshim, and ETIDang Charging Station (macarons).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.