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Jeonju Makgeolli Alley: Endless Flow of Side Dishes Per Kettle!

The makgeolli (Korean rice wine) district of Jeonju is considered heavenly among the Korean drinkers. In this post, I’ll take you to the center of Korean makgeolli, the Samchundong district!

Jeonju’s makgeolli venues are famous for the makgeolli tables. In Jeonju, each order of a makgeolli kettle is served with a variety of dishes and nibbles that the table literally groans with food. If you order the second kettle, you’re served again with different dishes. The Samchundong district and the Seosindong district are renowned for their bustling ‘makgeolli alley’.

The makgeolli venues in the Samchundong district serves more ‘traditional’ dishes, while the venues in the Seosindong district serves more ‘younger’ dishes. Today, me and my friends visited the Samchundong district’s makgeolli alley.

Above is the map of the Samchungdong district’s makgeolli alley. All the dots surrounded by the dotted line are the makgeolli venues. I did a round-trip of the alley trying to find the suitable venue for me. I eventually ended up in the venue that I frequent with my friends.

A typical makgeolli venue is old and humble, but the one that I visited today boasts a modern interior. The venue was quite crowded despite it was the weekday.

You can sit in the hall or in one of the rooms.

As I sat, the server brought me the menu. When I’m ready to order, I gently shake the kettle! It’s quite interesting and fun to order like this.

Many makgeolli venues only take orders by ‘per kettle’ and don’t take orders for individual dishes. But don’t worry, because there’re menus for two or three people. We ordered the ‘couple’s table’ since we were three.

There are usually three different makgeollis: clear (malgeunju/cheongju), dark (takju), and chestnut (albamju). The clear makgeolli, “cheongju”, is filtered for a long time.

The darker makgeolli, “takju”, is less filtered, so the color is darker than the clear one. The chestnut makgeolli, “albamju”, is made with chestnut. For those who don’t like the smell of makgeolli, I recommend trying this one.

Makgeolli is very nutritious. It’s abundant with probiotics and edible fiber. Drinking makgeolli is like drinking a healthy medicinal tonic, except for the alcohol part. A bowl of traditional makgeolli contains around 100 to 1000 times of fiber than the fiber supplement drinks sold in supermarkets.

Makgeolli is also known to boost the immune system, kill cancer cells, reduce wrinkles and brighten the skin, help losing weight, and prevent constipation. The big kettle full of cold markgeolli is served immediately after we ordered the “couple’s table” from the menu.

One kettle was more than enough for the three of us. Also, a variety of dishes were served until there was almost no empty space left on the table.

This is the “couple’s table”. We were served with samgyetang (ginseng chicken broth, a typical Korean stamina dish), braised pork with aged kimchi and tofu, jokbal (boiled pig’s feet), fried egg and vegetable rolls, and others. They were all tasty.

The dishes kept flowing into the table, Korean pancakes, grilled fish, seasoned ark shell, and others. We managed to finish everything on the table.

I really recommend this place for the sheer amount of food and makgeolli offered and also the tastiness of the dishes!

You’ll definitely want to return to this place. If you’re looking for a genuine Jeonju local experience, don’t miss the makgeolli alleys!

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  • Over tried two separate makgeolli restaurants in Jeonju, and managed to get through 5 huge courses and 4 pots of makgeolli!

  • Lannie Alava Yun

    This was featured in a tv program! Honestly, I’m not good at drinking such but makgeolli took my heart away! One hing to look forward to when we visit jeonju again^^

  • I remember my first makgeolli….
    …oh wait no I don’t…
    ….that should tell you something

  • Makhsudov Alisher

    I remember traveling there with my Wowkorea mates. It was unforgettable and full of experience as we had the very traditional Korean tea ceremony there)

  • lesley g

    Everything looks so delicious!

  • Arielle Pukanecz

    Great way to stay warm on a chilly day!

  • Sara Rousalova

    Why have I never been here? I love makgeolli and kimchi with tofu even more <3

  • Makgeolli is my favorite drink in Korea, I really would not miss a place like this! 😀 totally worth it!

  • Elysia Toh

    Holy moly! For 25,000W, that is a lot of food!!! Also, I really like how they still included ramyeon in the menu – Koreans and their love for ramyeon never ceases to amaze me.

  • izmirK

    That seems like a good deal for 25k won! Best way to spend rainy days in Korea from my experience. With a pot of makkeoli and pajeon!

  • Ada Choy

    Oooh! I’ve always wanted to try this kind of eating style, but didn’t know there was a street for it! Already have a trip planned for Jeonju so I’m really looking forward to trying this with friends~

  • Honie Phan

    this kind of drink will go really well with Korean dishes and nothing can beat a feast with makgeolli and bbq. Definitely will give it a try in the future <3

  • Bronwyn Pretorius

    Super interesting! Looks like you found a little gem in Jeonju!

  • John christian

    Drinking makgeoli and specialty foods in jeonju city is so great. You can enjoy the foods, savoring the greatness of the rice wine while talking to the locals about there culture. I do have meet a lot of friends there!

  • IamNaZza

    I love this blog post. It gives me very useful and insight information about Makgeoli and Makgeoli culture in Jeonju.

  • Iris Jang

    I’ve only had makgeoli with jeon (Korean pancakes) in the past. But now, I want to try it with all those side dishes. YUM

  • Melissa

    looks so delicious

  • Dimas Yunianto Putro

    Drinking makgeolli and eating pajeon (korean pizza) is the best match when you come to Jeonju~~
    Let’s visit Jeonju in 2019 guys!!!

  • Victoria T

    OMG this looks so good — I’m definitely going to try this one day

  • Elly Elly

    Okay, makgeolli is my #onelove alcohol in Korea, I definitely should visit Jeonju now! Also, I heard from my friends that Korean traditional food is really nice there, so excited to try!

  • Kittipot Imjard

    I really recommend chestnut makgeolli… it’s sooooo good. believe me XD

  • Joshua Garcia

    There are so many different types of makgeolli to enjoy in all korea, specially in jeonju where you can have along with beautiful sight seeings, delicious food and people all around you. Wish I could have a sip right now while writing this.:)

  • Aysha

    OMG the makgeolli and side dishes look amazing! I don’t really drink alcohol but makgeolli is pretty much the only alcoholic drink I enjoy drinking because of its sweet taste. I’ll add this place to my list so I can definitely visit when I go to Jeonju!

  • Joshua Garcia

    Nothing like drinking a good Makggeoli with your friends!

  • Marie Boes (Be Marie Korea)

    can’t wait to try!!!

  • Thandar Aung

    i would like to drink makggeoli with kimchi pancake in rainy days. lol sounds like korean.

  • Katalli Na

    Makgeolli is so good in Jeonju. Brings back memories. <3

  • Joshua Garcia

    Good for cold weather, specially in Jeonju

  • Didoyah

    Who’s that?! Who said Makgeolli?!
    Bring the Makgeolli to me NOW
    hehe just kidding
    i mean I’M COMING JEONJUUUU~~

  • Ali Liffrig

    i’m not a soju person but there’s just something about makgeolli. i’ll have to stop by~

  • Makgeolli district!!
    Makgeolli is my favourite korean alcohol because it taste like a yogurt drink. Especially the fresh making makgeolli, the taste is so smooth until you wouldn’t realised it is actually an alcohol.
    But for those who is not a drinker might easily get drunk since you couldn’t stop drinking it once you had a sip of it!

  • Liisa

    I don’t really drink alcohol but makggeoli is just too good to skip :D. Would love to sit down with friends have some makggeoli and indulge with all the side-dishes that come with it.

  • Esther

    I love makgeolli! I have tried to make it in my country because I love the taste so much.
    Previously, I went to one of the restaurants at the makgeolli alley. Although there’s no Samgyetang, the side dishes we get are more in variety.
    To those who haven’t been there, you should visit for the fresh makgeolli and great food. 🙂

  • Joshua Garcia

    I like drinking Makggeoli during rainy days!

  • I can see a lot of ahjeosi loves drinking makgeolli even in the day time!!!

  • Egenia H

    I love makgeolli!! And those side dishes look sooo good..now im craving koreanpancakes ㅠ

  • Shana Trương

    There was this makgeolli place that I went to which was really good(forgot the name of it though)! I’m actually not a fan of makgeolli but the combination of makgeolli and side dishes + food, and sweet owner really made it a special place!

  • Shana Trương

    There was this makgeolli place that I went to which was really good(forgot the name of it though)! I’m actually not a fan of makgeolli but the combination of makgeolli and side dishes + food, and sweet owner really made it a special place! Want to go back to Jeonju for it!

  • Samki Y

    Do other restaurants only have three flavors/types of Makggeoli too?

  • Ingrid Leiria

    Ok, how did I visited Jeonju and did not know about the Jeonju’s makgeolli Area?! It is a must for my next visit

  • Qasim Sultan

    makgeolli after hiking is a very good option

  • Joshua Garcia

    Not sure if you noticed, but the best part of all are the cheap prices on those products!

  • Joshua Garcia

    delicious traditional beverages and food

  • Thandar Aung

    this event is the best event to promote the city. really good idea

  • Veronica H. Padron

    Definetly Jeonju makggeoli is another level! Best one around Korea. Not only the food is the most delicious one in Korea, also the drinks! I specially love makggeoli with mixed with other flavors!

  • Salma Hassanein

    I love the atmosphere of this place! Just added it to my list of things to do in Jeonju!

  • Mahesh Shinde

    i love Korean drinking culture and this place is only for me i thinkㅋㅋ

  • Charles Churro Yoo

    My Grandfather loved Makgeolli. Have to give this place a shot and try it.

  • Frans Prathama

    Nice post..
    This was great way to taste culinary, especially for traditional Makgeolli in Korea. Wishing can chill a dayfull at Jeonju.. 🙂

  • Joshua Garcia

    I dont wanna get drunk on Makggeoli, Just enjoy a nice drink

  • Joshua Garcia

    Better than those botteled drinks they sell at the store for 2 thousand won lol

  • I’ve been to Jeonju so many times and never had the chance to go to Samchundong. Definetely going next time!

  • First time i see restaurants having so many side dishes with makgeolli!!

  • Can’t help to stop eating korean food!!!! It’s too yummy~

  • Starr Stultz

    I’m not really much of a drinker but I feel like this is something everyone should try once. And if drinking isn’t your thing maybe taking a class to learn how to make it!

  • Shielfa

    Great job to guide us the genuine makgeolli that we can try in Jeonju

  • Grace S

    Time to drink lol

  • Grace S

    Sounds like a good time with friends on a nice night 🙂

  • bora 🍓

    Seeing all these delicious dishes paired with makgeolli made me super keen to travel to Jeonju at this very moment. Also didn’t know that makgeolli had all these positive health benefits to it previously, so this was nice to learn.

  • How cool if the makgeolli is free flow~

  • Special rice wine from Korea that we shouldn’t missed!!

  • Joshua Garcia

    show me the magkeoli!!! lets get wasted on magkeoli!!!

  • Joshua Garcia

    show me the drinks!!!!!

  • Kylee

    Side dishes look yummy!

  • Joshua Garcia

    I can´t get to sleep, i worry about jeonju not being in korea and all this being a dream

  • Joshua Garcia

    when i marry, i wanna have magkkeoli!

  • Joshua Garcia

    please give me some delicous drinks!

  • Joshua Garcia

    when i wanna have some fun, I drink magkeoli

  • Joshua Garcia

    magkeoli is much better than beer

  • Joshua Garcia

    omg, best drink ever

  • Joshua Garcia

    magkeoli is better than sake!

  • Nao Z

    Of course, Korea would have a makgeolli district. I can’t drink alcohol but makgeolli tastes pretty good

  • Nurseit Seitzhanov

    Amazing place to have a good time with friends in a lovely atmosphere.

  • Nurseit Seitzhanov

    Once you order Makgeolli the infinite flow of food starts)

  • Nurseit Seitzhanov

    And I really liked the huge variety of food that is served there, everything is on point.

  • Those side dishes look incredible! I thought just Korean pancakes (jeon) was a popular dish with Makkoli, but the side dishes featured here look delicious and ready to eat!

  • Joshua Garcia

    jeonju magkkeoli is the best

  • Joshua Garcia

    wanna drink this thing till i die

  • Joshua Garcia

    what a nice place to drink magkkeoli

  • Joshua Garcia

    omg i love this drink

  • Joshua Garcia

    jeonju will always be in my seoul

  • Joshua Garcia

    drinking games and magkkeoli anyone

  • Joshua Garcia

    jeonju is so nice and wanna drink this a lot

  • Joshua Garcia

    woooow! just delicious

  • Joshua Garcia

    tell me you love me jeonju´s magkkeoli

  • Joshua Garcia

    im writing my thesis and on my free time i write about jeonju, but I really love this city

  • Joshua Garcia

    wish i could go and drink every day

  • Joshua Garcia

    my father likes maggkeoli, wonder if i could take him here someday

  • Joshua Garcia

    on my way to jeonju to have some maggkeoli, see you there

  • Joshua Garcia

    drinking magkkeoli and panchan is the best

  • Joshua Garcia

    i took the bus already, see you in jeonju so we can drink

  • Joshua Garcia

    Hey I just met you and this is crazy, but this is jeonju, so call me maybe

  • Joshua Garcia

    I got high on jeonju every time i go there, looks at those nice dishes and alcohol

  • Joshua Garcia

    and i give up forever to touch, cause i know that you fee jeonju somehow

  • Joshua Garcia

    jeonju is the closest to heaven that ill ever been and i dont wanna go home right now

  • Joshua Garcia

    sooner or later is over, i just dont wanna miss jeonju tonight

  • Joshua Garcia

    when everything feels like the movies, yeah you know that you are in jeonju having nice food

  • Joshua Garcia

    And i dont want people to see jeonju as a place to drink, but this places are nice

  • Joshua Garcia

    magkeoli alley, just ask for it and people will tell you how to get there

  • Joshua Garcia

    When i wanna have some nice food i just go to jeonju

  • Joshua Garcia

    great to be able to drink here and have side dishes with it

  • Joanna Janiak

    Jesus… MAKGEOLLI <3
    It's my fav Korean drink! I need to go there!

  • Thandar Aung

    after all day date courses, in the evening drinking makggeoli with the one u love.lol

  • Thandar Aung

    makggeoli and kim chi pancake

  • Sonia

    Drinking Makkoli in a little room with friends, while eating pajeon and tubu kimch= the best way to introduce Korea!

  • Gamer Pig

    Been to jeonju coupe of times and I make sure I visit the makggeolli place.. The amount of sides they serve..best place to drink em makgeollli

  • Julien

    health benefits with makgeolli?! Time to drink more before I leave Korea

    • Julien

      Is it easy to get other flavors of makgeolli elsewhere? I haven’t seen many in Seoul. The chestnut one seems very interesting

  • MinJi Jung

    If you are afan of Hanshik or traditional Korean food then you must check out the food at Jeonju..Known throughout korea as having the ebst food..particularly Bibimbap, Jeonju is the place to be if you want to satisfy your appetite for some delicious meals…Makkeoli and Pajeon after a rainy day is like magic..

  • Joshua Garcia

    wanna go and get drunk on maggkeoli

  • Joshua Garcia

    4 people for 65 thousand won, really nice prices

  • Joshua Garcia

    i get so angry because i cannot go there

  • Joshua Garcia

    man, my family wanna go here and drink some nice magkkeoli

  • Joshua Garcia

    wuuu, drinks and side dishes hahahaha

  • Joshua Garcia

    i wanna eat this with some mexican tacos!!!

  • Joshua Garcia

    thanks to the people of jeonju for this nice place

  • Joshua Garcia

    2000 people dirnking magkkeoli in jeonju in 2014, that was the world record

  • Joshua Garcia

    what if we all go and drink a lot of nice magkkeoli lol we can have a nice time

  • Joshua Garcia

    jeonju and maggkeoli, best idea

  • Kanna Orikasa

    As a foodie, I must definitely find this place when I visit Jeonju! ^.^

  • Joshua Garcia

    I love magkeoli because it warms my heart

  • Joshua Garcia

    Need to go there and get some delicious magkeoli for my dad

  • Joshua Garcia

    It is a tradition in Korea that younger people serve the elders

  • Joshua Garcia

    If I was you I would make an effort to understand Korean culture

  • Joshua Garcia

    Great to know that magkeoli is so nice and cheap

  • Joshua Garcia

    My family is in love with magkeoli and we drink daily

  • Joshua Garcia

    I’m married to a Korean woman and she really likes to enjoy her breakfast with some magkeoli in the morning

  • Joshua Garcia

    SUCH A NICE PLACE TO HAVE SOME DRINKS

  • Cindy Clarissa

    Wow makgeolli!

  • Cindy Clarissa

    Really want to try some!

  • Cindy Clarissa

    The kimchijeon looks so delicious too!

  • Cindy Clarissa

    Love the interior too!

  • Cindy Clarissa

    A must visit place in Jeonju!

  • Cindy Clarissa

    I need to being all my friends here!!

  • Cindy Clarissa

    traditional style restaurant are the best~

  • Joshua Garcia

    need some of that magkeoli

  • Joshua Garcia

    best jeonju style here haha

  • Joshua Garcia

    you gotta be here

  • Joshua Garcia

    i recomend this place 100%

  • Joshua Garcia

    jeonju magkeoli score: 100/10

  • Joshua Garcia

    pretty nice side dishes too

  • Joshua Garcia

    no need to spend to much to have a nice time in jeonju

  • Tetiana Slusar

    omg, omg! I love makgeolli and I am so happy to know that it has so many healthy benefits:) 건배!

  • Thandar Aung

    now it’s raining in busan and i would like to drink makggeoli

  • Thandar Aung

    makggeoli is the best in rainy days

  • Thandar Aung

    makggeoli with kimchi pancake

  • Thandar Aung

    wanna try jeonju makggeoli

  • Thandar Aung

    raining sound and makggeoli

  • Thandar Aung

    perfect food in rainy days

  • Thandar Aung

    i will let my family to taste jeonju makggeoli

  • Thandar Aung

    i will take my foreginer friends to jeonju and will drink makggeoli there

  • Thandar Aung

    i will let them enjoy the makggeoli and kimchi pancake

  • Thandar Aung

    i wont forget about the combination of makggeoli and kimchi pancake

  • That’s my kind of meal. ^^

  • John John

    Makgeolli’s a national treasure haha

  • John John

    Great to learn that there are 3 different types of Makgeolli! Would def try the darker ones!

  • Joshua Garcia

    Nice drinks here

  • Joshua Garcia

    Look at those prices

  • Joshua Garcia

    Thanks for letting us post here jeonju city

  • Joshua Garcia

    Magkeoli ❤️

  • Joshua Garcia

    There is nothing better than a refresher like maggkeoli

  • Joshua Garcia

    Wooow such a nice place to go out

  • Joshua Garcia

    Nothing like this place to go.and get some drinks

  • Joshua Garcia

    My grandpa likes drinking

  • Joshua Garcia

    Rolling in the deep with this magkeoli

  • Joshua Garcia

    Delicious drinks in jeonju

  • Joshua Garcia

    Right I’m ready for.drinking these delicious things

  • Joshua Garcia

    Need to go here with my friends

  • Joshua Garcia

    All Koreans love magkeoli but I wonder what is better magkeoli or soju

  • Joshua Garcia

    Hahaha need to and check these places

  • Joshua Garcia

    This is my kind of drink

  • Joshua Garcia

    Wanna have some of this magkeoli athome lol

  • Joshua Garcia

    Need to have some in the morning as breakfast haha

  • Joshua Garcia

    Please take me here mommy
    Let’s get some.drinks

  • Joshua Garcia

    If you pay the bus tickets I’ll pay.the drinks

  • Palagani