The 2026 Korean Traditional Liquor Festival, the largest event of its kind in the country, will take place from November 13 to 15 at the aT Center in Yangjae-dong, Seoul, featuring 142 breweries from across the nation.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on November 8 that this year marks the 16th edition of the festival, organized in collaboration with the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT).
The event will showcase a variety of traditional Korean liquors, including makgeolli, yakju, cheongju, fruit wines, and distilled spirits. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample and purchase these beverages, which reflect the unique characteristics of different regions.
This year, the festival has enhanced its programming to pair K-food with traditional liquors. The food corner will offer dishes that both locals and foreigners can enjoy, highlighting the harmony between Korean cuisine and traditional drinks.
Notably, 294 companies submitted 472 products for this year's competition. The President's Award was given to the 'Berry Wine 1168CS,' a fruit wine made from grapes grown in Yeongdong, Chungbuk, produced by Blue Wine Company. Eighteen award-winning products will also be displayed at the festival.
Last year, 246 breweries presented 402 products, with the President's Award going to 'Cheonbi Hyang Yakju 15%' from the agricultural corporation Joheun Sul.
During the festival, interactive programs will include a traditional liquor auction show, cocktail show, Korean food pairing show, makgeolli-making experience, and a personalized cup-making workshop. There will also be presentations on consumer trends in the traditional liquor industry and public consulting sessions to strengthen the capabilities of brewing companies.
A 'K-Sool Business Matching Consultation' will connect traditional liquor producers with domestic and international buyers. The Ministry of Agriculture plans to support the expansion of sales channels and entry into overseas markets for traditional liquor companies.
Jung Kyung-seok, Director of Food Industry Policy at the Ministry of Agriculture, stated, "We will actively support the development of excellent products, overseas promotion, and the expansion of export channels to ensure that traditional Korean liquor can capture the global market."
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on November 8 that this year marks the 16th edition of the festival, organized in collaboration with the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT).
The event will showcase a variety of traditional Korean liquors, including makgeolli, yakju, cheongju, fruit wines, and distilled spirits. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample and purchase these beverages, which reflect the unique characteristics of different regions.
This year, the festival has enhanced its programming to pair K-food with traditional liquors. The food corner will offer dishes that both locals and foreigners can enjoy, highlighting the harmony between Korean cuisine and traditional drinks.
Notably, 294 companies submitted 472 products for this year's competition. The President's Award was given to the 'Berry Wine 1168CS,' a fruit wine made from grapes grown in Yeongdong, Chungbuk, produced by Blue Wine Company. Eighteen award-winning products will also be displayed at the festival.
Last year, 246 breweries presented 402 products, with the President's Award going to 'Cheonbi Hyang Yakju 15%' from the agricultural corporation Joheun Sul.
During the festival, interactive programs will include a traditional liquor auction show, cocktail show, Korean food pairing show, makgeolli-making experience, and a personalized cup-making workshop. There will also be presentations on consumer trends in the traditional liquor industry and public consulting sessions to strengthen the capabilities of brewing companies.
A 'K-Sool Business Matching Consultation' will connect traditional liquor producers with domestic and international buyers. The Ministry of Agriculture plans to support the expansion of sales channels and entry into overseas markets for traditional liquor companies.
Jung Kyung-seok, Director of Food Industry Policy at the Ministry of Agriculture, stated, "We will actively support the development of excellent products, overseas promotion, and the expansion of export channels to ensure that traditional Korean liquor can capture the global market."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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