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Showing posts with the label makgeolli

Gang Gam-chan and the Battle of Gwiju: A Historic Victory That Preserved the Dignity of Goryeo

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It is unclear whether the Khitan cavalry actually looked exactly like this. However, in ancient warfare, resisting an assault by such a mounted force would have been extraordinarily difficult—much like modern infantry attempting to defend against armored vehicles and tanks. By successfully repelling the attack of 100,000 northern cavalrymen, Goryeo ultimately compelled the Liao dynasty to abandon further invasions for the next hundred years. Gang Gam-chan and the Battle of Gwiju: A Victory That Preserved Goryeo’s Dignity and Reshaped the East Asian Order The Battle of Gwiju was a decisive confrontation in which the Goryeo army, led by General Gang Gam-chan, defeated the Khitan cavalry—the most powerful mounted force of its time. This victory elevated the international standing of Goryeo, founded by Wang Geon, and marked a historic turning point in the East Asian geopolitical order. Introduction: Why the Battle of Gwiju Is Still Remembered Today Dear readers, welcome. In a previous post...

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. ...