A Hopped-up Adventure in the Land of the Morning Calm
As I touched down in Seoul, South Korea, the world’s second-largest metro, I was on a mission – to uncover the craft beer scene in this bustling city. Known more for its ubiquitous light lagers and beloved soju, I was determined to find the hidden gems of Korean beer culture.
My journey began in the streets lined with “hofs” – the Korean take on German-style pubs. At first glance, the options seemed bleak, dominated by the familiar brands of Cass and Hite. But I wasn’t about to throw in the towel just yet. Surely, there had to be more to the Seoul beer scene than these mass-produced lagers.
After some digging, I discovered a small shelf of craft brews in a local grocery store – a pale ale and an IPA from the 7brau brewery. Cracking them open back at my hotel, I was met with disappointment. The beers were overly sweet and had a distinct cardboard-like oxidation, likely from sitting on the shelf too long.
Undeterred, I set out again, this time to the Itaewon district, armed with a tip from my trusty guidebook about a local brewpub called Craftworks. As I navigated the winding alleys, I stumbled upon a veritable craft beer oasis. The first stop was The Booth, a cozy establishment adorned with local art and a mantra that perfectly captured the vibe: “Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of beers with a friend.”
Craft Beer Gems in the Itaewon Alleyways
The Booth may have had a limited selection of just four beers on tap, but the American-style pale ale and cream stout were solid enough to lift my spirits. Nearby, a pizza place boasted an impressive array of craft offerings, including an IPA from Lost Coast and a lineup of regionally-made beers from Weizenhaus.
Finally, I tracked down Craftworks, the brewpub that had lured me to this corner of Seoul. As I settled in and perused the menu, I was presented with a sampler flight of seven house beers. While most were lighter, more subdued versions of their American counterparts, one brew stood out – the Moon Bear IPA. Its rich, hoppy profile was a revelation in a sea of tame, palate-pleasing libations.
Just down the street, Magpie Brewing Company offered an even more diverse lineup, including a Belgian-style strong ale and a robust porter – a refreshing departure from the usual suspects. The space had a simple, welcoming vibe, with the clientele spilling out into the lively alleyway, creating a convivial atmosphere.
As I explored further, I stumbled upon The Bottle Shop, a veritable craft beer oasis. Shelves were stocked with an impressive selection of imports, including sought-after brews from Danish powerhouse Mikkeller. But the high price tags were a stark reminder that imported craft beer in Seoul doesn’t come cheap.
The Rise of Korean Craft Beer
Despite the challenges, the craft beer scene in Seoul is undoubtedly on the rise. According to the article, the origins of the Korean craft beer movement can be traced back to 2005, with the opening of the Istmo Brew Pub in the El Congrejo neighborhood. Since then, the scene has blossomed, with the inaugural Micro Brew Fest in 2013 and an expanded roster of 10 breweries by 2014.
One of the driving forces behind this growth is the exposure to international influences. As the article notes, the German-style “hofs” that dot the streets of Seoul are a testament to the lasting impact of the country’s colonial history. And the popularity of American and European craft beers has undoubtedly inspired local brewers to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the Korean beer landscape.
But it’s not just foreign influences shaping the craft beer scene in Seoul. The article highlights the rise of homegrown breweries like Craftworks and Magpie, each putting their own unique spin on classic styles. And with the annual Great Korean Beer Festival showcasing the best of the local and imported craft scene, the future looks bright for beer enthusiasts in the Land of the Morning Calm.
Navigating Seoul’s Craft Beer Landscape
So, what’s a beer lover to do when exploring the craft beer scene in Seoul? Here’s a quick guide to some of the must-visit spots:
| Brewery/Pub | Standout Beers | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| The Booth | American-style Pale Ale, Cream Stout | Cozy, art-filled hangout |
| Craftworks Brewing | Moon Bear IPA | Solid lineup of house beers |
| Magpie Brewing Company | Belgian-style Strong Ale, Porter | Simple, but bustling with locals |
| Beer for Geeks | Mikkeller, To Øl | Impressive, if pricey, selection of imports |
And don’t forget the essential Korean drinking phrases to impress the locals:
- 맥주 (maeg-ju) – Beer
- 건배 (geon-bae) – Cheers
- 마실해야 (ma-sil haeya) – “You must drink” (a three-syllable drinking chant)
- 구징안픽 (co-jing-an-mek) – A shot made with dark cola, soju, and light beer
- 백세주 (baek-se-ju) – A rice wine said to help you live to 100
As I bid farewell to Seoul, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement for the future of craft beer in this dynamic city. What was once a beer landscape dominated by light lagers and soju is now blossoming with innovative breweries, talented local artisans, and a growing community of passionate imbibers.
So, the next time you find yourself in the heart of Korea, be sure to venture off the beaten path and discover the craft beer gems hidden in the alleyways of Seoul. Who knows, you might just stumble upon your new favorite brew.
