[iNews24 reporter Jeong Jae-su] Gwangmyeong City in Gyeonggi Province announced on the 22nd that it's running a Traditional Liquor School called "Gwangmyeong, Embracing Tradition!" The program lets residents brew traditional spirits themselves and experience Korea's unique food culture.
Led by professional instructors, the Traditional Liquor School teaches time-honored brewing techniques and is designed so residents can absorb traditional foodways naturally.
It's especially meaningful because citizens proposed the project and the city implemented it through a participatory budgeting process.
The program also uses "wonky" produce—fruits and vegetables that retain flavor and nutrients but fall short of supermarket standards—as teaching ingredients, promoting conscious consumption and lower-carbon eating habits.
At the first session on the 21st at the Healthy Eating Education Center, the class focused on magnolia makgeolli, a spring-inspired rice wine. Following traditional flavored-liquor techniques, participants brewed makgeolli using magnolia and discovered the charm of traditional drinks firsthand.
Paired with the city's existing Kimchi School, the program broadens opportunities for residents to explore traditional food culture.
The Traditional Liquor School will hold six regular sessions—in April, May, June, September, October and November. Through seasonal, hands-on brewing workshops, it aims to preserve and celebrate Korean food culture. Organizers also plan to run an interactive booth at a local festival at year’s end.
Residents who want to join remaining sessions can register at Gwangmyeong e-ji (LLL.gm.go.kr).
Acting Mayor Choi Hye-min said, "I hope the Traditional Liquor School helps residents rediscover the value of our food culture and find moments of joy in everyday life. We'll continue the program so the Healthy Eating Education Center becomes a vibrant food-culture space where tradition and modern life meet."
