25 Nov
I will be the first to admit that I am a huge fan of craft beer! As a beer lover, Korea has been an amazing place to eat and drink my way through, full of cozy pubs to full-scale breweries. Whether I’m unwinding with friends or checking out a new spot, the variety of beers and vibes is truly unmatched- even compared to the scene I’m used to in Toronto. In this post, I’ll take you through some of my favorite craft beer spots in Korea—from my go-to bar in Euljiro, to a cozy pizza-and-beer joint in Hongdae, and even a few breweries.
Magpie Brewing Co.
Magpie Brewing Co. in Seoul’s Euljiro area is my top recommendation! It’s my go-to bar for a relaxed, indie vibe that’s open late on weekdays. Magpie is known for their creative beers, including a flagship pale ale and seasonal brews. My favorite is The Ghost, which is a tangy sour made with coriander seed and Jeju tangerine peel. If you get the chance, I also recommend visiting their original brewery on Jeju island which should be part of your Jeju vacation itinerary.
Spill Out
Spill Out is owned by three Americans who are bringing a cozy, home-roots feeling to the local scene. I love this spot because I can enjoy an IPA along with their delicious, freshly made pizzas. They offer a wide selection of beers, from American pours like the Guayabera Citra Ale to more unique Korean flavors. Whether you’re looking for a night out with friends or a casual date spot, Spill Out’s flavorful menu makes it a must-visit.
Goose Island Brewhouse
This craft beer spot is located in Gangnam but offers a slice of Chicago’s beer culture in Seoul. Goose Island Brewhouse has an impressive selection of their signature beers like the Big Juicy Bear Hug IPA and their Full Pocket Pilsner which are brewed on-site. My favorite thing on tap is their award-winning Mango Pang Pang. I recommend ordering the wings along with your beer because they are some of the best and biggest wings I’ve had in Korea!
Budnamu Brewery
This brewery was founded in Gangneung in 2015. Budnamu is in Gangneung’s oldest makgeolli distillery which gives a really cool atmosphere and makes for a fun evening of trying out different drinks. I went to this brewery during my summer vacation and loved that they had a huge outdoor seating area so that we could eat and drink alongside flowers, trees, and a few local cats that stopped by to visit! Many of Budnamu’s beers use signature local ingredients such as chrysanthemum, pine, and rice. Another cool feature of Budnamu is that they have big glass windows into the brew rooms so you can watch the distilling process while you eat and drink.
Craftworks Taphouse
Craftworks is located in Itaewon and is a cornerstone of Seoul’s craft beer scene. Craftworks is known for their creative beers named after iconic Korean landmarks, like the Hallasan Hefeweizen and Jirisan IPA. I prefer the Jirisan because it’s a bit lighter and drier, but everything I have tried so far on their menu is good! They even have a sampler flight so you can try multiple beers. Craftworks offers a relaxed atmosphere with a rotating tap list so there’s always something new to try. If you’re looking for some hair-of-the-dog on a weekend, Craftworks is a great place to checkout because they offer five types of eggs benedict. I go here for Sunday brunch and never regret it!
Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or just starting to explore craft brews, I think that any of these spots are the perfect entry into the Korean scene. So grab a pint and enjoy everything that Korea’s craft beer community has to offer!
Michelle Duquette, Marketing Assistant
Michelle Duquette is from Toronto, Canada and moved to South Korea in 2015. She has a Bachelors in English literature and a Masters in ESL Education. Michelle has taught at Creverse campuses in Gangneung, Songpa, and Mokdong and currently works as a CDI and April Trainer. Michelle never set out to be a teacher but fell in love with Korean culture and the excitement of being in the classroom. Michelle lives in Seoul with her partner and two cats, Cherry and Frost.