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Showing posts with the label dongdongju

Do You Know the Water Deer of Korea?

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AI-generated image depicting a Korean water deer, a wild animal native to Korea, in a natural Korean woodland setting. A Unique Mammal in the Deer Family Hello, dear readers! It has been a while since my last post. Today, I would like to introduce you to an animal that is very common in Korea but surprisingly rare from a global perspective: the Korean water deer. 1. What Kind of Animal Is the Water Deer? When talking about the mountains, fields, and natural landscapes of Korea, one wild animal that cannot be left out is the water deer. The water deer is a mammal belonging to the deer family, and its scientific name is Hydropotes inermis. It is commonly known in English as the Water Deer . The water deer is a very familiar animal in Korea. It is often found in agricultural fields, along streams, and in areas where mountains and open fields meet. Occasionally, it can even be seen in green spaces around cities. But there is an interesting fact about this animal. Although water deer are co...

Makgeolli vs Dongdongju: What’s the Difference Between These Korean Drinks?

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Dongdongju served in a small traditional jar Introduction: Hello, dear readers!    Today, I’d like to introduce you to two of Korea’s most beloved traditional alcoholic beverages: Makgeolli and Dongdongju . Let’s begin with makgeolli . Interestingly, the name itself carries two meanings in Korean: “freshly made” and “roughly made.” You might be wondering, Why would someone introduce a drink that’s hastily or roughly made? That’s a fair question—so let me explain right away. Both makgeolli and dongdongju pair beautifully with traditional Korean dishes , creating combinations that are beloved by many. In fact, even though I’m not usually much of a drinker, I do enjoy makgeolli and dongdongju from time to time. What exactly is Makgeolli? Makgeolli is a milky, unfiltered rice wine made by fermenting grains—typically rice—with a natural fermentation starter called nuruk . Once the fermentation is complete, water is added to the remaining mash, and the mixture is filtered. ...