What does 막걸리 (makgeolli) mean?
- 막걸리makgeolli
Korean rice wine
Fine in most situations
막걸리 (makgeolli) is a traditional Korean rice wine. It is milky white, a little sweet and a little fizzy, and usually milder than soju.
Where it comes from
The name is usually explained as 막 ("roughly" or "just now") plus 거르다 ("to strain"), describing a drink that is roughly strained, which is why it looks cloudy.
How to use 막걸리
Makgeolli is often poured into small metal or ceramic bowls instead of glasses. Gently turn or tip the bottle before opening, because the rice settles at the bottom.
Many Koreans pair it with 파전 (pajeon, savory green onion pancake), especially on rainy days. It is also a classic drink after hiking or at a casual country-style restaurant.
The same drinking manners as soju apply: pour for others, and use two hands with someone older.
Examples
Tap a word to see what it means and save it to your flashcards.
Looking out at the rain
Asking a visitor about Korean drinks
Ordering with friends
Other ways to say it
| Korean | Meaning | When |
|---|---|---|
| 막걸리 한 병 | One bottle of makgeolli | How you order it. |
| 파전에 막걸리 | Pajeon with makgeolli | The classic pairing people mention together. |
| 동동주 | Dongdongju | A similar rice wine with grains of rice floating on top. |
Questions learners ask
Is makgeolli the same as soju?
No. Soju is clear and distilled, while makgeolli is cloudy, fermented rice wine with lower alcohol, usually around 6 percent.
Why do people drink makgeolli on rainy days?
It is a popular custom to have makgeolli with pajeon when it rains. People often say the sound of rain is like the sizzle of pancakes frying.
Should you shake makgeolli?
Mix it gently by turning the bottle upside down a few times. Shaking it hard can make the fizzy drink spill when you open it.