Unforgettable Taste of Makgeolli and handmade Tofu

In addition to Yidong Galbi, Makgeolli is also famous foodstuff that represents the eco-city of Pocheon. Makgeolli is known as a healthy drink. The amount of lactic acid bacteria in a bottle of makgeolli is equivalent to the number of bacteria in 100 bottles of yogurt. Uncontaminated clean water of Pocheon plays an important role to produce quality makgeolli. Moreover, delicious handmade tofu made by Kim Ye-ju granny is the local specialty that attracts a number of visitors across the country.

Yidong Makgeolli, Traditional Korean Taste Recognized by People around the World
There are over ten breweries in Pocheon. The tastes of Makgeolli are determined by the production method and amounts of malt and other ingredients. Among others, the makgeolli produced by E-dong Brewery Co. in Pocheon is well known for its sweet and astringent flavors. The factory of Hanil Brewery, established in 1957, is situated at the foot of Baekun Valley. The brewery has exported about 4,000 tons of makgeolli, amount equivalent to USD 3.2 million or KRW 5 billion. The company was built on 3,960㎡ of the floor space in a total of 11,550㎡ of ground site. Unlike the newly built exterior appearance of the facilities, the process of making makgeolli inside the building was still persisted in old-fashioned production method. Except for the production packaging machinery, the whole process of manufacturing follows the traditional way including the use of 70 to 80-year old large potteries, and steaming rice in large cauldrons and fermenting the mixture in traditional pots. The CEO Ha Myeong-Hee, who succeeded the family business from her father, said she would have left the city considering the economic feasibility. However, she couldn’t move to other areas because of the quality water produced in Pocheon. The company utilizes mineral water pumped out from 200m underground rock layers of Baekunsan, without adding additional carbon dioxide gases.

 
For this reason, the makgeolli using the mineral water has fresh and sharp tastes. Currently, E-dong makgeolli has enjoyed unprecedented popularity at home and abroad, with having its overseas branches in Japan and the U.S. It has been exported to many other countries across the globe including China, Hong Kong, Germany and England.

Taste of Savory Handmade Tofu Made By a Granny
Drive along the local road connected to Ildong hot spring district and you will see many restaurants specializing in handmade tofu. The original restaurant in this tofu village is Wonjo Paju Handmade Tofu Restaurant run by granny Kim Ye-Ju. The beginning of her business dates back to 14 years ago when she began to serve the delicious handmade tofu for travelers. She refurbished her old house and converted it into a traditional tofu restaurant. In the kitchen, people were busy making tofu, stirring boiling hot soymilk contained in two large traditional cauldrons.


After stirring the soymilk for an hour and going through boiling again the filtered amber liquid, white curds of tofu are created. In the backyard of the restaurant, people were washing a large amount of green vegetables. They were preparing for side dishes accompanied with the main tofu dish. The owner Kim Ye-Ju granny said she opens the restaurant all year round because she doesn’t want to disappoint her customers who visit her restaurant. After taking photos, the staff enjoyed the tasty tofu and bibimbab with a variety of vegetables prepared by the generous granny. 

Recommended sites

Makgeolli direct sales store in front of the E-dong Brewery Co.
There are four direct makgeolli direct sales stores in front of the E-dong Brewery located at the foot of the Baekun Valley. Visitors can purchase the fresh traditional Korean wine at inexpensive prices.
Location: 112-1 Dopyeong-ri, Yidong-myeon, Pocheon
Tel.: 031-535-2800, www.e-dong.co.kr

Baesangmyeon Brewery Co.
Baesangmyeon Brewery has developed a variety of Korean wines such as Sansachun, Bokbunjaju, Daepo, utilizing Korean traditional liquor. Gallery Sansawon offers an exhibition of traditional Korean alcohol beverages and experience opportunities for visitors. The gallery is under renovation.
Location: 512 Hwahyeon-ri, Hwahyeon-myeon, Pocheon
Tel.: 031-531-0442
Website: www.soolsool.co.kr

Pocheon Pajugol Handmade Tofu Restaurant
If you are a first time visitor to this restaurant, you should taste the handmade tofu above all. The tofu dish is accompanied with a wide variety of green vegetables. Handmade tofus, Cheonggukjang, Doenjang (Soybean paste) are available to take out.
Location: San-1 Seongdong 4-ri, Yeongjung-myeon, Pocheon
Tel.: 031-532-6590　

Title	Wonjo Pajugol Handmade Tofu Restaurant
Address	San-1, Seongdong 4-ri, Yeongjung-myeon, Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do
Inquiry (Homepage)	031-532-6590, www.Pajugol Handmade Tofu.kr
Location (based on nearby national highways and express high ways)	By car: Cheolwon → Pocheon → Turn right at Seongdong Samgoeri → Drive 2Km toward Ildong/Yidong→ Located near the state road 43
Facility Size	Capacity for 34o people in the restaurant consisting of two buildings
History	Since 1985
Features	Owned by the tofu artisan Kim Ye-Ju granny, the restaurant was opened after she served tofu at her house for five years. The restaurant is open all year round. If you are a first time visitor, you should try on the handmade tofu. The tofu dish is served with seven different vegetables.
Notice	Handmade tofu, Cheonggukjang, and Doenjang (Soybean paste) are available to take out.
Business Hours	From 6 a.m. ~ To 8.30/9 p.m. Open throughout the year.
Charges	Tofu/Pajeon/Kong ddeok/Dongchimi noodle are available for KRW 5,000 and Pyeonyuk for KRW 10,000
Nearby Tourist Attractions	Gwaneumsan, Myeongseongsan, Sanjeonghosu, Sundam Valley, Sambuyeon Falls, Goseokjeong Pavilion, Jiktang Falls.
Accommodations	Hanwha Resort 031-534-5500, Tivoliville 031-534-0123
Recommended Nearby Restaurants	No information
Others	You can ask for additional portion of foodstuffs for free.

 

 

Title	E-dong Brewery Co.
Address	112-1 Dopyeong-ri, Yidong-myeon, Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do
Inquiry (Homepage)	031-535-2800, www.e-dong.co.kr
Location (based on nearby national highways and express high ways)	By car: Take national road No. 43 → Uijeongbu → Songu-ri→ Pocheon → Mansegyo Checkpoint → 38 Resting  Place → Seongdong Checkpoint → Yidong-myeon → Located at the foot of Baekunsan By bus: Take a bus bound for Dopyeong-ri at Suyu station/ Sangbong terminal/ East Seoul bus terminal, and take a taxi to Baekun Valley.
Facility Size	11,550㎡ of ground area, 3,960㎡ of floor space
History	Since 1957
Features	The brewery is equipped with over 300 large traditional jars and sticks to its traditional way of making makgeolli. The makgeolli was designated as the local specialty in 1987 and is sold at over 40 selling agencies and large-scale discount stores nationwide. Since establishment of its overseas branches in Japan in 1993 and the U.S. in 1998, the company has exported the product to a number of foreign countries including Europe and Mexico.
Notice	The facilities are not open to the public
Business hours	5 a.m. ~ 11 p.m., 365days a year
Charges	Free
Nearby Attractions	Baekun Valley, Bears Town Resort, Baekunsan, Gwangdeoksan, Sanjeonghosu
Accommodation	Hanwha Resort 031-534-5500
Recommended Restaurants	Yidong Galbichon 031-538-3782, Wonjo Yidong Jeonju Galbi 031-532-4562, Gochang Pungcheon Broiled Eels 031-531-6040
Features	Visitors can purchase fresh makgeolli at the direct sales stores in front of E-dong Brewery Co at cheap prices.