This study evaluated the degree of harmony of food pairing with Korean traditional liquors according to the taste and flavor. In-depth interviews were performed with eight experts from May 7 to 17, 2016, to screen Korean traditional liquor and food. For traditional liquor, Sanseong-makgeolli, Hansansogokju, Damsol, Gamhongro, and Andong Soju were chosen. For foods, pan-fried beef, squid with vinegar dressing, clam soup, honey-filled rice cake, prune, grilled mushroom, Swiss cheese, pistachio, honey, and chocolate cake were chosen. Harmonization of the analytical results Sanseong-makgeolli, between honey and Pan-fried Beef achieved the most harmonious results. Hansansogokju with honey and prune were harmonious. Damsol and Gamhongro, which are distilled liquor and containing added ingredients, were perfect matched with chocolate cake and squid with vinegar dressing. In the degree of harmony between Andong Soju and food, it was confirmed that squid vinegar and Swiss cheese were the most harmonious. Through the results of this study, it was found that the degree of harmony with food was different depending on the characteristics of alcoholic beverages. In addition, it is believed that not only taste and flavor, but also the alcohol content of alcoholic beverages will play an important role in the harmony with food.

The purpose of this research was to investigate consumers' perceptions of foods that are most compatible with traditional Korean liquors. The study participants were a total of 402 customers who visited traditional Korean bars. Thirty-eight percent of the participants drank alcohol once or twice a week, and overall, 79% drank with friends or co-workers. Forty-three percent spent 30,000-40,000 won on alcoholic drinks, and half of them frequently drank distilled Soju whereas 27% drank beer. Those who drank traditional Korean liquor chose to do so because they viewed it as good for their health and the beverage was tasty. Participants selected Yakju/Baekseju (47.5%), Bokbunjaju (21.1%), and Takju/Makgeoli (8.2%) as the most compatible Korean traditional liquors with Korean traditional foods. The most compatible foods with Yakju were identified as Haemulpajeon (11.8%), Dubukimchi (9.8%), and Bossam/Suyuk/Pyeonyuk (7.5%). Bokbunjaju was viewed as a good match with Jangeogui (8.1%), Hunjeori (6.5%), and Saengseonhoe (6.4%). The respondents perceived Deodeokgui (6.7%), Saengseonhoe (5.9%), and Dubukimchi (5.6%) as the most compatible foods with Yakju with mushrooms. Chengju was viewed as a good pairing with Eomuktang (9.2%), Altang/Maeuntang (7.2%), and Saengseonhoe (6.8%). The respondents thought Takju went well with Haemulpajeon (17.7%), Dubukimchi (14.2%), and Kimchijeon (11.7%). And finally, Altang/Maeuntang (11.8%), Samgyeopsalgui (8.7%), and Honghaptang/Jogaetang (8.1%) were mentioned as the most compatible foods with distilled Soju.