In the vast universe of bizarre beverages, Korea’s Ttongsul (fermented feces wine) stands out as a black hole of culinary extremes, shattering the innocence of anyone who dares to try it.
While some drinks might make you feel like you’re flying, Ttongsul takes you to heights where you question how long your taste buds can survive in the abyss. The brown liquid rests in the bottle like a rare elixir, but upon opening, a pungent aroma assaults your senses, evoking memories of forgotten tales and ancient regrets.
You may have tried strong liquors, animal-based medicinal wines, or even fermented yogurt drinks, but Ttongsul is the ultimate test of both your palate and your mental fortitude. It challenges not only your taste buds but also your perception of human civilization’s boundaries. 
A Memorable Experience
Ttongsul is an experience that leaves a lasting impression—both physically and mentally. Most English-speaking tourists, upon their first sip, instinctively exclaim, “Oh shit!”
The standard reaction involves taking a sip, widening the eyes in shock, covering the mouth, and rushing to the nearest window to vomit. However, the most devastating part isn’t the initial taste but the lingering aftertaste that haunts you for hours.
The smell lingers in your mouth all night, as if dung beetles are kneeling at your bedside at dawn, proclaiming you their king: “My honor, my king!”
A Japanese Journalist’s Encounter
Japanese journalist Chiyo, intrigued by stories of Ttongsul, traveled to Korea to experience it firsthand. As soon as the liquid touched her lips, her expression shifted from curiosity to horror: “What am I drinking? Is this the legendary feces wine?”
She dared only a small sip, which left her trembling and on the verge of tears: “This… this really is feces! I can’t drink anymore!”
Though she consumed only a sip, her critique was relentless. Coughing, she turned to the camera: “The taste is like some ancient creature dredged from the depths of the ocean, long dead.”
Her poetic description mirrored the experiences of Western tourists, all united by the curse of Ttongsul’s lingering aftertaste.
Korean Perspectives on Ttongsul
Locals in Korea are divided on Ttongsul: some instinctively avoid it, while others revere it as a cultural and medicinal tradition.
Older generations often claim, “Drinking Ttongsul is good for your health.” Despite modern medicine offering alternatives, traditionalists believe it strengthens bones, improves circulation, and boosts vitality.
“You must overcome the psychological barrier to truly appreciate its depth,” they say. “The first sip is painful, but the aftertaste is as profound as the Namhan River.”
The Making of Ttongsul
Ttongsul is more than just a mix of rice and children’s feces—it’s a cultural enigma. Its origins trace back to the Joseon Dynasty, where it was revered as a medicinal wine said to cure tumors, strengthen muscles, and even ward off evil spirits.
The production process is so intricate it feels like the work of a sewage enthusiast. The main ingredient is feces from children aged 4 to 7, believed to be less pungent and purer than adult waste. To ensure safety, the children are given deworming medication beforehand.
The feces are fermented in water for 24 hours, then mixed with glutinous rice, yeast, and other ingredients. The mixture is sealed under blankets and fermented at 30-37°C, simulating a miniature septic tank.
The true test of success is the moment the bottle is opened, releasing a smell so potent it could disorient even the most determined fly.
Ttongsul’s Cultural Role
Despite most Koreans cringing at the mention of Ttongsul, it holds a unique place in certain subcultures. It’s not just a medicinal wine but a ritual, a challenge for the brave. Some believe it purifies the soul and cures modern ailments like anxiety, insomnia, and even male impotence.
As one Ttongsul enthusiast put it: “Ttongsul is like fine wine—sip, don’t gulp. The first taste is painful, but the aftertaste brings a sense of spiritual loss.”
Its effects are equally intense. Some describe the initial flavor as sweet rice wine, but the aftertaste feels like being chased by a haunting memory. If you’ve ever encountered a taste you’d rather forget, Ttongsul ensures it lingers in every corner of your mouth.
Ttongsul in Modern Times
Ttongsul has largely faded from mainstream Korean bars, becoming more of a forgotten legend. However, it occasionally resurfaces in documentaries and bizarre food challenges, serving as a cultural relic and a symbol of tradition.
In recent years, Korea’s fascination with feces has taken other forms, such as poop-shaped chocolates that have become popular souvenirs. Historically, Korean kings’ health was assessed through their feces, and modern museums even feature sculptures of famous figures like Buddha, Jesus, and Eve sitting on toilets, symbolizing cultural fusion.
As one journalist tearfully remarked after trying Ttongsul: “Before drinking it, you think life has many challenges. After drinking it, you realize the real challenge has just begun—and life, as you knew it, is over.”
