Beyond Cass: The Top 10 Korean Craft Beers to Drink in 2026
For years, the Korean beer scene was dominated by a couple of macro-lagers. But the game has completely changed. As we head into 2026, South Korea is bursting with innovative microbreweries crafting world-class beers that infuse local ingredients and stories into every pint. From the volcanic bedrock water of Jeju Island to the bustling energy of Seoul, the craft beer revolution is in full swing. Forget what you thought you knew about Korean beer; it’s time to explore the rich, diverse, and exciting flavors that local brewmasters are bottling up. This is your definitive guide to the 10 must-try Korean local beers for 2026.
1. Jeju Pellong Ale (Jeju Beer Company)
Why it’s special: A true icon of the Korean craft scene, Jeju Pellong Ale captures the essence of Jeju Island in a bottle. Brewed with volcanic bedrock water and infused with local citrus zest, it boasts a bright, fruity aroma and a refreshingly crisp finish. The name ‘Pellong’ means ‘to sparkle’ in the Jeju dialect, which perfectly describes its lively carbonation and vibrant character. It’s an incredibly sessionable ale that serves as the perfect introduction to the world of Korean craft beer, balancing approachability with a distinct, memorable flavor that speaks of its origin. This beer is a vacation in a can.
Practical Info: Widely available in convenience stores and supermarkets across Korea. Around 5.5% ABV. Look for the distinctive green and orange can.
Insider Tip: Pair this ale with grilled black pork (Heuk-dwaeji), a Jeju specialty. The beer’s citrus notes cut through the richness of the meat beautifully.
2. Gyeongbokgung Royal Pilsner (Seoul Brewery Co.)
Why it’s special: Inspired by the grandeur of Seoul’s most famous palace, the Gyeongbokgung Royal Pilsner is a masterclass in elegance and refinement. This isn’t your average pilsner; it’s crafted with premium Korean rice, which lends a subtle sweetness and an incredibly smooth, clean body. The brewers use noble hops to provide a delicate floral aroma and a perfectly balanced bitterness. It’s a sophisticated tribute to Korean heritage, offering a crisp, regal drinking experience that feels both traditional and modern. It has quickly become a flagship beer for those seeking a premium taste of Seoul.
Practical Info: Best found at craft beer pubs in Seoul, particularly in the Jongno and Insadong areas. Approximately 5.0% ABV.
Insider Tip: Enjoy a cold pint after a tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Many nearby pubs stock it, offering the perfect way to reflect on the historical surroundings.
3. Haeundae Hazy IPA (Galmegi Brewing)
Why it’s special: Hailing from the coastal city of Busan, Galmegi Brewing’s Haeundae Hazy IPA is as vibrant and energetic as its namesake beach. This is a full-blown juice bomb, packed with tropical fruit notes of mango, pineapple, and passionfruit, thanks to a generous dry-hopping process. It has a soft, pillowy mouthfeel and minimal bitterness, making it a dangerously smooth and enjoyable IPA for haze lovers. It perfectly captures the laid-back, sun-soaked vibe of Busan’s most famous coastline and represents the high-quality IPAs coming out of Korea’s second city.
Practical Info: The best place to try it is at Galmegi’s own taprooms in Busan. Also found in select bottle shops in major cities. Around 6.5% ABV.
Insider Tip: This beer is practically made for seafood. Pair it with fresh hoe (회, Korean-style sashimi) or grilled shellfish at a restaurant along Haeundae or Gwangalli beach.
4. Namsan Sunset Amber Ale (Magpie Brewing)
Why it’s special: Magpie is one of the pioneers of the Seoul craft beer scene, and their Namsan Sunset Amber Ale is a testament to their brewing prowess. This beer is a beautifully balanced ale with a rich amber hue, reminiscent of the sunset view from Namsan Tower. It features a robust malt backbone with notes of caramel and toasted bread, perfectly complemented by a gentle hop bitterness. It’s a comforting, flavorful beer that’s complex enough for seasoned drinkers but still approachable for newcomers. It feels like the quintessential Seoul neighborhood beer—reliable, satisfying, and full of character.
Practical Info: Available on tap at Magpie’s locations in Itaewon and Hongdae. ABV sits around 5.2%.
Insider Tip: Grab a pizza and a pint of this ale at Magpie’s Itaewon branch. It’s a classic Seoul expat and local experience for a reason—the combination is simply perfect.
5. Seorak White Ale (Ark Brewery)
Why it’s special: Inspired by the misty peaks of Seoraksan National Park, this Belgian-style witbier is the ultimate refreshment after a long hike—or just a long day. Ark Brewery’s Seorak White Ale is light-bodied and hazy, with classic notes of coriander and orange peel, but with a unique Korean twist using a hint of local ginger. This adds a subtle, warming spice that elevates it beyond a standard white ale. It’s effervescent, aromatic, and incredibly crisp, making it a popular choice during Korea’s hot and humid summer months. It’s a beer that truly tastes of clean, mountain air.
Practical Info: Found in larger supermarkets like E-mart and Lotte Mart, as well as on tap. Usually around 4.8% ABV.
Insider Tip: Try this beer with spicy Korean food like tteokbokki. The beer’s light sweetness and citrus notes provide a fantastic cooling contrast to the heat.
6. Gangnam Glamour Stout (Korea Craft Brewery)
Why it’s special: This decadent stout is as bold and stylish as the famous district it’s named after. The Gangnam Glamour Stout is a rich, complex beer brewed with dark-roasted malts, Korean coffee beans, and a touch of vanilla. The result is an opulent flavor profile with deep notes of espresso, dark chocolate, and a hint of smoky sweetness. It’s a full-bodied, velvety smooth stout that serves as a perfect dessert beer or a nightcap. It proves that the Korean craft scene isn’t just about light and fruity ales; it can produce dark beers with incredible depth and sophistication.
Practical Info: A more specialized brew, look for it in dedicated bottle shops or at the KCB taproom. It packs a punch at around 7.5% ABV.
Insider Tip: Let this beer warm up slightly before drinking. A few degrees above fridge temperature will open up its complex coffee and chocolate aromas significantly.
7. Incheon Landing Lager (Caligari Brewing)
Why it’s special: Caligari Brewing, based in the port city of Incheon, created this beer as a tribute to the city’s pivotal role in history. The Incheon Landing Lager is an American-style craft lager that is crisp, clean, and exceptionally well-made. It uses a blend of American hops that give it a subtle citrus and piney note, distinguishing it from the mass-market lagers. It’s the perfect ‘gateway’ craft beer for those accustomed to Cass or Hite, offering a familiar lager base but with a much more defined and flavorful character. It’s a victory for accessible, high-quality craft lagers.
Practical Info: Primarily available in Incheon at Caligari’s taprooms, but gaining distribution in Seoul. A sessionable 4.9% ABV.
Insider Tip: Visit their unique ‘Caligari Brewing Circle’ location in Incheon, a multi-story complex with a brewery, pub, and even a cinema, for the full brand experience.
8. Gwangju Democracy Gose (Gwangju Beer Collective)
Why it’s special: This beer is a powerful statement from the heart of Gwangju, a city with a deep history of democratic activism. A traditional German-style Gose, it’s brewed with coriander and sea salt from the nearby coast. This creates a uniquely refreshing beer that is slightly sour, a little salty, and incredibly thirst-quenching. The Gwangju Beer Collective created it to honor the city’s spirit of resilience and progress. It’s a conversation starter and a truly unique flavor profile in the Korean market, appealing to adventurous palates and those who appreciate a drink with a meaningful story.
Practical Info: A niche beer, primarily found in Gwangju’s independent pubs and bars. Typically a low-alcohol beer, around 4.5% ABV.
Insider Tip: This beer’s salty and sour notes make it an amazing companion for fried chicken. The acidity cuts through the grease, cleansing the palate with every sip.
9. DMZ Peace Pale Ale (Pyeonghwa Brewery)
Why it’s special: Brewed in Paju, a city near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the DMZ Peace Pale Ale carries a message of hope. Pyeonghwa Brewery uses locally sourced ingredients, including rice from the Cheorwon plains, an area known for its proximity to the border. This pale ale is perfectly balanced, with a solid malt foundation supporting a bright, floral hop character without being overly bitter. It’s a thoughtful, well-crafted beer that aims to be a symbol of unity and peace. Drinking it feels like supporting a vision for a brighter future on the Korean peninsula, making it more than just a beverage.
Practical Info: Available at the brewery’s taproom in Paju and select craft beer spots that focus on local stories. Around 5.3% ABV.
Insider Tip: Combine a trip to the DMZ with a visit to the Pyeonghwa Brewery for a powerful and poignant day trip from Seoul. It adds a layer of modern cultural context to the history.
10. Andong Mask Dance Weizen (Andong Brewing)
Why it’s special: Celebrating the world-famous Andong Mask Dance Festival, this Hefeweizen is a tribute to deep-rooted Korean culture. Andong Brewing has created a classic German-style wheat beer with prominent notes of banana and clove, derived entirely from the special yeast strain they use. It’s unfiltered, giving it a hazy golden appearance and a full, creamy texture. This beer is smooth, flavorful, and incredibly drinkable, capturing the joyful and festive spirit of the traditional mask dance. It’s a fantastic example of a regional brewery honoring its local heritage through a classic beer style.
Practical Info: Best sourced in Andong and the surrounding Gyeongsangbuk-do province. Look for it during the festival season. Approximately 5.0% ABV.
Insider Tip: The ideal pairing is Andong-jjimdak, the city’s famous braised chicken dish. The beer’s slight sweetness and fruity esters complement the savory, slightly spicy sauce perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I find these Korean craft beers outside of South Korea?
A: It’s still quite rare. Some of the larger brands like Jeju Beer Company have begun exporting to select Asian countries and the US, but most of the smaller breweries on this list are only available locally. It makes discovering them part of the adventure of traveling to Korea!
Q: What are the main Korean commercial beers I should know about?
A: The two giants are Cass and Hite. You will find them everywhere. They are light, crisp American-style lagers and are the standard go-to for meals like Korean BBQ. While they are not craft beers, trying them is part of the quintessential Korean experience.
Q: Are brewery tours popular in Korea?
A: Yes, they are becoming increasingly popular, especially in 2026! Breweries like Korea Craft Brewery (KCB) and Jeju Beer Company offer excellent, well-organized tours in English. Many smaller breweries also welcome visitors to their taprooms, where you can often chat with the brewers themselves.
Q: What is the average price for a pint of Korean craft beer?
A: In a pub or taproom in Seoul, you can expect to pay between ₩8,000 and ₩12,000 for a pint of craft beer. Cans from a convenience store or supermarket are more affordable, typically ranging from ₩3,500 to ₩5,000.
The Korean craft beer scene in 2026 is more dynamic and exciting than ever before. It’s a world of passionate brewers, local ingredients, and incredible stories. So next time you’re in Korea, step away from the green bottles of soju and mass-market lagers, and raise a glass to the independent spirit of Korean craft beer. Geonbae (건배)!
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