Study on the Liquors of Yi-dynasty

조선시대 술의 분류적 고찰

The purpose of this thesis was to understand the various kinds of Korean liquors. To do this, about fifty different kinds of liquors and wines presented in Yi-dynasty literatures were reviewed and classified into several categories. The findings of the study are as follows, 1, Liquors of Yi-dynasty can be classified into three groups; Chungju or Takju which is brewed from rice or glutinous rice, Jeungryuju(Soju) which is made by distillation of Chungju or Takju, and Hwahyangju that is made by addition of fruits, fragrance, or medicinal plants in Chungju, 2. The basic method of making these liquors is in general to make yeast first and fix a liquor base by mixing rice or glutinous rice and yeast, and then add more rice or glutinous rice into the liquor base, and finally ferment the mixture for certain periods. On fixing a liquor base, several methods of rice preparations were used; these were white rice cake, rice paste, boiled dough of rice powder, and steamed rice. 3. Duration of fermentation was in general one to three weeks. However, the shorter one was completed within 3 days and the longer one required even one year or more. 4. Of Hwahyangju the ones with medicinal plants can be divided into several groups according to their medical effects; wines for mental and emotional stability, making blood and active circulation, increase in body stamina, promoting health and living long-life, treatment of stomachache and bruise, and enhancement of the functions of body organs, especially eyes ana ears.5. These liquors and wines above were brewed for daily use or special occasions (Sesiju).