By Rodrigo Coronel

Nicaraguan Ambassador to Korea


Dear reader, I begin this tale not as a reflection or even less an in-depth analysis by a leading expert, but as a simple recollection of my unfiltered feelings in a journey of discovery of traditional Korean alcohol and the joy of sharing it with friends.

I have been in Korea for just over a year. I have truly enjoyed its scenery, vibrant lifestyle and culture. But above all, I have grown enamored with its people and gastronomy, especially the traditional milky rice wine makgeolli.

I discovered makgeolli on one of my many outings to the gastronomic paradises known as open markets. Rows of unassuming kiosks that on closer inspection are front-row seats at a "Seoul food" heaven. As I devour the endless varieties of blood sausage, seafood pancakes, rice and kimchi, and food that warms my soul to its core, I found myself in need of refreshment.

One can never go wrong with the tried and true pairing of soju and beer. That day, however, I was feeling adventurous. As I quickly surveyed my alcoholic options, my eyes spotted a plastic bottle of what looked to be a milky spirit. As I poured it into a wonderfully shaped metallic pot, a familiar yet unique texture I encountered many times back home in Nicaragua appeared. I paused for a second, entranced by the similarity of texture it had to the Nicaraguan drink chicha made of corn. As I slowly started savoring its richness, my brain was hit with flashbacks of home. Dear readers, makgeolli was exactly like chicha both in texture and taste. It was literally love at first sip.

My first taste of the wine opened the door to my endless curiosity over Korean alcohol and all it offers. To my delight, I found out that it has numerous varieties, of which I have tried 28 -- fruity, bubbly or artisanal ones with and without sediment, milky, soft, mild, and those with high or low alcohol content. Oh, do I feel lucky.

Yet my best discovery has not been makgeolli itself but drinking it in the company of Koreans. Their drinking culture of friendship, sharing, fun and merriment is a mirror reflection of Nicaragua's. Oh what a warm and familiar feeling to share a newly found drink I love with people whose culture makes me feel right at home.