Our Story
OUR MISSION IS TO GLOBALIZE KOREAN ALCOHOL IN AN ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE WAY.
On a trip to Korea in 2017, I re-discovered makgeolli, a traditional Korean alcohol made with rice. I learned that makgeolli was Korea's oldest alcoholic beverage and that there were hundreds of different makgeolli breweries.
With just three ingredients, I was fascinated that makgeolli could taste so delicious and diverse, and was disappointed by the makgeolli options I found back home in the US.
I visited a makgeolli bar that pureed different kinds of fruits into all-natural, home-made makgeolli, and that gave me the idea for our first brand, Mákku.
At this time, I was working in the alcohol industry, and as a Korean American, I realized I wanted to launch a company focusing on Korean alcoholic beverages (AKA sool).
Soku is our second product, a ready-to-drink cocktail with a soju base. Light, bubbly, and made only with all-natural ingredients, Soku ties together three things I love - soju, sparkling water, and real fruit. Whether on its own, with food, or shared with the ones you love, I hope you enjoy our sool as much as I do.
Gunbae!
Carol Pak
Team

Carol Pak
Founder & CEO

Rosemary Bang
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

HEIDI CHEN
MARKETING DIRECTOR

Elizabeth Yik
Creative Lead

Isaac Kim
DATA Analytics

Helen Au
Digital Marketing Manager
Our Journey
Thank you for coming along with us on our journey! Please stay for the ride 😃
SPRING 2017

I went to Korea and I had some amazing makgeolli.
SUMMER 2017

I found out there was no good makgeolli in the U.S. and started brewing with my mom at home
SUMMER 2017

I went back to Korea and tasted as much as I could to learn more about makgeolli
2017-2018

I traveled the US looking for a brewery that would be willing to brew makgeolli, and finally found one in Maine
Spring 2018

I raised some funds on Kickstarter for my first commercial batch
Summer 2018

We landed our first account - Yoon Haeundae Galbi - in NY, NY.
Winter 2018

Our brewery shut down and we were back on the hunt. I brought my search to Korea.
Spring 2019

We signed a contract with a brewery and started on a new formula.
Fall 2019

I received my first can of Makku from Korea.
Winter 2019

We were back in the market, and we started getting noticed!
Spring 2021

We started ideating our second brand, Soku
Summer 2021

My first Soku in hand!