Gyodong Beopju is a family-brewed liquor that has been handed down for generations by a wealthy family located in Gyodong, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. Gyodong Beopju was first produced by Choi Guk-ju, who was an official in charge of royal cuisine during the reign of King Sukjong (1661-1720) of the Yi dynasty.
The basic process for making the liquor is to pump good quality water from a well in the garden of the Choi family's house, boil it once, then cool it down, use koji, and glutinous rice, which is the main ingredient in Boshu. It takes about 100 days for the liquor to mature from the initial stage, but the Boshu that is shipped is aged for 9 months to a year, and has a best-before date of about one month (based on the shipping date) if stored refrigerated.
Beoju is a clear pale yellow drink with the umami and moderate acidity characteristic of grain liquor, and a fragrant and light flavor. Its alcohol content is 16 to 18 percent, and it was used to entertain government officials and envoys during the Joseon Dynasty.
The name "Hoshu" comes from the meaning of sake made according to established laws, and one theory is that sake made by adding glutinous rice, chrysanthemums, and pine needles and burying it in the ground for 100 days to mature was called "Hoshu."
Gyeongju Gyodong Beopju, designated as Important Cultural Property No. 86-da, is the secret drink of the Choi family of Imgye, Gyeongju, and the brewing method is passed down only to the daughter-in-law. Currently, Bae Young-shin, the 8th generation grandson of Choi Guk-ju, is registered as the holder of the manufacturing function and has been brewing traditional handmade alcohol for 40 years.
Price of Gyodong Beopju 43,500 won 80,000 won
Hours: 08: 00 ~ 20: 00
Holidays: Every Sunday
Address: 69, Gyo-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Phone: (054) 772-2051
Cards: VISA, Master, AMEX, JCB
Japanese: Yes
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