If you've been putting off a trip to South Korea because their beer scene sucks, this article could be for you: http://www.slate.com/articles/news_...zantine_liquor_laws_to_create_a_thriving.html
No, there's nothing wrong with South Korea but much like Moldova, Luxembourg, and North Dakota, it's not topping many lists of "Best Places to Vacation" or "Travel Destinations of the Year." Yes, I'm sure Seoul is an amazing place but the majority of people in the US would probably see Beijing or Tokyo over Seoul.
Don't believe the hype, South Korea is still a beer desert, and probably the only country in the world that can get away with charging $47 for a stubby of Chimay Blue. The worst craft beer I've ever had was from Korea. There will never be a scene there.
Haha, you have it in for Moldova, Luxembourg and North Dakota too?? I'd definitely rather vacation in Seoul than in dirty Beijing.
But unless you're a fire fighter or work for the CDC, where else can you acceptably look cool wearing a gas mask?
Despite the maturity of their scene and what it may or may not be in terms of quality right now, ANYTHING has to be better than OB and Hite.
I lived in Seoul for a year about 7 years back. There were always a couple oasis for ex-pats, but for the most part we were getting loaded off on Hite, Max, or Cass. I returned for vacation a couple months ago to find that their were many more spots to go to. I went to a decent brewery in Itewan and a great beer bar in Busan. My friend, who is Korean, told me that the few big breweries have fought very hard to keep other brewers out of the country. Overall, I would never to go S. Korea on a beer vacation. I mainly go because I love the food, friends, and culture. I did bring back a bottle of N. Korean bamboo liquor from the DMZ which is now one of my prize possessions
Over forty countries and it was one of my least favourite. Russia won bottom spot. I'd love to try a North Korean beer.
