Yeast + essential oils: Make a "Makgeolli Mask" at Busan’s YeonHwaJae in just 5 minutes

▲ Packed with yeast + essential oils: The Busan YeonHwaJae "Makgeolli Mask" takes just 5 minutes to DIY.

Reported and photographed by Yan Yuncen / Busan

A set costs 2,600 KRW, and this so-called"yeast mask"that claims to keep your skin youthful can now be made by yourself. Located in Busan, South Korea, “YeonHwaJae” was originally a traditional makgeolli (Korean rice wine) brewery. After years of experimentation, its owner, Ms. Kim Dan-a, developed handmade products such as soap using makgeolli, and has now created a DIY makgeolli mask. Visitors can make their own in just 5 minutes and 3 steps, then take home a naturally fermented mask.

▲ Ms. Kim Dan-a arranges the steamed rice used for making makgeolli.

Makgeolli is a traditional Korean rice wine with an alcohol content of about 6–7%, consisting of around 80% water. It contains 80% more lactic acid bacteria than regular yogurt. In Korean history, the earliest documented mention of makgeolli appears in literature from the Goryeo Dynasty, and it has remained beloved by Koreans to this day. As reflected in quotes such as those by famed poet Chun Sang-byung — "Makgeolli is not wine, it’s rice" — and former South Korean President Park Chung-hee — "Makgeolli is everyday food" — you can understand how this alcoholic beverage is viewed locally.

▲ Mix yeast and water and stir until bubbles form to complete fermentation.

Before trying your hand at making a "makgeolli mask" at YeonHwaJae, visitors first experience the process of making makgeolli. Following the instructor’s guidance, participants stir the steamed rice with a spoon until it cools to room temperature — when it no longer feels warm to the back of your hand, it can be placed in a plastic basin. Then, add two spoonfuls of yeast and distilled water, mix well, and mash the yeast until the pale grayish liquid begins to foam. Once foamy, pour the mixture into an earthenware jar, cover it with a white cloth, tie the mouth with string, and let it ferment for two weeks before it’s ready to drink.

▲ The fully fermented makgeolli should be poured into a jar and left to sit for two weeks before drinking.

Ms. Kim Dan-a explained that the “makgeolli mask” is made using pre-made makgeolli mixed with essential oils, glycerin, and other ingredients. She said the first step in making the mask is to fold three mask sheets in half and place them in a zip-lock bag. Next, add thickening powder, glycerin, natural preservatives, and essential oils such as lemongrass, lavender, and tea tree into a plastic cup and stir well.

▲ Ingredients for making the makgeolli mask.

The final step is to use an eyedropper to draw out two large doses of makgeolli, add two cups of distilled water filled to 80% capacity, and pour everything into the already mixed essential oils. Then, simply transfer the mixture into a sealed bag, shake it up, affix your name and time on the outside, and your mask is complete.Ms. Kim Dan-a laughed and said the yeast mask made from makgeolli is “absolutely natural.” After application, she said, your skin becomes smoother. In the past, some people even applied the mask directly after making it, but she also recommends chilling it before use — which is another great option.

▲ The makgeolli mask production flowchart: just 5 minutes to completion.

▲ The finished makgeolli mask.

YeonHwaJae is located on the second and third floors of a building in Busan’s Nam District, Munchon 2(i)-dong. As you step through the classroom door on the third floor, you’ll see a display of alcoholic beverages and glasses from various countries — this is the classroom where you can try making rice wine and masks. In addition to those activities,you can also experience making kimchi and spicy paste, and try on hanbok (traditional Korean clothing). Currently, YeonHwaJae accepts reservations only online or by phone, requires groups of five or more, and includes a final wine-tasting session. The package course is 40,000 KRW (about 1,100 TWD) per person.。

YeonHwaJae
Address: 2F, 470-10, Munchon 2(i)-dong, Nam-gu, Busan Metropolitan City (문현2동 470-10번지 2층)
Phone: 051-636-9355
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dana.kim.422
Course: Mask-making experience requires a minimum of 5 participants, 40,000 KRW per person, and can be booked one week in advance via Facebook or phone.