Korean Job Discussion Forums

[wanderkind]

Tasty beer came up in another thread, but I think it deserves it's own.

I've basically only tried Hite, Cass, and OB in Korea. And, as I think people agree, they're not...overwhelming.

But I've heard about a few craft brewing companies in Noksapyeong, and I'm sure there must be more elsewhere.

Anyone able to make some recommendations / share info about brews to try around Seoul?
I think I'll make an afternoon of it the next time I head in.

*Yes, I realize Googling would probably furnish me with useful information, and I'm going to, but when possible I like to seek input from the community.

[joeteacher]

Magpie is hands down my favorite beer, located in the HBC/Kyungidan area. However, the last time I was there, my buddy and I were one of the only weygookins there. The young hip Koreans have caught onto it. I pray that doesn't mean the quality will go down. Also, if it gets too crowded, you can go play some ping pong at the bar next door (forget the name). I'm interested if any other craft beer pubs have popped up. I don't go to that area often.

[bobbyhanlon]

Yes, there's Magpie, but also in Gyungridan there's Craftworks, and The Booth. Craftworks also has bars in Pangyo and Euljiro, Booth has Itaewon proper, Bangbae, Gangnam, and Haeundae. Also in Itaewon, there's Reilly's Taphouse. And there's the Oktoberfest chain, which isn't so great but at least is better than Cass/Hite.

[SeoulNate]

Other than the places already mentioned, all of which are in the 이태원 area, there is a new place in 혜화 that just opened up called McDucks Taphouse. The food is pretty good and he's got a good selection of craft beers in there, they don't brew any of their own though.

Also, Phillies has most of the better beers from Craftworks and magpies on tap which a much better crowd IMO.

I've also been brewing my own, which has gone surprising well so far.

[jazzmaster]

The best places in the HBC/Itaewon area have been mentioned. There are a couple of points you may be interested in.
The craft beers available and made in Korea are made by Ka-Brew. That includes Craftworks, Magpie, and Booth. Due to the increased popularity of craft beers, Ka-Brew are struggling to keep up with demand. This means that Magpie often only has one locally made beer available. Add to this the fact that the place is often too busy to get a seat, then you need to start looking at different options.
The same is the case with Craftworks and HBC Booth, which is usually way too busy. For these places it's best to go to their other locations.
Reilly's Taphouse is great, but the beer is seriously overpriced and can be found elsewhere at a far lower price.
You can also find many places all over Seoul that sell the generic Ka-Brew beers, but the price often varies by up to 2,000won. Plus none of the beers are as good as Bill's Pale Ale (from the Booth) or the Bukhansan Pale Ale (Craftworks).
My advice is to head to a different branch of Booth or Craftworks, outside of HBC.

SeoulNate - what beers does McDucks have on offer?

[Stan Rogers]

Soon there will be a craft beer bar on every corner. The secret is out on that niche. I look forward to the cut throat competition that Koreans will bring to the game. It'll drive down prices, and then I will buy their beer. Right now the prices are too high and the bars too crowded to make the experience enjoyable.

[jdog2050]

[wanderkind]

[Hokie21]

[SeoulNate]

[Hokie21]

[optik404]

There's a placed called Beegers in Hongdae. They brew their own stuff. The burgers aren't bad, my bottom bun was a bit soggy but taste wise pretty good. Skip the wings.

[wishfullthinkng]

can someone please for the love of god make a proper stout here in korea. i will buy it by the case loads.

i'm talking the 15% abv rich delicious stouts like goose island bourbon stout or brooklyn brewery black ops and none of this guinness nonsense.

i implore you microbrewers of korea. stop with the weak stouts and porters and show koreans what a real dark beer is like.

[furtakk]

[joeteacher]