Kooksoondang Opens Alcohol Complex Cultural Space 'Bakbongdam' in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi

A Space Where Past, Present, and Future Come Together
Featuring Kooksoondang Research Institute, Craft Brewery, Tasting Room, Bottle Shop, and More

A complex cultural space related to Korean traditional liquor is being created at the birthplace of Baekseju, which pioneered the traditional liquor market in Korea. On the 28th, Kooksoondang announced that it will open the doors to 'Bakbongdam,' a liquor complex cultural space, by developing the site of the existing Hwaseong Brewery located in Bongdam-eup, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do.

Bakbongdam is designed as a space where visitors can experience the present and future of Korean liquor by adding newly created value based on the tradition of the old Kooksoondang Hwaseong Brewery. The Kooksoondang Hwaseong Brewery, which operated from 1986 to 2004, produced Baekseju, the first canned Makgeolli called 'Bio-tak,' Kooksoondang rice Makgeolli, and more, inheriting and developing the history of Korean traditional liquor.

Meaning 'a park located in Bongdam,' Bakbongdam is equipped with the Kooksoondang Research Institute, a craft brewery, Bakbongdam Kitchen, Bakbongdam Bottle Shop, a smart farm, and Pungnyujeong, a multipurpose cultural space, providing comprehensive services where visitors can enjoy liquor-related culture all at once.

Established in 1986 as the cradle of Korean traditional liquor development, the Kooksoondang Research Institute has relocated back to Bakbongdam at the old Hwaseong Brewery site to research liquor and related food culture, participate directly in brewing, and operate tasting programs. The craft brewery at Bakbongdam, responsible for small-scale brewing, involves researchers directly in brewing various products planned and developed by the Kooksoondang Research Institute. Currently, it holds licenses for Takju, Cheongju, Yakju, and beer. Kooksoondang plans to steadily produce various liquors using local ingredients, starting with the release of Makgeolli and beer early next month, aiming to establish Bakbongdam Brewery as a place that expresses the essence and individuality of Korean traditional liquor and Korean-style beer.

Bakbongdam Kitchen offers a variety of drinks and foods, including special liquors brewed at Bakbongdam Brewery. The signature menu includes liquor bread made with Makgeolli from Bakbongdam Brewery and fermented bread made with Makgeolli yeast. Salads use fresh vegetables grown in 'Farm Up,' a smart farm located within the Bakbongdam space. The seating capacity is about 200 seats. The tasting room is a space for direct communication with consumers through liquor and stories. Consumer feedback will be utilized in new product development. Various programs, including comparative tastings of traditional liquors and K-beers developed at Bakbongdam Brewery with famous overseas wines, will be offered.

The spatial design of Bakbongdam preserves the main framework of the old Kooksoondang Hwaseong Brewery facilities and some brewing-related equipment, harmonizing with new buildings to coexist. In this space where past and present coexist, it provides the joy of eating, drinking, and feeling the harmony of fine liquors and food culture from around the world. Kooksoondang explained that finding traces of time in the old brewery will also be an enjoyable experience.

A Kooksoondang official said, "Bakbongdam is more than just a factory responsible for production; it is a park where the entire process of planning, research, development, production, launch, and communication can be enjoyed together with consumers." He added, "We hope people will have a new experience of enjoying liquor, delicious food, and beautiful scenery all at once at the site of the old Kooksoondang Hwaseong Brewery, which pioneered the Korean traditional liquor market."

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