2026 Korea Traditional Liquor Festival Guide | Nov 13–15 at aT Center: Hours, Tickets, Workshops & Directions

WOW Article

Nov 7, 2026

Think Korea's drinking scene begins and ends with makgeolli and soju? Think again! Korea boasts an incredible variety of traditional spirits, known as urisul—from cloudy rice wines (takju) and clear rice wines (yakju) to smooth distilled spirits and unique fruit wines. You can taste and buy them all under one roof at the 2026 Korea Traditional Liquor Festival (Urisul Daechukje), the country's largest traditional liquor event, taking place from Friday, November 13 to Sunday, November 15 at the aT Center in Yangjae-dong, Seoul.

Now in its 16th year, the festival features 142 breweries from across the country offering tastings and bottle sales. With entertaining stage events like cocktail shows and food-pairing demos—plus hands-on makgeolli brewing workshops—it's the perfect indoor activity for a Friday afternoon or weekend during your trip to Korea.

Here is your complete guide tailored for international travelers, covering everything from schedules, ticket prices, and directions to must-try activities and essential Korean drinking etiquette.

1. 2026 Korea Traditional Liquor Festival at a Glance

① Dates, Location & Admission (Official Details)

When: Friday, November 13 – Sunday, November 15, 2026 (3 days)
Hours: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Last entry at 7:00 PM) / Final day (Sun, Nov 15): 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Last entry at 6:00 PM)
Where: Exhibition Hall 1, aT Center (27 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul)
Admission: ₩15,000 for on-site registration (₩10,000 presale tickets closed on November 6)
Eligibility: Open to all ages (minors must be accompanied by an adult)
Hosted / Organized by: Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs / Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT)

Pro Tip: Entry closes an hour before closing time each day. To enjoy the tastings and stage shows at a relaxed pace, try arriving right when doors open. Since the event takes place indoors, weather won't be an issue, but Seoul evenings in mid-November can get quite chilly, so bring a light jacket!

2. What Is There to Do?

① Tastings & On-Site Sales from 142 Breweries Nationwide

The main highlight of the festival is, without a doubt, the tastings! You can stroll around booths from breweries across the country to sample a wide range of traditional Korean spirits—including makgeolli (unfiltered rice wine), yakju and cheongju (clear rice wines), distilled spirits, and fruit-based Korean wines—and buy your favorites right on the spot. A dedicated showcase featuring the 18 award-winning spirits from this year's Korean Spirit Competition will also be on display.

Pro Tip: If you are new to traditional Korean alcohol, start with smooth makgeolli or light fruit wines, then move on to yakju and finally distilled spirits. Keep in mind that distilled spirits pack a punch, so stick to small sips!

② Stage Performances & Special Events

The main stage will feature exciting events like traditional spirit cocktail shows, Korean food pairing demonstrations, stand-up comedy, and live spirit auctions. Visitors can also jump into interactive activities including food trucks, mission bingo games, receipt raffles, and a consumer tasting panel. Be sure to check the event schedule at the venue for specific session times.

3. Hands-On Crafting Workshops

① Brew Your Own Makgeolli & Korean Wine, Make Traditional Snacks & Rice Cakes

Hands-on workshops are a fantastic way to create lasting memories of your trip. Throughout the day, you can join scheduled sessions to brew traditional Korean alcohol (makgeolli or Korean wine), make traditional snacks (hangwa and rice cakes), or craft custom drink coasters.

Capacity: 20 participants per session (15 via advance registration + 5 for walk-ins)
Advance Registration: Held on a first-come, first-served basis from November 2 to 5 (currently closed)
Walk-in Registration: 5 spots per session, plus any additional openings from cancellations or no-shows

Pro Tip: Walk-in spots are extremely limited. If joining a workshop is top priority for you, head straight to the workshop booth as soon as you enter the venue to ask about walk-in registration.

4. How to Get to the aT Center

① By Subway or Bus

Subway: Take the Shinbundang Line to Yangjae Citizen's Forest Station, head out of Exit 4, and walk straight for about 50 meters to reach the aT Center.
Bus: From Gangnam Station (Line 2), catch bus 140, 407, 408, 421, 440, 441, 462, 470, or 471 and get off at the 'aT Center' stop.

Pro Tip: Never drive if you plan on drinking—drunk driving is strictly prohibited by law in Korea. If you are traveling in a group or end up buying several bottles, booking a WOWKOREA SERVICE private van is a comfortable way to get between your hotel and the venue.

5. Essential Tips for Korean Drinking Etiquette

Always use both hands when pouring or receiving a drink from someone older or of higher status to show respect.
When taking a sip in front of elders, it is customary to turn your head slightly to the side.
Clink your glasses together and shout "Geonbae!" (Cheers!) or "Jjan!" for a classic Korean toast.
Sample cups may seem small, but the drinks quickly add up as you explore the booths. Drink plenty of water and make sure not to taste on an empty stomach.
Pre-registered visitors were required to bring ID on the day, and you may also be asked to confirm your age on-site, so bring your passport.
If you plan to bring your purchased bottles home, check your airline's liquid restrictions and your country's customs duty-free allowances in advance.

6. Keep the Party Going at Your Hotel with WOWKOREA SERVICE

① Delivery Korean Pancakes: The Perfect Makgeolli Pairing

Planning to enjoy the makgeolli you bought at the festival back at your hotel? Order some perfect bites using WOWKOREA SERVICE Food Delivery! The Four-Color Savory Pancakes and Pajeon Trio from Halmae Beer pair exceptionally well with makgeolli. Be sure to check delivery coverage and operating hours on the order screen.

Before placing your order, check the WOW Special coupon page to see if there are any discount coupons you can use. If traveling all the way to Yangjae feels like a hassle, you can also enjoy a comfortable ride straight from your hotel door with a WOWKOREA SERVICE private van.

Schedules and programs are subject to change based on the organizer's circumstances, so please check the official website (thesool.com) or call customer support (02-6952-9498) for the latest updates before visiting. Have an amazing journey exploring Korean traditional drinks!

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