▲ This photo provided by the Cultural Heritage Administration shows the traditional Korean rice liquor "Makgeolli." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
▲ This photo provided by the Cultural Heritage Administration shows a painting from artist Kim Hong-do's "Album of Genre Paintings" collection. Kim Hong-do is one of the most renowned and beloved artist during the Joseon Period. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
▲ This photo provided by the Cultural Heritage Administration shows a Makgeolli brewery in Yangpyeong county. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, June 15 (Yonhap) -- The Cultural Heritage Administration has decided to list the making and sharing of the Korean traditional alcoholic beverage Makgeolli and the liquor itself, as a national intangible cultural heritage on Tuesday.

Previously, Munbaeju, Dugyeonju Liquor of Myeoncheon and Gyodong Beopju in Gyeongju, which are all different types of liquor from various regions were designated as intangible cultural assets, however  Makgeolli was regarded as easily made and enjoyed across the country.

Since Makgeolli and the associated culture is inherited and enjoyed by people across the Korean Peninsula, The Cultural Heritage Administration will designate Makgeolli as a national intangible cultural heritage without any recognized holders. Makgeolli being classified as a national intangible cultural heritage is meaningful as it came from a public proposal.

Rice, water, and yeast are the main ingredients of Makgeolli and it is usually made by washing the rice and then then fermented with yeast and water for a few days. "Makgeolli" is derived from the words 'Mak,' meaning 'right now' and 'geolli,' which means 'to filter.'

The origin of Makgeolli is unknown, but it is presumed that farmers drank it throughout the working season during the Three Kingdoms Period.

Up to the end of the Joseon Dynasty, Makgeolli was brewed in individual households, however starting in the 20th century, the production process of the liquor changed to commercial breweries. Although the technique and ingredients of making Makgeolli have changed in part, it still maintains its reputation as a traditional Korean liquor.

An official from the Cultural Heritage Administration said, "The tradition of making and sharing Makgeolli has been handed down for a number of generations, and it serves as an interesting academic research material for various fields, contributing to deepening the understanding of Korean culture."

The Cultural Heritage Administration will hold an event to celebrate the designation of "Makgeolli" at Hwaseong Haenggung Palace in Suwon City at 5 p.m. on the 26th along with the Korea Makgeolli Association and the Korea Traditional Liquor Manufacturers Association. In addition, tour programs will be held at 26 makgeolli breweries nationwide from the 26th to the 27th.

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