Chuseok is known as a holiday that celebrates abundance. This is why a feast is traditionally prepared to honor ancestors and thank them for a good harvest. Part of the tradition is preparing a special alcoholic beverage called makgeolli (막걸리) with the newly harvested rice.

Makgeolli (막걸리) is a raw rice wine that is milky and light. Due to its appearance, it is also referred to as "takju" (탁주) which loosely translates to "opaque wine". Makgeolli is also called "nongju" (농주) or "agricultural wine" because they say it is a farmer's drink.

Because of its alcoholic content, which ranges from around 6-9%, it is considered a light beverage and the perfect drink to have with friends if you don't feel like drinking hard liquor. As for the taste, It is the perfect combination of sweetness and bitterness, making for a unique taste enjoyed by many Koreans until today. Makgeolli is now one of the staple drinks to have during Chuseok.

Nowadays, they even infuse other flavors such as banana and strawberry, giving a different dimension to the traditional drink, makgeolli.

When you travel to Korea, do not miss out on the chance to sample this drink that is not only delicious but also packed with cultural significance and tradition.