Best Korean Craft Beers to Try in 2025

BeerPhobeNerd • September 30, 2025

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Discover the best Korean craft beers in 2025. From Gorilla and Art Monster to The Table Brewing Company and White Crow, explore Korea’s top-rated beers and breweries.

The Boom of Korean Craft Beer

Not long ago, Korea was known mainly for light lagers like Cass, Hite, and OB. But over the last decade, the Korean craft beer revolution has taken hold — with microbreweries popping up in Seoul, Busan, and beyond. In 2025, craft beer is thriving, with Korean brewers winning international awards and experimenting with bold flavors.


If you’re looking for the best Korean craft beers to try right now, here’s your ultimate guide.

The Table Brewing Company (Seoul)
  • Highlights: Known for creativity and balance, The Table Brewing consistently ranks among Korea’s top breweries.
  • Top Beers to Try in 2025:
  • White Night: A crisp Belgian-style witbier brewed with coriander and orange peel.
  • Hazy IPA Series: Rotating releases that rival American and European hazy IPAs.
  • Why It’s Special: Perfectly blends international beer styles with Korean brewing finesse.


The Ranch Brewing (Seoul / Seongsu)
  • Highlights: The Ranch has become a cult favorite, especially for its bold IPAs.
  • Top Beers to Try in 2025:
  • Pacific Ocean IPA: A juicy, West Coast-inspired IPA.
  • Morning Calm (모닝 캄): For hopheads craving more punch.
  • Why It’s Special: Their IPAs are frequently rated as some of the best in Korea.


Turmbrau (Busan)
  • Highlights: Founded by a German brewer, Turmbrau sticks close to authentic European recipes.
  • Top Beers to Try in 2025:
  • Kölsch & Hefeweizen: Classic, refreshing German-style beers.
  • Roggen: A smooth  rye beer that drinks like a Dunkelweizen.
  • Why It’s Special: Great for those who prefer traditional European flavors brewed locally in Korea.


Gorilla Brewing (Busan, Gwangalli)
  • Highlights: One of Busan’s flagship breweries, Gorilla has put the city on Korea’s beer map.
  • Top Beers to Try in 2025:
  • Busan Pale Ale: Refreshing and citrusy, perfect for the beach.
  • Seasonal Sours: Constantly experimenting with fruit-forward, tart brews.
  • Why It’s Special: Combines Busan’s seaside culture with bold, modern brewing.


White Crow Brewing (Seoul / Gyeonggi)
  • Highlights: An up-and-coming brewery gaining praise for unique flavors and barrel-aged releases.
  • Top Beers to Try in 2025:
  • White Crow IPA: Balanced bitterness with tropical fruit notes.
  • Dark Ale Series: Rotating dark beers with roasted coffee and chocolate flavors.
  • Why It’s Special: Innovative small-batch brewer with a loyal following.



Art Monster Brewing (Seoul, multiple taprooms)
  • Highlights: Known for stylish branding and a wide range of beer styles.
  • Top Beers to Try in 2025:
  • Over-the-top Hazy IPA 넘사벽: A flagship beer with bold hop character.
  • Itaewon Freedom: Fruity, refreshing, and perfect for summer.
  • Why It’s Special: Accessible for newcomers while still exciting for craft beer veterans.


Other Top-Rated Korean Craft Beers in 2025

  • Magpie Brewing (Seoul / Jeju): Famous for its Pale Ale and Porter.
  • Wild Wave Brewing (Busan, Haeundae): Known for its Surfing High IPA and sours.
  • Playground Brewery (Gyeonggi-do): Consistently wins awards; standout Imperial Stouts.
  • The Booth (Nationwide): Trendy brewpub chain; Kukmin IPA is a classic.
  • Galmegi Brewing (Busan): One of Korea’s pioneers; try the Vanilla Cream Ale.

Food Pairings: Korean Craft Beer + Local Dishes

  • IPAs → Spicy Korean fried chicken or tteokbokki
  • Sours → Fresh seafood like hoe (sashimi) or grilled clams
  • Stouts/Porters → Korean BBQ (samgyeopsal, galbi)
  • Wheat beers → Light street food like hotteok or mandu


FAQ: Korean Craft Beer in 2025

Is craft beer popular in Korea now?
Yes! Craft beer has exploded in popularity, with breweries across Seoul, Busan, and Jeju attracting locals and tourists alike.


Where can I try these beers in Korea?
Most breweries have taprooms, and many bars in Seoul and Busan now feature local craft beer on draft.


Can I buy Korean craft beer outside of Korea?
A few breweries export small batches, but the best way to experience them is in Korea itself.


From Seoul to Busan, Korea’s breweries are creating beers that rival the best in the world. Whether you’re sipping a Gorilla sour by the beach or enjoying The Ranch’s iconic IPAs in the heart of Seoul, 2025 is the year to dive into Korean craft beer.

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