Seoul

Seoul's craft beer scene has transformed over the past decade from a small cluster of expat-oriented bars in Itaewon into a city-wide movement with venues spread across dozens of neighbourhoods. Itaewon remains the historic heartland, with Craftworks Taphouse, Magpie Brewing and a string of specialist bars drawing both locals and visitors. But the real energy in recent years has shifted to Euljiro — a former industrial district whose neon-lit alleyways and repurposed workshop spaces have become one of Seoul's most exciting after-dark destinations, with craft beer taprooms sitting alongside natural wine bars and pojangmacha street stalls.

Hongdae draws a younger, more student-oriented crowd and has a lively roster of craft spots and microbrewery taprooms. Mapo, Yeonnam-dong and Mangwon-dong each have neighbourhood gems worth seeking out, and Gangnam-side venues cater to a more corporate crowd with solid international selections. Domestic breweries like Magpie, The Booth, Galmegi and Jeju Beer have elevated South Korean craft to a regional standard, and Seoul's bar scene has never had more quality options to choose from. Use this directory to find the best craft beer bars in Seoul by area.