Who’s ready for a family friendly beer drinkin weekend South of Seoul style? Grab those kiddos and have a weekend with a little bit of fun for everyone.
About the Craft Brew Scene in South Korea
The craft brew scene here in South Korea is somewhat new, but burgeoning quickly. In the past decade, microbrewing went from illegal to heavily regulated to oh-so-hip, thanks to changing laws and demand from the younger population. So put down the Cass, and enjoy some freshly brewed South Korean craft beer with this beer drinkin weekend South of Seoul itinerary steeped in suds and scenery.
Saturday Morning
First up, head to Sapgyoho Ocean Park. (35-minute drive from Camp Humphreys). Grab yourself a coffee and walk around the fish market. If you’re feeling adventurous, hit the amusement park for a Ferris wheel ride with spectacular views.
Sapgyoholand Theme Park
041-363-4589
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
충남 당진시 신평면 삽교천3길 15
Small, affordable and fun theme park that has been around for ages.
Saturday Lunch at Sunseong Brewery
(30-minute drive from Sapgyoho). This brewery chose quality over quantity when it opened a few months ago. While they only have four beers on tap, they are all delicious. A lot of ex-pats get credit for putting microbrewing on the South Korea map, but this spot is as local as it gets.
Co-owner and brewer, Peter Yoo, grew up in the area and uses local ingredients in all his brews. He will happily give you a tour and talk shop. He tells us his father made Makgeolli (a sparkly rice wine known as “farmer’s drink”), which he also brews alongside his beer. After studying and living in the U.S. for a few decades, coming back to his hometown to carry on a tradition is a sense of pride. You can feel and taste it.
Keep in mind the sample size here is 400 ml, double the usual, so plan accordingly. For lunch, the pork cutlet was delicious and a steal at 7,000 won.
The brewery has a large indoor sipping area upstairs, as well as an outdoor space with plenty of seating, separated into little cabanas with Covid-19 and privacy in mind, a few swings, and a grassy knoll to lounge or run around. Also, dogs are welcome outside. Bring a blanket and/or soccer ball if you have kids in tow.
Sunseong Brewery
041-354-1204
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
충남 당진시 순성면 매실로 394
A local craft brewery service flights and food.
Where to Find a Place to Stay
Drive to Seosan City (designated driver needed, the trip is around 40 minutes) and check into a pension or hotel. Search around Seosan Jungang Lake Park for some added views. Grab dinner at one of the many restaurants, then walk or taxi to Chillhops for a nightcap.
Grabbing Craft Beers and Snacks After Dinner
Chillhops Brewing Co. opened in 2017 with a friendly taproom vibe. The brewery is small, with a handful of tables both inside and out. The food menu consists of snacks only, so definitely eat before you come. Limited edition Australian and New Zealand-style beers are on tap from the head brewer and Aussie, Nick Lennan. They also have a good selection of canned beers from breweries around South Korea, and a large selection on tap, with sample sizes at 200 ml.
Chillhops Brewing
010-9231-8737
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
서울 용산구 녹사평대로40다길
Update: The Chillhops tasting room Closed in Seosan and opened in Itaewon. This is the most exceptional brewery that I have yet found on the Korean peninsula. They do every style well. Their experimentation is varied and well executed. I had 10 beer tastings so far and havent found one I wouldnt have a full pint of. The staff is super passionate and interesting to chat with and they know their craft very well. I cant recommend this place highly enough, but know that its out of the way and the beers are constantly changing. They are an Australian, New Zealand, and Korean rooted Craft brewery that truly is setting the bar high. Youll see them Next Friday at the 13th Beer Tasting at the E-Club though! From the Brewery: A Countryside Batch Brewery located on the very West Coast Side of Korea. A brewery dedicated to bringing modern style beers & supplying throughout Korea with one twist... Beers inspired from back Home - Down Under (Australia & New Zealand). We use the freshest Hops and malts from Down Under giving you the taste of our Homeland. We have house beers and a flagship New Zealand Double IPA (Chur Bro!) but enjoy pushing the boundaries and batch brew as much as we can. Chur!
Sunday Morning, Take it Slow
Enjoy a lazy morning in the hotel. You’ve earned it. (Pro tip: Bring breakfast or grab a few bakery items the night before). Take a late morning stroll through scenic Seosan Jungang Lake Park, and then grab lunch.
Jungang Lake Park
Hangul Address
충남 서산시 호수공원2로 40
A stunning urban lake park with a small walking course and lots of coffee shops.
What to Grab for Lunch
Depending on how yesterday went you could try Haejang-guk (해장국) known as “hangover soup.” It’s touted as a cure all for a night out and consists of dried Napa cabbage, vegetables and meat in a hearty beef broth.
Jamsil Kamjatang Seosan
041-666-0007
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
충남 서산시 호수공원4로 3
These folks open at 10 am
Sunday Afternoon, Go for a Hike
Head to Hwanggeumsan Mountain to hike to Elephant Rock. (35-minute drive). This easy 2-mile walk up the mountain and down to the beach will get your heart racing with both elevation and views. Park near the roundabout at the end of the road and walk away from the beach toward the tree line, where you’ll see a few small restaurants, a café, and people selling various wares. The trail starts here. And it’s a great place to fuel up at the end of your hike before heading home.
Elephant Head Hike
Hangul Address
충청남도 서산시 대산읍 독곶해변길 166
This hike takes up up to the summit of a small mountain and then down to the water where there is a cool rock formation that looks like an elephant’s head.
Join the Pyeongtaek Travelers Group
You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Travelers. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly travelers (most who live in Pyeongtaek, South Korea) sharing their adventure across the country.
Volunteer with South of Seoul
Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content.
Journalist Molly Hayden has worked in the journalism field in Germany and the United States. In 2021 she relocated to South Korea.
As a volunteer Cultural Liason and Content Creator, Ms. Hayden reports on a variety of life & style topics with a focus on families living in rural South Korea.
