Mama Julia, here.
It’s getting towards the end of the year and it’s been a big one for us at MMPK. Although the concept of Makgeolli Mamas began a year ago, we have really seen our community grow, connect and explore in the last 6 months and we have been overwhelmed by the support. When Monica and I sat down and really talked about how we could bring together makgeolli lovers, and how to create a place for expats and Koreans alike to share in makgeolli exploration, we never expected such quick and loyal support. So THANK YOU Mamas & Papas, our community is only as strong as all of you.
So here’s what we have learned. Makgeolli lovers are everywhere! It’s one of my favorite things to hear, ‘I love makgeolli but I don’t have anyone to drink it with!”, because that’s what we are here for. We are a place where people of like minds can meet, share and relax over a kettle and delicious food. We all have our different experiences, and it has been awesome to meet new people, and also catch up with regulars every three weeks. Every meeting has been something different, and all of them good memories.
We have also learned that the world of makgeolli is forever changing, and everyone has their own palate. A place or makgeolli that I might think is awesome, another Mama or Papa might not think is so crash hot….and visa versa. What I’ve come to love is that we are all exploring together, and it’s fantastic to hear all the opinions out there. I love hearing new stories, unusual stories, stories with fuzzy recollections, all involving our favorite part of Korean culture; sharing good food and drink with friends.
So what’s in store for next year? Well of course we are sad to see Mama Monica leave, but of course she will always be the first Mama. MMPK is first and foremost a community, and we welcome anyone who would like to contribute to what we do, and our team will be expanding in the new year.
Long time MMPK supporters Chris and Hilary will be stepping up to help keep the makgeolli machine rolling, and I look forward to continuing our vision together.
Here’s a quick sneak peak of what we have planned: More makgeolli house reviews from our meetings every 3rd Saturday, building our directory of where to have various makgeolli experiences. We will also be working more closely with our friends Dan and Becca at Susubori Academy to connect the homebrewing community, particularly with English homebrewing classes. We will be focusing on growing our website with plans to increase our content for makgeolli information, news, and linking other makgeolli blogs out in the blogosphere. We will also be keeping up to date with special events during the year, for all your burning makgeolli desires.
We are also open to your suggestions! We always want to hear from you. What do you want from MMPK? What is your makgeolli story? Send us an email if you have anything you would like us to help with, or if you have any ideas you would like to see happen next year.
Our goal, as ever, is to be the one stop shop for makgeolli. So most importantly….we will be sharing a few (or many!) bowls with all of you, as often as possible!
So Merry Christmas Mamas & Papas! I will personally be off on a 2 week break to the States, but will be back in action come the New Year. Enjoy the holiday season, thank you all for your continued support, and let’s bring in 2013 with makgeolli together 
Yours in Makgeolli,
Mama Julia
건배