The Alchemist of Incheon: Brewing Culture at "Kkuljudang (Korean Traditional Liquor Atelier)" (Where a "Liquor Artist" Transforms Rice into Golden Memories in the Historic Baedari District) Incheon, South Korea — In the fast-paced world of travel, Incheon is often seen merely as a gateway—a city of terminals and transit. But for the discerning traveler willing to venture just beyond the airport, a profound cultural treasure awaits in the nostalgic alleys of Baedari. Welcome to Kkuljudang (Korean Traditional Liquor Atelier), the only operating traditional brewery in Incheon’s Dong-gu district. It is more than a bottle shop; it is a Traditional Liquor School and a sanctuary of fermentation where the history of Korea is brewed, bottled, and taught. The Masterpiece: "Geumchang Makgeolli" (2025 Grand Prize Winner) The soul of Kkuljudang (Korean Traditional Liquor Atelier) is its signature brew, Geumchang Makgeolli. This is not the mass-produced rice wine found in convenience stores; it is a work of art that captivated the judges to win the Grand Prize (Best Takju) at the 2025 Korea Liquor Awards within just one year of its launch. • The Philosophy of Purity: It is a Sungokju (Pure Grain Wine), crafted using nothing but rice, water, and Nuruk (traditional fermentation starter). • The Process: While commercial brands rush production, Kkuljudang waits. The liquor undergoes a labor-intensive "Sam-yang-ju" process (brewed three times) followed by two months of fermentation and aging. • The Taste Profile: By intentionally lowering the sugar content of the rice, the brew achieves a sophisticated structure. It is dry yet subtly sweet, with surprising notes of banana and vanilla emerging naturally from the rice—without a single drop of artificial flavoring. As the owner describes, it is designed to be "a drink you can enjoy deeply," with a clean finish that beckons the next sip. The Sustainable Gourmet: Upcycled Pairing For a complete sensory journey, we recommend the Geumchang Makgeolli Gift Set. It pairs the award-winning wine with a unique culinary innovation: Upcycled "Jigemi" Snacks. Made from the nutrient-rich rice lees left over from brewing, these snacks (available in Sweet & Salty or Spicy flavors) represent the atelier's commitment to sustainability. They are best enjoyed in the beautiful "Moon Cup" (Dal-jan), which mimics the image of a full moon floating in your drink. The Experience: Become a Brewer for a Day Kkuljudang (Korean Traditional Liquor Atelier) invites you to stop being a spectator and start being a creator. The venue operates as a Traditional Liquor School, offering programs ranging from professional 15-week master classes to accessible One-Day Classes perfectly suited for travelers. • The One-Day Brewing Class: This is an unmissable itinerary for visitors. Under the guidance of the master brewer, you can learn to make Danyangju (single-brew rice wine), the foundation of Korean liquor. It is a hands-on experience where you touch the grain, smell the yeast, and understand the science of fermentation. • Hyangeumjurye (Drinking Etiquette): Beyond brewing, guests can learn the traditional Korean etiquette of drinking, adding a layer of cultural depth to the tasting experience. The Artisan: The "Liquor Artist" The vision behind Kkuljudang (Korean Traditional Liquor Atelier) belongs to CEO Na Yoon-kyung, who prefers the title "Liquor Artist" (Sul-Jakga). Her journey began with a fascination for vinegar—the natural progression of fermented alcohol—which led her to the world of traditional brewing. "Just as a painter creates with a brush, I create flavors through living microorganisms. I can make the liquor sweet or bitter, orchestrating the life within the bottle," says Na. Her dream is to revitalize the old downtown of Incheon, turning it into a "playground for brewers" where warmth and culture flow as freely as the wine. The Ultimate Layover: A Transit Tour Destination The atelier has a clear mission for the international traveler: "Don't just pass through Incheon; taste it." Located conveniently for those coming from Incheon International Airport, it serves as an ideal Transit Tour destination. Instead of waiting in a terminal, spend your layover in a historic brewery. Make your own makgeolli, taste the award-winning vintage, and carry the scent of Korea with you to your next destination.       Visit Information • Venue Name: Kkuljudang (Korean Traditional Liquor Atelier) / 꿀주당 • Location: 52, Geumgok-ro, Dong-gu, Incheon (Near Baedari Secondhand Bookstore Alley) • Identity: Traditional Brewery / Liquor School / Cultural Atelier • Signature Experience: One-Day Brewing Class (Advance Reservation Required) • Must-Try: Geumchang Makgeolli (2025 Grand Prize Winner), Jigemi Snacks • Note: Please check availability and make a reservation before visiting to ensure the best experience. "Incheon is not just an airport; it is an atelier of flavor. Discover the art of fermentation at Kkuljudang (Korean Traditional Liquo

During the Japanese invasion of 1592, many of the National Archives in Seoul and the surrounding area were burned down. After this, the archives were duplicated and stored in a variety of locations thoughout the county. The National Archives of Jeoksangsan Mountain was founded in 1614, when important national archives were moved from Myohyang Confucian Academy, with others being added in 1641. This national archives site served a very important role throughout over 300 years of Korea’s history, until it was closed by the Japanese during the Japanese occupation.

Tohamsan Mountain Natural Recreation Forest is home to various broad leaf and needle leaf trees, animals, and plants. It is close to Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Cave, and other famous tourism sites that make the area a nice natural and resting area. Cabin House is a suitable camping site. Group accommodations are available and reservations can be made through the homepage.

The exact founding date of Munsusa Temple is unknown because there are no official records that have been discovered. The temple is estimated to date back to the Goryeo Dynasty, because a prayer found at the Gilt-bronze Seated Buddha in the temple’s Geungnaksiljeon Hall (hall of paradise) in 1973 dates back to 1346. Around 600 items were discovered along with the prayer, including unbleached ramie cloth, a short-sleeved gown, rice, and barley. Munsunsa has the tranquil atmosphere of a mountain temple. When spring arrives, cherry blossom flowers and wild flowers bloom across the mountain and the nearby cattle farm call to mind a traditional Korean painting. Munsusa Geungnaksiljeon Hall is a beautiful building constructed according to Jusimpo style (the column brackets placed only on top of the columns) combined with Dapo style (the column brackets placed between columns as well as on top of the columns). It is designated as Chungcheongnam-do Tangible Cultural Property No. 13. Inside the gorgeously and majestically carved hall are many relics including Gilt-bronze Seated Buddha, Samsebulsang statues (statues of Buddhas of Three Times (past, present and future)), Nahansang statues (statues of disciples of Buddha), and various portraits of Buddha. The Gilt-bronze Seated Buddha (x_height: 70cm, length between knees: 50cm) was created in 1346 (the second year of King Chungmok’s reign, the29th king of the Goryeo Dynasty). It is one of the fine examples of late Goryo dynasty style Buddha statue along with Gilt-bronze Seated Bhaisajyaguru Buddha of Janggoksa Temple (Treasure No.337).

In search of a great place to build a Buddhist Temple invoking national security, Great Monk Uisang travelled around the country and reached this place. He built a small thatched hut here for a temporary stay and continued his search. Finally, he found a perfect place and built Buseoksa Temple. He also set up another temple in the site where his small thatched hut was and called it Choamsa Temple. Choamsa Temple is located below the valley in the south of Gungmangbong Peak of Sobaeksan Mountain. After the Korean War, the temple building had to be rebuilt, but it managed to preserve some of Provincial Tangible Cultural Asset including Samcheung Seoktap (a three-storied stone pagoda; Tangible Cultural Property 126), Dongbudo (East Stupa; Tangible Cultural Property 128) and Seobudo (West Stupa; Tangible Cultural Property 129). * Jukgyegugok Valley The valley stretching from Baejeom-ni to Choamsa Temple is called Jukgyegugok which Sobaeksan Mountain surrounds like a folding screen. Near the valley, one can find famous tourist attractions such as the Sosuseowon Confucian Academy and Buseoksa Temple. Toegye Yi Hwang came up with the name Jukgyegugok inspired by the fantastic scenery of the valley and the beautiful sound of the flowing water.

Naru Arts Center is a performing arts theater complex dedicated to contributing to the cultural and artistic development of Korea by offering a variety of quality programs. The arts center consists of a main 700-seat theater and a smaller 200-seat theater for staging performances of such varied genres as classical music, gugak (traditional Korean music), jazz, dance, musical show, and more. The center also makes efforts to develop quality educational programs in the field of culture and arts. Moreover, it keeps a low-price policy in order to reach a greater audience and provide more opportunities to enjoy fine performances.

Seogang River flows gently from Seonam Village in Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do, around Cheongnyeongpo Cape, and into Namhangang River. It is inhabited by fresh water fish, otters, mergansers and mandarin ducks. Meanwhile, Seonam Village is famous for its shape resembling the Korean Peninsula. Nearby tourist attractions include Seonam Hermitage, Seondol Rock, Cheongnyeongpo Cape, Dangmeoru, and Gwallanjeong Pavilion.

Historically the forest was called Orijangnim (오리장림) but nowadays it is also widely known as the Jacheon Forest (자천숲). The name Orijangnim originates from the fact that in olden days, before roads were established, there was a thick forest that stretched as far as "O-ri (five-ri or 1963m)"surrounding Jacheon-ri. As the national road was developed, the forest was divided into two parts, and afterwards major parts of the forest were lost to school buildings, wider roads and Typhoon Sara. It’s surely a pity that only the remaining settlements near Jacheon village can give us a feeling on what life was like in the forest long ago. However, as you drive down the un-crowded road, surely you will be able to feel the tranquility of the region. Around 400 years ago when the forest was first created, villagers annually held a ritual at midnight on the 15th of January of the lunar year to pay tribute to their ancestors and wish for peace and safety in the village. The forest houses more than 10 species of trees that come in a variety of fantastic shapes looking just like potted plants. In the summer, the cool wind of Gohyeoncheon Stream, flows in front of Jacheon Village and keeps visitors cool and refreshed, while shade from the trees of Orijangnim seem to completely blot out the the sun. Composition of Orijangnim The forest has a total of 12 species of trees made up of 9 species of 231 broadleaf trees including a gingko tree, Glandulosa willow; oriental oak; Hemipteleae davidii; Zelkova serrata; and Celtis Sinensis, to name a few. As for evergreen trees, there are 3 species of them including pine trees, black pine trees; and the Himalayan Cedar. Most of the trees in the forest are huge with an average age ranging from 20 to 350 years and a x_height of six to 24 meters.

Digital Pavilion is a space for IT companies to market their company and product. I City is a futuristic city that has streets, schools, culture, and lifestyle of the future. In the ICT center, visitors can learn about the fundamentals of ICT technology in a fun way.

Daejeo Ecological Park is located along the riverbanks of Nakdonggang River next to Gimhae Airport. The park is a habitat for migratory birds, designated Natural Memorial No. 179. The park is made up of various marshs and waterways, flowers and grasses, and exercise facilities. The exercise equipment is located at both ends of the park, making it easy to use before and after exploring the various walking paths through the park. The park is also the venue of the annual Nakdong Canola Festival that takes place in April.