KOREASCHOLAR

This study delves into the general characteristics of spirits brewed in the Central Region of Korea-Seoul, Kyonnggi-do, Chungchung-do-paying particular attention to their varieties and fermenting methods and also comparing similarities and differences of their features. It is found first of all that there are a wide range of variety in the kinds of liquors. Among the 21 spirits investigated, not a single one resembles any one of the remaining in terms of the raw material, and the brewing method and process. Secondly, all of them use locally produced grains and can be classifiable as belonging to the common category of yakju (clean spirit) with fragrant elements added for the purpose of enhancing health or decreasing any harmful effects after drink. Thirdly, these traditional folk wines are characterized by the addition of secondarily fermented spirits. The more secondarily fermented spirit a wine has, the more fragrant and palatable it becomes and also the less harmful. Fourthly, all the spirits of this region are fermented by using yeast kodupap (steamed rice). The brewing temperature is usually around 15~20℃ for 5~8 days or 3~4 days for the majority of the cases. Fifthly, purifying is done with the yongsoo (strainer), the sieve, traditional Korean paper, etc. As such, we can say that all the brewers endeavor to maintain Korean traditional methods of wine making.

• 윤숙자 | Yoon, Sook-Ja
• 장명숙 | Jang, Myung-Sook