Haenam Haechang Brewery Visit 2026: Makgeolli & Beautiful Gardens

Welcome to my review of Haechang Brewery in Haenam, a truly enchanting place famous for its beautiful gardens! Established in 1927 by a Japanese individual, this brewery holds nearly a century of captivating history within its walls. For a deeper dive into its fascinating 100-year story, I recommend visiting the official Haechang Brewery website.

While Haechang Brewery is renowned for its delicious makgeolli, it's also celebrated for its exceptionally beautiful garden, home to over 40 varieties of trees and shrubs. It's a true hidden gem for nature lovers!

Haechang Brewery

1 Haechang-gil, Hwasan-myeon, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea

Operating Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Daily)

Phone: +82-61-532-5152

Mobile: +82-10-7474-7370

Haechang Makgeolli Official Website

Located in Haenam, often called "Ttangkkut Maeul" (the 'Land's End Village' of Korea), Haechang Brewery specializes in crafting delicious glutinous rice raw makgeolli.

This unique establishment has been designated a 'Visiting Brewery' by Korea's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, recognizing its cultural and historical significance. It even hosted Heo Young-man, a renowned Korean cartoonist and food critic, who left behind a charming drawing as a memento of his visit.

Haechang Makgeolli Prices (as of 2026)

Please note that prices have recently increased. As of 2026, the current prices are:

12% ABV: ~$8

9% ABV: ~$6

Shelf Life

From the manufacturing date, Haechang Makgeolli has a shelf life of 60 days for the 12% ABV version and 45 days for the 9% ABV version.

First Perk: Enjoy a Tasting Experience!

One of the best things about visiting Haechang Brewery is the opportunity to sample their delicious makgeolli! During our visit, our group of nine was graciously offered a tasting of the 12% ABV Haechang Makgeolli. The owner himself came out to greet us, sharing fascinating and entertaining stories about Haechang Makgeolli and its history.

Among our group, the 12% ABV makgeolli was definitely the crowd favorite!

Inside Haechang Brewery, you'll find informative display boards detailing the rich history and legacy of this remarkable establishment.

It seems the owner has a passion for audio and video, as there were various related products displayed throughout the brewery, adding a unique touch to the ambiance.

Reading Heo Young-man's message, his words truly capture the spirit of his famous cartoons, full of character and vivid imagery.

The Crape Myrtle tree mentioned in his writing? You'll get to see its magnificent beauty in photos very soon!

Behold the ultra-premium Haechang Makgeolli Apollo (18% ABV)! This exquisite bottle is said to feature a don (approximately 0.13 ounces or 3.75 grams) of pure gold, making the bottle itself worth an astonishing ~$552. The brewery's wholesale price is around ~$759, with a retail price of approximately ~$1104.

I actually had the privilege of seeing the Haechang Makgeolli Apollo before its official launch, when the owner proudly showed it to me, explaining it would be released soon. Now, it's a fully commercialized and highly sought-after product!

Haechang Makgeolli varies in price and availability depending on its alcohol content:

The 9% and 12% ABV versions can be found at major supermarkets and online.

The 15% ABV version is typically available at select golf courses.

The exclusive 18% ABV Haechang is sold in limited quantities only before major holidays.

Second Perk: A Garden Oasis!

The gardens here are simply stunning! Honestly, even if you just come to admire the legendary Crape Myrtle tree (Baegilhong) pictured below, your visit will be more than worth it.

This incredible Crape Myrtle tree is over 700 years old!

Haechang Brewery truly gained its widespread fame not just for its makgeolli, but also for the whispers of its breathtakingly beautiful gardens. I highly recommend taking the time to explore every corner of this natural masterpiece!

While Haechang Brewery has been featured on numerous TV programs, its official recognition as a 'Visiting Brewery' by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in 2014 was due to its exquisite gardens and the surrounding modern cultural heritage. When you're traveling through Haenam, whether you're heading to your accommodation or making your way home, I highly recommend stopping by Haechang Brewery. Take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful gardens, enjoy a refreshing tasting, and perhaps pick up a bottle or two of makgeolli to savor later with some delicious snacks back at your hotel or home. It's an experience you won't want to miss!