What kind of place is Gyochon Farmhouse Brewing Co.?

Founded in 2021, Gyochon Farmhouse Brewing Co., an agricultural corporation, reinterprets the tangible and intangible heritage of the House of the Gyeongju Choi Clan to build a premium brand rooted in the region’s unique culture. We seek to express the historical, aesthetic, and emotional values of the city of Gyeongju through all five senses, capturing the textures of the region that shift with the four seasons and the 24 solar terms in our products. Our goal is not merely to restore tradition but to present a new Korean aesthetic that reflects both the dignity of the city and the grace of the family.

How was “Te monje 1779” created?

In the House of the Gyeongju Choi Clan, biju, a ritual wine used for ancestral ceremonies, has been passed down for generations. However, we wanted to develop it further, not merely preserve it as a family tradition, but elevate it with modern refinement and urban sensibility. Building on the ritual and culinary culture handed down through the daughters-in-law of the noble household, we set out to create a liquor that represents authentic craftsmanship, the dignity of the city, and the grace of the family. Thus, Te monje 1779 was born as a premium traditional liquor that remains rooted in heritage while achieving an aesthetic completeness worthy of recognition anywhere in the world.

What did you focus on most when creating the product?

Above all, our priority was to preserve the dignity and value of the brand, as well as the inherent quality of the liquor itself. Gyeongju is blessed with excellent rice, water, and air, which are all essential for good liquor. For that reason, we use local agricultural products and carefully record changes in the season, temperature, and time to maintain a consistent taste. We also paid meticulous attention to every detail, from the design and material of the bottle to the texture of the label, to ensure that nothing compromises the identity of Te monje 1779. Our foremost goal was to create a highly refined product where the beauty of tradition and the sensibility of modernity come together in harmony.

In what ways do you connect your brand with the culture of Gyeongju?

Te monje 1779 is more than just a bottle of liquor; it serves as a symbol that conveys the cultural narrative of Gyeongju. The city preserves the spirit of a thousand-year-old royal capital and stands as a place of ethical heritage represented by Gyochon Traditional Village and the House of the Gyeongju Choi Clan. Carrying on that spirit, we aim to expand the use of local agricultural products and create more employment opportunities for local residents, building a sustainable ecosystem where agriculture and culture coexist. We believe it is Gyochon Farmhouse’smission to inherit and develop not only the aesthetic value of traditional liquor but also the regional identity and sense of community that define Gyeongju.

What sets Te monje 1779 apart from other traditional liquors?

Te monje 1779 goes beyond the conventional form of traditional liquor, setting a completely new standard through the harmony of design, storytelling, and taste. The bottle was designed not as a simple container but as an object that can be reused as a vase or decanter once the liquor is finished. This concept stems from our philosophy of seeking continuous experience rather than simple consumption. We also fine-tuned the balance of aroma and flavor to appeal to both domestic and international customers. Within the depth and character of traditional liquor, we pursued a sophisticated urban sensibility to create a premium product that serves as an elegant and distinguished gift for international recipients.

What are your future plans and vision?

Te monje 1779 already enjoys such high demand that it is produced in limited quantities each month. Looking ahead, we plan to strengthen our presence as a premium brand representing Gyeongju by participating in local festivals, cultural events, and embassy gatherings around the world, laying the foundation for entry into the global market. Our goal is to redefine traditional liquor not merely as a beverage but as an expression of “Korean aesthetics infused with time and dignity.” Gyochon Farmhouse will continue to express the spirit of tradition in modern language, expanding traditional liquor culture as a living heritage shared by both the local community and the world.