Korean Job Discussion Forums

smartwentcrazy · Joined: 26 Feb 2009

I'll be heading to Korea in a month or so, and I'm curious to know what types of alcohol are hard to find or expensive in Korea so I can just bring a couple bottles with me from the States. From what I understand, you're allowed to transport a certain amount of alcohol from the States to Korea, does anyone know the exact limit? I was thinking of grabbing me some Grey Goose, Maker's Mark, and Petron Silver.. Any input is appreciated!

gakduki · Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:29 pm Post subject:

Ice wine or fine rum. Any nice bottle of wine for that matter.

Grey goose is a marketing gimmick, there are better vodkas for a quarter of the price. I'm not sure about the other two.
Whiskey can be found everywhere here for a reasonable price, not all types can be found.
If you mix your liquor and don't drink it straight up, there is something called Soju, its dirt cheap. And typically you can only bring a litre over, maybe 2.

redhed · Joined: 05 Nov 2008

Good bourbon.........they've got beam everywhere, but no good bourbon.

Forward Observer · Joined: 13 Jan 2009 Location: FOB Gloria

Redbreast Irish whiskey. I have never seen it here.

bixlerscott · Joined: 27 Sep 2006 Location: Near Wonju, South Korea

Cognac. You can get it, but it's very pricey. No $28 bottles of Courvoisier.
Western bar serving many types of drinks like in the West. You can go to a Wa Bar or other ice bar such as the Sante Fe, but it's not cheap. There's also a few microbreweries.
Fat Tire amber ale has been absent and unaccounted for.

Drinking is not cheap unless it's Korean beer and soju.

michim30 · Joined: 17 Mar 2009

I'm also also visiting Korea in a month and I'm also thinking of bringing a bottle of wine (as present for a couple). Any suggestions?

I'm not familiar with the choices that the OP posted...

Paul Ajosshi · Joined: 02 Aug 2009

Have to agree with gakduki about the rum. It's impossible to find any dark rum over here. I've been searching for years with no luck. How I long for Captain Morgan's friendly face...

lifeinkorea · Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Location: somewhere in China

Is getting alcohol someone doesn't have access to the best gift? How do you know they will like it?

morrisonhotel · Joined: 18 Jul 2009 Location: Gyeonggi-do

Is beer in casks available?

Daegudavid · Joined: 08 Jun 2009

I went to Home Plus (Daegu) today and loaded up on Rum. The Korean Rum Diary needs fuel.

$7 a bottle... That's 7 x more expensive than the Philippines, but still not a bad price.

Moldy Rutabaga · Joined: 01 Jul 2003 Location: Ansan, Korea

I'm assuming the booze is for you and not gifts for Koreans. If a variety is difficult to find here, that is usually because Koreans don't like it! I like a shot of tequila once in a while, and it can be found here but it's pricey. But you will laugh when you see how cheap gin is here, and Gintonic is a popular drink.

Ken:>

rumdiary · Joined: 05 Jun 2006

OP
You should just list what you're thinking about bringing over and let people tell you if it's available.

TK421 · Joined: 05 Aug 2009

is Jagermeister easy to find?

captain kirk · Joined: 29 Jan 2003

A poster here couldn't find Captain Morgan rum. It's at the Namdeumun Market, underground, in the grey market booths.

If you're looking for a variety of booze that's a place to go.

Of rums I've only seen Bacardi and Captain Morgan (and some cheaper stuff). No dark rum like Myers, etc.

No absinthe in Korea, either.

Koreans are big on booze, however, are big boozers.

Crockpot2001 · Joined: 01 Jul 2007