Jeonnam Province Selects "Chamjuga Saeng Makgeolli" as October's Traditional Liquor

Clean, Mild, and Aromatic

Chamju Saeng Makgeolli. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Jeonnam Province has selected Chamju Saeng Makgeolli (Takju, 5.5%), produced by Dado Chamjuga, as the representative traditional liquor for October. This makgeolli is known for its clean, mild, and aromatic flavor profile.

Chamju Saeng Makgeolli is crafted by fermenting handmade nuruk at high temperatures. The mash is then placed in a paulownia wood mold, resulting in a harmonious and deep taste that brings out all five flavors-sweet, bitter, sour, salty, and spicy. As a live makgeolli containing active yeast, it offers a range of flavors and carbonation depending on its stage of maturation. During the first 1 to 15 days, it delivers a sweet taste with low alcohol content, while after 16 to 30 days, it develops a richer, matured rice flavor with higher alcohol content.

Located in Dado-myeon, Naju, Dado Chamjuga has been run by three generations since 1986 with the philosophy of producing a liquor that would stand proud even in the brightest light. Today, three brothers continue the legacy, showcasing a diverse range of liquors built on 60 years of expertise.

In addition to Chamju Saeng Makgeolli, the brewery offers a variety of products, including fruit liquors such as "Labong" and "Ddalling," which are made from Naju-grown rice and feature local specialties like Hallabong oranges and Seolhyang strawberries. They also produce "Chamjuga Sol Makgeolli," a fermented beverage crafted with domestic medicinal herbs and pine needles.

By combining traditional brewing methods with modern technology, the brewery has steadily gained popularity among consumers.

Park Sangmi, head of the Agro-Food Distribution Division of Jeonnam Province, stated, "Chamju Saeng Makgeolli is a traditional liquor made with Naju rice, featuring less sweetness and a rich, nutty rice flavor. It has become a favorite makgeolli for many consumers and is a proud local brand that has proven its excellence at the Korea Traditional Liquor Awards. We will continue to strengthen the competitiveness of Jeonnam's traditional liquor brands and diversify distribution channels to foster the traditional liquor industry."

Dado Chamjuga has received numerous honors, including the national "Korean Liquor Quality Certification" in 2011, the "Jeonnam Provincial Governor's Quality Certification" in 2020, the Grand Prize at the Namdo Traditional Liquor Awards in 2022, the Grand Prize in the Takju category at the Korea Traditional Liquor Awards in 2023, selection as a "Visiting Brewery" in 2024, and the Excellence Award in the Takju category at the Namdo Korean Liquor Awards in 2024.