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Uncover the unique flavors of Hamahama Brewery, a charming makgeolli spot steps from Jeju's Gwakji Beach. From nutty buckwheat to refreshing seasonal brews, find your favorite craft rice wine.
Hey there, fellow travelers!
Before my last trip to Jeju, I stumbled upon Hamahama Brewery on Instagram.
It's this charming little makgeolli brewery right by the beach, and the moment I saw they offered tastings, I knew I had to go.
Honestly, the bottle designs were what first caught my eye! They're just so unique and artistic. Haha!
The name 'Hamahama' actually means 'almost' or 'nearly' in the Jeju dialect, which I found quite memorable and endearing.
Stepping inside, you're greeted by a very clean and modern space.
There are glass jars filled with grain ingredients on the shelves, along with microscopes and beakers.
It immediately gave me the impression that this isn't just a casual spot; they're really serious about their craft!
During my time living in Jeju, I fell head over heels for Jeju makgeolli.
Even now, whenever I visit, I make sure to seek it out. Recently, with the emergence of more craft breweries, the world of Jeju makgeolli feels like it's evolving, offering new and exciting variations.
I was so curious to see if Hamahama could live up to that growing reputation, making it a must-visit for me.
They primarily offer three types:
Omegi, Nutty,
and the summer-exclusive Chilpalwol (July-August).
I initially planned to try just one, but I ended up sampling all three! Haha!
Jeju Buckwheat Makgeolli / 16.9 fl oz / ~$10
This was my first time trying buckwheat makgeolli, and it was much more approachable than I expected.
The aroma of roasted buckwheat hits you first, followed by a sweet, almost chocolatey finish.
It's surprisingly addictive!
Drinking it over ice made it even more refreshing, and out of the three, this one was definitely my favorite.
However, if you're not a fan of sweeter drinks, you might find it a bit too sugary.
Jeju Millet Makgeolli / 16.9 fl oz / ~$10 / 8% ABV
This unfiltered rice wine is crafted with millet, the same grain used to make the famous Jeju Omegi Tteok (millet rice cakes).
You get a rich, savory grain flavor upfront, beautifully balanced by a clean, berry-like acidity at the finish. The subtle sweetness creates a fantastic overall balance.
I think this drink truly shines when paired with food rather than enjoyed on its own.
It's absolutely divine with Korean pancakes (jeon) or other traditional Korean dishes.
I even bought a bottle to share with my parents at home, and they loved it!
July-August Only / 6% ABV
As the name suggests, this is a seasonal limited edition, available only during July and August.
Each bottle features a unique vintage photo of a Jeju beach, which is incredibly charming. The phrase "HOT FLIP-FLOP SEASON ONLY" printed on them is a fun touch too!
My first reaction was, "Wow, this is surprisingly delicious!"
It has a lovely fizziness that makes it crisp and incredibly refreshing.
It truly captures the essence of sipping a drink on the beach in summer.
It pairs wonderfully with light snacks or cheese and is the kind of drink you find yourself finishing quickly. It just begs to be enjoyed outdoors on a beautiful day!
My Personal Ranking
1st Place — Nutty If you love a slightly sweeter profile, this is my top recommendation. It's even better with ice! 2nd Place — Chilpalwol Perfectly refreshing for summer. It's a shame it's only available seasonally. 3rd Place — Omegi This one truly shines when enjoyed with food, rather than on its own. |
Final Thoughts
While the prices are a bit higher than your standard makgeolli, they're perfectly reasonable for a craft brewery.
You can order their makgeolli for nationwide delivery through their online store
(shipping is ~$3, free for orders over ~$35),
or you can visit the brewery for a tasting and purchase directly!
As a big fan of Jeju makgeolli and alcoholic beverages in general, I was thrilled to stop by.
If you appreciate unique local drinks, I highly recommend paying Hamahama Brewery a visit!
Hamahama Brewery 📍
Right in front of Gwakji Beach, Jeju
📍 Hamahama Brewery
26-9 Nadong, Gwakji 1-gil, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
🔗 Online Store |
'Nutty' is a Jeju buckwheat makgeolli, priced at ~$10 for 500mL. It features the aroma of roasted buckwheat and a chocolate-like sweetness that lingers at the end. 'Omegi' is a Jeju foxtail millet makgeolli, priced at ~$10 for 500mL with an 8% ABV. It offers a savory grain flavor blended with a berry-like acidity, pairing well with Korean cuisine.
'Chilpalwol,' as its name suggests (meaning 'July-August'), is a 6% ABV seasonal makgeolli available only in July and August. It has a refreshing and crisp carbonation, making it perfect to enjoy with light snacks or cheese.
You can directly sample and purchase Hamahama Brewery makgeolli at the brewery located in front of Gwakji Beach in Jeju. Mainland delivery is also available through Naver Smartstore. The shipping fee is ~$3, and orders over ~$35 qualify for free shipping.
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