Top Korean Regional Beer Recommendations 2021

Have you ever tried Korean beer? In fact, for the longest time Korean beer has been evaluated as pretty tasteless.

However, in recent years, Korean beers have started to rise in popularity. This was when different beer cans started to appear that were named after a region or tourist destination in Korea. 

Since finding beer named after each region in Korea is unique and the designs of the cans are very eye-catching, it started to attract a lot of attention. 

Most of all, it's loved for the taste and aroma that previous Korean beers didn't have. 

I like to enjoy a can of beer alone at home to wrap up my day. Recently, I started to drink these regional beers in Korea. The designs are very pretty and it also tastes amazing!

So today, I am going to introduce the most popular beers in Korea that were inspired by each region which makes it extra special. 

Seoul Soul Ale
서울 소울 에일

Source: 7brau

Alcohol Content: 5% 

Seoul beer is inspired by the capital of Korea, Seoul. The word Seoul (서울) is beautifully designed at the center of illustrations of its major landmarks. 

It has a strong bitter beer taste without any other flavors added. It's suitable for those who don't like flavored or sweet beer.

Hangang Ale
한강 에일

Source: 7brau

Alcohol Content: 5.2%

The Hangang Ale is named after Hangang, a river that runs through the center of Seoul. One of the most popular things you can do at Hangang Park is to have Chimaek (치맥), which comes from the words chicken (치킨) and maekju (beer · 맥주). 

How great would it be to drink this beer and order some chicken at Hangang Park?

On the packaging, you can see the Gayang Bridge, which is famous for having the most beautiful night view among the bridges at Hangang, and a couple standing side by side. 

The beer has a slightly sweet herbal and orange scent. It's sweet and refreshing, perfect for the summer nights at Hangang.

Namsan Mountain Premium Citra Ale 
남산 에일

Source: KABREW

Alcohol Content:  4.5%

Namsan is a mountain that stands tall in the center of Seoul. On the beer can, Cheonggyecheon, Namsan, and Namsan Tower are beautifully drawn under Namsan. 

It's a refreshing craft beer with a variety of fruits such as lemons, oranges, and passion fruits! There is also azalea flowers, which bloom a lot in Namsam that add a fresh taste.

Gyeongbokgung Royal Pride I.P.A
경복궁

Source: KABREW

Alcohol Content: 4.5%

Gyeongbokgung Palace is where royal families lived in the Joseon Dynasty. It is also one of the most famous tourist destinations in Seoul.

The Gyeongbokgung Palace is beautifully designed on the can.

One of the most popular spots in Gyeongbokgung Palace is Gyeonghoelu. It's famous for its beautiful lotus flowers, so lotus leaf powder is added to this beer! 

It has a slight lotus leaf scent and is quite fruity. It's recommended for those who don't like sweet beer because it does have the strong bitter taste of beer. 

Gwanghwamun Seoulite Ale
광화문

Source: ARK

Alcohol Content: 5.0%

This beer is named after Gwanghwamun Gate, which is referred to as the center of Korea. You can see the Gwanghwamun Gate and the streets that stretch out designed beautifully on the packaging.

The bitter taste reminds me of drinking dark coffee. There's almost no sweetness. Its alcohol content is quite high for a beer, but the aftertaste is very clean and smooth!

Seoul Forest Lager
서울숲 수제 라거

Source: Amazing Brewing Company 

Alcohol Content: 5.3%

This beer is named after Seoul Forest, a park where you can enjoy some nature and greenery in Seoul. The packaging beautifully illustrates the nature of Seoul Forest.

Seoul Forest Lager is getting attention as the best craft lager beer that you can lightly enjoy on a hot summer day. It's light and smooth which I enjoy!

It has a slight pleasant pine needle scent so you feel like you are drinking beer in the woods. Wouldn't it be nice to have this drink while having a picnic in Seoul Forest?

Gangseo Mild Ale
강서 맥주

Source: 7brau

Alcohol Content:  4.6%

Gangseo stands for Gangseo-gu, which is located on the outskirts of Seoul. Along with the night view of Seoul, one of the landmarks of Gangseo-gu, the control tower of Gimpo Aiport is illustrated.

Gangseo beer is famous for its pleasant fruity scent of mango and orange. If you like refreshing drinks, you'll love this beer!

It's great to enjoy after a long day. It's also famous as a drink that's selected for important dinners at the Blue House. 

Jeju Wit Ale
제주 위트 에일

Source: Jeju beer

Alcohol Content: 5.3%

Jeju Wit Ale is named after the beautiful island of Jeju.

The most famous thing on Jeju Island is the Jeju mandarin oranges, which the beer contains. It tastes like a refreshing tangerine! It's a popular choice because it's cooling and sweet.

When I visited Jeju Island a while ago, I also frequently drank this beer there. I often drink it at home now to cherish my memories from Jeju Island. 

Jeju Pellong Ale
제주 펠롱 에일

Source: Jeju beer

Alcohol Content: 5.5%

Jeju Pellong Ale is produced by the same company as Jeju Wit Ale. The word "pellong" (펠롱) is a dialect used in Jeju Island which means "to shine". Just like its name, the beer has a sparkling citrus scent. 

Both of the Jeju Pellong Ale and Jeju Wit Ale's packaging is very pretty. It's said that they were inspired by Hallasan and an eruption of the volcano to depict erupting beer. 

It's a very popular choice for many thanks to its creative design!

Jeju Slice
제주 슬라이스

Source: Jeju beer

Alcohol Content: 4.1%

Jeju Slice is also produced by the same company as Jeju Wit Ale and Jeju Pellong Ale. It's a very refreshing beer that combines passion fruit and tropical fruit. 

It has a low alcohol level of 4.1%, so it's great for those that like to drink light alcohol.

Jeju Baengnokdam Ale
제주 백록담 

Source: GS25

Alcohol Content: 4.3%

Jeju Baengnokdam is a term used to refer to the top of Hallasan, which is the most famous tourist destination on Jeju Island. The package also illustrates symbols of Jeju Island such as  Baengnokdam, Haenyeo, and Dolhareubang. 

This beer is made with Hallabong, a fruit from Jeju Island so it tastes sweet and bitter.

Haeundae Beach Ale
해운대 맥주

Source: Korea Craft Brewery

Alcohol Content: 4.2%

Haeundae is Busan's most popular beach and attracts a huge number of tourists every year. Haeundae Beach Ale is made to fit the concept of drinking beer on the beach in the sun. The package also depicts a couple walking in Haeundae Beach together in summer!

It's a delicious beer with a smooth taste that's perfect to enjoy in the summer on the beach and has a subtle tropical aroma of pineapples. 

If you visit Haeundae Beach, you must drink this beer. 

Seokbinggo Lager Beer
석빙고 라거

Source: Byeol Mac

Alcohol Content: 4.6 %

Seokbinggo is a historical site located in Gyeongju.

It was a warehouse that was used to store ice during the Silla Dynasty. The beer is named after the warehouse so you can feel the coolness of the packaging.

It reduces the bitter and strong scent of beer and it's very refreshing! It's a light drink that you can enjoy to cool yourself on a hot summer day.

Donggung & Wolji IPA 
동궁과 월지

Source: Byeolmac

Alcohol Content: 5.0%

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond are historical sites also located in Gyeongju and was part of the palace complex of ancient Silla. It's famous for its beautiful views at night. This is why the package depicts the nighttime. 

As you can see from the pink shade of the packaging, it is an IPA beer with a peach scent. It also has a slight delicate floral scent that you can enjoy!

Today we looked at different Korean beers that are popular that were inspired by each region. 

Which one are you most excited to try? If you visit Korea, try one of these regional beers. It would be even more memorable to drink the beer at the place you visit!

Don't forget to check out our soju and makgeolli recommendations next!