30 Top Korean Craft Beer and Breweries

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경기 오산시 오산로 252

Pub CROW:D is a small pub in the Osaek Market in Osan City. The market is the largest market in Gyeonggi-do and has been in operation for hundreds of years. CROW:D is run by Kkamagui Brewing, with both named after the black crows that are famous in Osan. CROW:D typically sells eight Kkamagui brews and two guest beers. The pub is small with only eight tables. The food menu includes a nice charcuterie board, fried chicken, and more.

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경기 수원시 영통구 매영로269번길 61

The atmosphere of Fundamental is very posh and modern–not something that would be typical in the US or Canada. It feels like a date spot or a place to impress a potential client. The ability to see the brewing equipment through a glass wall was impressive AND it was super-cool they were barrel-aging some of their beers. I love the warm and inviting feeling barrels invoke.

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인천 중구 신포로15번길 41

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경기 고양시 일산동구 백마로 504

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경기 고양시 일산서구 이산포길 246-13

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서울 종로구 서순라길 107

This area of Jongno-gu is truly interesting and so much fun. Everywhere you turn you its a repurposed historic building that has been transformed into a themed restaurant, cafe, craft shop, or craft beer hub. We spent 2 days winding in and out of these tiny historical streets and alleys and definitely didnt see it all. Seoul Gypsy is right at the edge of this district, pushed up against a large fortress wall for the Jongmyo Shrine. While we didnt get a chance even scratch the surface on cultural immersion this trip, theres plenty to do with Bukhansan National Park, Changdeokgung Palace, and the National Folk Museum of Korea right nearby (just to name a few). Seoul Gypsy is a tiny little spot that had a short waiting list to get in on a Sunday (about 5 minutes before we got a table). They offer their own brews as well as some guest beers. The staff was very helpful in translating their menu and offering different suggestions based on our tastes. The Gosé was one of the best Ive had in Korea and my wife said the IPA was her favorite shes had in country (Dank, Piney, Floral, but so smooth and refreshing). The Belgian was spot on as well. Every beer was so well done and crushable. They had about 12 taps of their own beers and I believe 9-10 guest bottles. The food all looked very good as we watched beautifully plated dishes pass by us. We opted to try the Fried Tofu with Spicy Chinese Pepper Chili poured over it (from a die-hard meat eater, this dish was mind-blowing). Highly recommend this place and this area if youre looking to make a 1-2 day trip of urban exploration your goal. Cheers!

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서울 영등포구 도림로129길 5-1

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서울 마포구 독막로 311

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서울 중구 을지로 157

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서울 중구 퇴계로18길 2

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서울 마포구 토정로3안길 10

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경기 가평군 상면 청군로 429

Great beer, food, and beer mugs and glasses. We ordered the pilsner and stout

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강원 춘천시 사우로 163

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강원 평창군 방림면 고원로 65

A split menu of four seasonal beers and their flagship four brews offers an excellent variety to showcase their craft and to highlight ingredients grown in the region (sampler flights are available for both!). The water comes from a well drilled on site, providing a crisp, clean slate to build on for both their brewing and the fantastic cooking that comes out of the Brewerys kitchen. Poutine, pizza, and fish and chips are the big 3 to name amongst others, that were each prepared in the finest form many of us have had in a long time, or ever in Korea. Spending hours at this place is too easy, some might say... White Crow has been open since 2019 and has grown in popularity and notoriety quite fast, but is clearly just getting started. They often host events and recently concluded a food-collaboration partnership series which Im sure we will see more events like it soon. If you can only spend a day in this region, make it a long one, but we highly recommend you stay in a hotel or pension nearby - Welli Hilli, Dunnae, and some Camping/Pensions offer you a variety of options to spend the night. The closer to White Crow, the better!

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강원 강릉시 경강로 1961

A budnamu is a willow tree. Budnamu Brewery was founded in Gangneung-si in 2015. The brewery is situated in Gangneung’s oldest makgeolli distillery which creates a comfy atmosphere for those who visit. The dining room has a mixture of high and low ceilings, with wood and brick accents throughout. It is very interesting to observe the architecture and craftsmanship from 70+ years ago. An outdoor seating area is out the side door and provides the opportunity to eat and drink alongside flowers, trees, and a few kittens. Many of Budnamu’s beers have signature local ingredients such as chrysanthemum, pine, and rice. These ingredients blend nicely with the barley and hops and highlight what the local market can add to the beer. Budnamu also has a great food selection. The burgers are big and filled with plenty of toppings. The pizzas are also large, with thin crusts and fresh toppings. In addition to the brewery and dining room in Gangneung, Budnamu also has a pub at the Lake Como mall in Dongtan New City.

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강원 속초시 관광로 418

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충남 당진시 순성면 매실로 394

A local craft brewery service flights and food.

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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!

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대전 서구 계백로1249번안길 62

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전북 전주시 완산구 전라감영3길 12-10

This place is incredible. Jeonju is one of the most interesting and culture-rich cities Ive yet seen. The Hanok Village area feels like a more intimate little brother to the Suwon-Fortress, but with more quirky little winding alleys and so much life. The surrounding area has beautiful misty hills as well. Nomadic Beer Garden is located right at the edge of Hanok Village and has an ultra friendly staff, wonderful array of food on the menu, and a constantly rotating line-up of exceptional and truly unique craft beers. Cannot recommend this city and this brewery enough. Hidden gems for sure.

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경북 안동시 문화광장길 16-7

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대구 중구 동덕로14길 47

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경북 경주시 보문로 465-67

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부산 수영구 광남로 125

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부산 수영구 광남로 58

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부산 해운대구 해운대로 1244

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부산 해운대구 송정중앙로5번길 106-1

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제주 제주시 동회천1길 23

In Korean culture and folklore, the magpie bird is a symbol of good fortune. After subscribing to its name, Magpie Brewing Co. also achieved great fortune by becoming one of the most recognized craft beer companies in Korea. The can art is simple, modern, and easily discernable from the crowd. Great choice in logo and colors--black and silver with a simple bird and large Korean font providing the type of beer that lies within.

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