Looking for a home away from home with fantastic, award-winning craft beer in Korea? Then you need to head to White Crow in Pyeongchang-gun, about a 20-minute drive from Dunnae KTX Station and 15 minutes from WelliHilli. Visit here often, and you might just find yourself tapping into beers and a rich community. My Lens on this Recommendation When you are a tourist, you have different priorities than when you live in a place. At South of Seoul, we help international residents find spots that make Korea home. That’s why I’m always on my soapbox about visiting White Crow in Pyeongchang (평창군), Gangwon-do. It’s where we connect with other people who love craft beers, hiking, cycling, skiing, gardening, and so much more. We’ve met new friends all across Korea while hanging out at this wonderful establishment. That’s why we think it’s one of the best breweries in Korea. How We Found White Crow We first learned about White Crow during several weeks of online research, which involved documenting breweries outside of Seoul. We were searching 수제맥주 on Naver platforms and found the brewery briefly referenced on Korean blogs. However, we thought, “When would we ever go to that part of Gangwon-do?” Then, a few months after our initial research, Osan Craft Beer Club shared their post on South of Seoul titled 3 Brewery Travel Itinerary for Gangwondo. After reading the piece, we realized the White Crow was actually located near a snowboarding area so we decide to check it out. After that first visit, our time at White Crow snowballed into us spending the majority of our free time in Gangwon-do. Easy Going Mountain Vibes When you’re looking for a peaceful place to unwind, White Crow delivers. That’s one reason we keep going back. The rural brewery offers creative and complex craft beer flights surrounded by stunning views in a picturesque Gangwon-do valley. I feel my stress fall off as soon as we pull into the parking lot. I relax even more when I walk inside. As someone from Alaska, the Canadian mood makes me feel right at home. I don’t say this lightly. As a chronically overproductive person, it’s one of the few places I can truly relax. Commitment to Collaboration The White Crow owners not only have a passion for craft beer, but they also hold a commitment to collaboration, and that leads to a strong community. White Crow consistently works with other breweries on delicious beers and collaborates with cycling groups, hiking groups, and other community leaders to bring people together. Their work keeps us all engaged and coming back for more events, new beers, and interesting people. Each time we attend one of these collaborations, we leave with new friends and a deeper sense of community. About the Brewing Here is what I know about their beers. White Crow Brewing uses ultra-pure water drawn from 220 meters underground in the Pyeongchang mountains, a fact I love. They then carefully combine selected malts and hops with local and imported ingredients depending on the season. They follow this all up with a meticulous brewing process that I’m not an expert in, but they would be happy to tell you about. Some of White Crows past signature brews have included (remember these changes so check their Naver Maps Menu for current offerings): Pyeongchang Gold (ABV 5.2%, IBU 20), a smooth golden ale with hints of orange; Altitude Amber (5.3%, IBU 25), with biscuit and caramel notes; and Gorani Brown (6.5%, IBU 30), a rich brown ale with dark chocolate and coffee flavors that earned a silver medal at the Asia Beer Championship. Their seasonal and experimental lineup includes the White Crow IPA (6.5%, IBU ~40), known for its bright tropical and citrus notes; Booster Double IPA (8%, IBU 60) with bold hop intensity; and Birdsong (4.7%, IBU 15), a delicate ale infused with subtle Earl Grey tea aromas. Every brew reflects the founders’ passion for quality, creativity, and collaboration. Keep in mind, White Crow Brewing creates small batches, so their beers change by season and ingredient availability. I love this because I am not a beer aficionado, but I might be a beer snob. I have only ever drunk craft beer, and I want to try something new all the time. Wonderful Food Of course, White Crow Brewery doesn’t just have some of the best award-winning craft beer in Korea, the food also never lets us down. We love going for the BBQ, pizzas, and poutine. This is the kind of food we need after a day of snowboarding or hiking in the nearby mountains. Additionally, it’s the perfect food pairing for the beer. Dog Friendly White Crow owners and staff often have dogs that come to work with them. They also welcome visiting dogs of all sizes that are polite and friendly. In the summer, they have both inside and shaded outside space for sitting and eating with your pets. Do keep in mind that if other guests have a fear of dogs, you may need to wait until they finish or eat in the outside area out of consideration. We also bring a soft kennel for our dog so she can take a nap next to us if anyone doesn’t love dogs on a day we visit. Why We Keep Going Back As international residents in South Korea, we all need third places. Third places are spots where we can meet people who share the same interests and goals. We find that at White Crow. It’s a place that helps us build a sense of place and belonging. We Rarely Drink, and We Still LOVE White Crow What might surprise you is that we don’t drink much. We love trying new beers, but we do a sampler, and we are finished. White Crow Brewery makes space for everyone. You can feel comfortable bringing your kids, your dog (as long as no other customers are disturbed), your drinking friends, and your non-drinking friends. We often only get food because we need to drive long distances afterward. It’s still worth a stop every single time. Long List of Craft Beer Awards If you do drink, you will be VERY happy with your choice to visit White Crow because they are passionate about their work. They have competed and won at the Korea International Beer Awards, Asia Beer Championship, and the Korea Beer Wine and Spirits Awards. Award-winning Craft Beers: 2025 Awards 2024 Awards 2023 Awards 2021 Awards 2020 Awards 2019 Awards Where To find White Crow Brewery We look forward to seeing you there! Follow Osan Craft Beer Club Join Pyeongtaek Craft Beer Society Join Pyeongtaek Travelers Lanae Rivers-Woods, MAITLanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert. Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities. Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea. Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea. When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains. www.southofseoul.net

The post Award Winning Craft Beer in Korea at White Crow appeared first on South of Seoul.

Updated 2025: Looking for fabulous pubs or sports bars in Pyeongtaek-si? Pyeongtaek-si international residents voted these delicious businesses the best in town. In addition, the pubs and sports bars listed in this post are well-reviewed by the community in the South of Seoul app and in our Pyeongtaek Food and Fun Facebook group (be sure to join!). About Pyeongtaek, South Korea First of all, these locations for Pubs or Sports Bars exist in Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Feel free to skip this section if you live in Pyeongtaek or know about the area. Pyeongtaek-si is located in the southern portion of the Gyeonggi-do province. This large administrative district includes many different communities and cities including two US military installations: Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Base. In this blog post, South of Seoul provides addresses and phone numbers for each restaurant recommendation. we recommend using this information in either Naver Maps or Kakao Maps or Kakao Maps for the best results. We never encourage the use of either Google or WAZE within South Korea. About Pubs A pub, short for “public house,” is a type of establishment that serves alcoholic beverages, particularly beer. In addition, it often provides a place for people to socialize and relax. The social aspect of pub life also makes them a large part of ex-pat life globally as they provide a place to make new friends. Pubs are common in many countries worldwide, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and Canada. Additionally, they are typically small, informal establishments decorated with wooden furniture, old pictures and signs, and other traditional or nostalgic decors. Such decor creates a cozy feeling where ex-pats from western countries can feel at home and ease their feelings of culture shock. Pubs often serve a variety of beers, wines, and cocktails. Also, they may offer a menu of food items such as sandwiches, pub snacks, and meals. In addition to serving drinks and food, pubs may offer live music or other entertainment, such as darts, pool, or trivia nights. Many people enjoy visiting pubs to relax, socialize, and enjoy a casual atmosphere with friends. About Sports Bars Sports bars are similar to pubs in that they serve alcoholic beverages and provide a space for people to socialize and relax. However, sports bars differ from pubs in that they are specifically designed to cater to sports fans. Also, they often have several televisions showing different sporting events. Sports bars may also have a greater emphasis on food. They may offer a broader range of menu items, including traditional pub fare and more substantial meals. In addition to providing a wide selection of drinks and food, sports bars may also have several games and activities available. You may find pool tables, dart boards, and other forms of entertainment. Sports bars are popular places to gather to watch live sporting events, particularly major tournaments or matches involving popular teams. The Reason Ex-pats Love Pubs & Sports Bars Many ex-pats enjoy going to pubs because they provide a sense of community and familiarity in a new and often unfamiliar environment. Pubs are also often social gathering places where people can relax, drink, and engage in conversation. They can be a good place for ex-pats to meet new people and make connections, especially if they are living in a country where they do not have a strong social network. Also, pubs often have a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. This can be comforting for ex-pats who may feel homesick or isolated in a new place. Types of Food Served at Pubs and Sports Bars Pubs and sports bars typically serve a variety of food items, including traditional pub fare such as sandwiches, burgers, and other simple dishes. In addition, some pubs may offer more substantial meals, such as roasts, stews, and other hearty dishes that are popular in the local area. Many pubs also offer a range of snacks and appetizers, such as chips (also known as French fries), nuts, and pickled eggs. In addition to serving food, pubs may also offer a selection of non-alcoholic beverages, such as soft drinks, tea, and coffee. Pubs in different countries or regions may serve different types of food, depending on local culinary traditions and preferences. For example, pubs in the United Kingdom may serve traditional British dishes such as fish and chips, bangers and mash, and pies. In contrast, pubs in Australia might offer more diverse menu items such as burgers, sandwiches, and seafood. Overall, the types of food served in pubs can vary widely depending on the location and the specific establishment. In South Korea, many pub menus include popular items like burgers or fries topped with local ingredients like egg, kimchi, or gochujang sauces. Try all the local combinations to see if you find something fun and new to love. Additionally, the food may substitute like local bacon styles, bread types, or meat variations due to the availability or cost of imported ingredients. About the Pyeongtaek Top 5 Pubs or Sports Bars The Top 5 Picks come from the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll. The Best of Pyeongtaek Poll is managed by South of Seoul and sponsored by SOS SEC. The English language poll takes place once a year and tracks the favorite posts of English-speaking ex-pats living in the multicultural city. The following locations were voted to be the top 5 pubs or sports bars in Pyeongtaek. Join Pyeongtaek Food & Fun You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly Pyeongtaek international residents makes moving to Pyeongtaek easier. With so many different voices and opinions, it is always refreshing to see everyone’s adventures in our local community. Additionally, the shared posts introduce our community to new places and old places that can feel new all over again. Leave Reviews in the South of Seoul App We would love to hear your feedback for each of these spots on the South of Seoul app!! If you have been to the top 5 pubs or sports bars in Pyeongtaek, let folks know the specifics of what you love and what didn’t quite meet your needs. South of SeoulFounded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences. www.southofseoul.net

The post Top 5 Pubs or Sports Bars in Pyeongtaek appeared first on South of Seoul.

Over 100 people will attend the first co-hosted Craft Beer Pop-up event by the Pyeongtaek Craft Beer Society and Osan Craft Beer Club on November 11, 2022. Let’s take a look at the event and why I’m so excited. Plus, tips on how you can still come to get some Nomadic Beer if you didn’t get a ticket! Nomadic Brewing Interview After Event Update: The event was amazing! Kimchi Rednecks did a lovely interview with the Nomadic at the pop-up event watch it here: The Pop-up Highlights Community Dooley Pet’s Riverrun Café in western Pyeongtaek will host Pyeongtaek’s premiere beer-tasting event. Osan Craft Beer Club, based in Songtan, and Pyeongtaek Craft Beer Society, based at Camp Humphreys, are hosting this event as a fundraiser for Homeward Bound, a no-kill animal shelter on Osan AB.  I am super excited to be a part of this event because it promises to be a great time and the event represents a lot of good things about Pyeongtaek. The Nomadic Brewing Pop-up Saves Animals The first goodness coming from the Nomadic Brewing Pop up will be a direct donation to Homeward Bound. Homeward Bound has been around for 11 years and provides compassionate care to and finding loving homes for the relinquished and unclaimed animals of Osan AB and USAG Humphreys. You can find more information regarding Homeward Bound at their website: https://www.homewardboundosan.org/. They are always in need of volunteers. The Nomadic Brewing Pop-up Has Great Beer The second thing I look forward to is the beer. And this is not ordinary beer. The head brewer from Nomadic Brewing Company, based in Jeonju, will be bringing his finest beers to this event. He hasn’t told us which beers he will bring, but every Nomadic beer I have tasted has been delicious. These beers are very balanced and often have very delicate flavors that are best tasted with the brewer guiding you through the experience. Check out their sites below for more. The Nomadic Brewing Pop-up Brings Us Together Finally, the reason I love craft beer is also the best thing to come from the Nomadic Brewing Pop-Up. The best craft beers are not crafted to make money nor to get us drunk, but rather to provide an excuse to gather on a Friday afternoon, to enable us to meet new people and experience new places and flavors, and to support this thing we call the craft beer community. This community is not a formal thing, but it is the group of independent brewers, their families, the pubs and distributors who choose good beer, and consumers like us. OCBC and PCBS are helping to grow this community here in Pyeongtaek and even across Korea. OCBC and PCBS have introduced craft beers to several bars in Songtan and Anjeong-ri. We have organized day trips and overnight trips to Seoul, Osan, Dongtan, Suwon, Jeonju, Pyeongchang, Gangnueng, Ulsan, and Busan.  We haven’t done this without assistance. The sponsors for this pop-up event have made generous donations and are also tireless supporters of craft beer and the community in Pyeongtaek. Please find them and thank them and support their endeavors too. Where is the Event The event will be held at a new coffee shop, just west of Camp Humphreys. Dooley Pet’s Riverrun Café is nicely situated on the bank of the Anseong River and has easy access to the walking trail along the river. Even if you can’t make it out on the 11th, this is a great place to stop off at during a drive in the country or a bike or stroll along the river. Pets and children are welcome! Do I have to Have a Ticket to Attend? You do not have to have a ticket to come for beers. Tickets allow others to enter the raffle, get discounts on beers, get a free shirt, and discounts on drinks. However, if you don’t have a ticket you can still get beers for regular price and enjoy time with a great group of people. Event Timeline If you don’t have tickets, join us after 15:00! Pop-Up Sponsors 11 Nov Pop-up Event Sponsors (and craft beer community supporters): Follow Osan Craft Beer Club Join Pyeongtaek Craft Beer Society Michael Brown, MBA and Founder Osan Craft Beer ClubMike Brown retired from the Air Force, holds a Master’s in Business Administration, and is a co-founder of the Osan Craft Beer Club. Mr. Brown worked as a Korean language analyst and translator and currently lives with his family in South Korea. As a leader of the Osan Craft Beer Club, Mike Brown brings together casual beer lovers and advanced craft connoisseurs to share knowledge of the craft beer industry in South Korea. Additionally, he works with breweries, distributors, and the community to support and promote the growing craft beer scene across South Korea. www.facebook.com/groups/545864773526672/

The post Nomadic Brewing Pop-up SOLD OUT! appeared first on South of Seoul.

Want to know more about Nomadic Brewing, the featured brewery at Pyeongtaek Craft Beer Society (PCBC) and Osan Craft Beer Club (OCBC) upcoming Pop-up at Riverun Cafe in Pyeongtaek, South Korea? Get to know them in the following blog. Nomadic Brewing Interview After Even Post Update: Kimchi Rednecks interviewed Nomadic Brewing a the Craft Beer Pop-up! Check out the event video here! Nomadic Brewing Pop-up at Riverun Cafe November 11th, 2022 – PCBS adn OCBC will host a Nomadic Brewing pop-up and Fun Run at Riverrun Cafe in Pyeongtaek-si. The ticketed event will benefit the Homeward Bound Osan Animal Shelter. The event will include both a fun run and beer tasting popup at one of Pyeongtaek-si’s epic river view cafes. Purchase tickets for the Craft Beer Pop-up through either PCBC, OCBC, or Cosmic Cat Donuts in Songtan or Paengseong. Thank you to South of Seoul as well as other local businesses such as FedMedi, Shuttle Food Delivery, Tailgate, AWOL, Chicken & Beer Pub, Carrot Mart 2, and Loft33 for their support for the Craft Beer Pop-up and bringing Nomadic Brewing to Pyeongtaek-si. About Nomadic Brewing Nomadic Brewing Co. is an independently owned and operated brewery located in southwestern South Korea in the city of Jeonju.  The brewery’s motto, “Balanced beer, balanced life,” feels evident in all aspects of Nomadic:  they make the beer with local ingredients whenever possible, the food menu includes varied, unique, and healthy options, and the pubs are only open five days a week to allow the staff to recharge. The Founder The owner and head brewer, John, is from arguably the best state in America, Michigan. John formally studied brewing in Chicago, IL, and Munich, Germany, at the World Brewing Academy. His focus on his craft is evident in the high-quality and balanced flavors of his beers. Nomadic typically offers five signature beers and upwards of ten seasonal brews. Nomadic has a very limited distribution area, and it is virtually impossible to find Nomadic beers in Pyeongtaek. Current Nomadic Beers Some of Nomadic’s beers include:  Nomadic Brewery Locations Nomadic’s brewery is in Jeonju along with its two pubs. One pub, the Beer Temple, is collocated with the brewery, while the Beer Garden is conveniently situated in the historic Hanok Village. The Hanok Village is the largest collection of traditional homes in Korea. It is a destination that requires a day or two to experience all that is offered. Guests can even stay in a Hanok room overnight, and many fine restaurants also occupy traditional Hanok structures.  Nomadic Brewing in South of Seoul Blogs Nomadic Brewing has also been mentioned in the following South of Seoul posts. Follow Osan Craft Beer Club Join Pyeongtaek Craft Beer Society Join Pyeongtaek Travelers Michael Brown, MBA and Founder Osan Craft Beer ClubMike Brown retired from the Air Force, holds a Master’s in Business Administration, and is a co-founder of the Osan Craft Beer Club. Mr. Brown worked as a Korean language analyst and translator and currently lives with his family in South Korea. As a leader of the Osan Craft Beer Club, Mike Brown brings together casual beer lovers and advanced craft connoisseurs to share knowledge of the craft beer industry in South Korea. Additionally, he works with breweries, distributors, and the community to support and promote the growing craft beer scene across South Korea. www.facebook.com/groups/545864773526672/

The post Nomadic Brewing PSCS Craft Beer Pop-up appeared first on South of Seoul.

Each year we get many requests for pumpkin beer options around the time the weather starts to chill. Here are a few beers to try in 2022. About Pumpkin Beer in South Korea Pumpkin pie is a very traditional North American dessert but can be hard to find here in Korea. But in Korea’s beer scene, several breweries are offering pumpkin beer. Supplies will be limited. When Do Breweries Have Pumpkin Beer? Each year, these small-batch pumpkin beers start hitting pubs around mid-October but this may change each year. Start checking brewery announcements around the first or second week of October. Alecrew – Jolla Pumpkin A brewery in Seoul but this beer is available in Songtan at Concept Kitchen Budnamu 2022 Halloween Pumpkin Ale Budnamu brewery in Gangneung with a pub in Dongtan Beervana Pumpkin Pie Amber Ale Beervana has a pub in Seoul – this beer tastes exactly like a pumpkin pie XS Pumpkin Ale A brew pub in Incheon I am sure there are more out there. Please post if you find pumpkin beer. Best Korean Craft Beer Spots for Fall Looking for more than Pumpkin Beer? Want to know the best breweries for fall enjoying the fall colors in South Korea? Then read our post Best Korean Craft Beer Spots for Fall and enjoy brews and leaves in the best places. Follow Us On Facebook Follow Osan Craft Beer Club or The Pyeongtaek Craft Beer Society for more news about beer in Pyeongtaek. Who are we? We are craft beer lovers who live and work in South Korea. You can learn more about craft beer in Korea by joining or following us on Facebook or Instagram. Learn more below! Osan Craft Beer Club A social group at and near Osan AB. OCBC tries to meet weekly and loves exploring local and distant beer destinations. Follow the OSBC Instagram Pyeongtaek Craft Beer Society A social group in Pyeongtaek and near USAG Humphreys. PCBS loves to sample local and import beers and post descriptive descriptions of these beers. Michael Brown, MBA and Founder Osan Craft Beer ClubMike Brown retired from the Air Force, holds a Master’s in Business Administration, and is a co-founder of the Osan Craft Beer Club. Mr. Brown worked as a Korean language analyst and translator and currently lives with his family in South Korea. As a leader of the Osan Craft Beer Club, Mike Brown brings together casual beer lovers and advanced craft connoisseurs to share knowledge of the craft beer industry in South Korea. Additionally, he works with breweries, distributors, and the community to support and promote the growing craft beer scene across South Korea. www.facebook.com/groups/545864773526672/

The post Pumpkin Craft Beer in South Korea appeared first on South of Seoul.

Finally! Finally, I think I am rested and recovered from the epic weekend that was the Osan Night Beer Festival (야맥주축제) also known as the Osan Craft Beer Festival. The Experience I was fortunate enough to be able to visit the festival on all three days. Friday, I hung out with friends, drank a lot of beer, and then chilled with a few brewers into the wee hours of the morning. Saturday, I explored more of the festival, helped White Crow pour beer, and had dinner with an unexpected guest. Sunday, more pouring beer with White Crow, packing up, and then chilling over lamb and soju with more brewers. The Beer The beers…wow…so many of them! Many were good, while a few were either unique or delicious. The most unique and tasty beer was the Pumpkin Pie Amber Ale from Beervana. It tasted just like a pumpkin pie. The Pumpkin Ale from X/S was also good, but in a more traditional beer fashion. The gose from Andong was really good, as was the black lime beer from The Ranch. All four of White Crows beers, the kiwi wheat (and I hate wheats), tropical sour, DIPA, and buckwheat/coffee/maple porter were top shelf. The Brewers Hanging with the brewers and experiencing the intimate community they have created was a ton of fun. Thank you to the brewers: White Crow, Kkamakui, The Ranch, The Whot, Suncheon, and Chillhops. I will relish these memories. But even more fun was sharing beers with customers…guiding them through selecting a beer, seeing their reaction, and then persuading them to try another was a very rewarding experience. The Social Buzz You can learn even more about this amazing festival by checking out some of the great coverage on local social media accounts in the Osan and Pyeongtaek areas. Stay Tuned for the Next Osan Craft Beer Festival The next Osan Craft Beer Festival should be in May. Stay tuned to Osan Craft Beer Club and The Pyeongtaek Craft Beer Society for updates. I hope to see you there! Who are we? We are craft beer lovers who live and work in South Korea. You can learn more about craft beer in Korea by joining or following us on Facebook or Instagram. Learn more below! You can find more Osan Craft Beer Club articles on the South of Seoul blog. Osan Craft Beer Club A social group at and near Osan AB. OCBC tries to meet weekly and loves exploring local and distant beer destinations. Follow the OSBC Instagram Michael Brown, MBA and Founder Osan Craft Beer ClubMike Brown retired from the Air Force, holds a Master’s in Business Administration, and is a co-founder of the Osan Craft Beer Club. Mr. Brown worked as a Korean language analyst and translator and currently lives with his family in South Korea. As a leader of the Osan Craft Beer Club, Mike Brown brings together casual beer lovers and advanced craft connoisseurs to share knowledge of the craft beer industry in South Korea. Additionally, he works with breweries, distributors, and the community to support and promote the growing craft beer scene across South Korea. www.facebook.com/groups/545864773526672/

The post Osan Craft Beer Festival 2022 Recap appeared first on South of Seoul.

Enjoy the fall locations for Korean craft beer. In this post, we share the best places for fall colors and cool brews. Autumn in South Korea Autumn is the best season in Korea. The season is marked by pleasant weather with high clouds and low pollution. The rice fields and other crops will be harvested, and families will celebrate Chuseok. Then the trees will begin to change color. Gingko trees will drop their pungent fruit and then turn a bright yellow. Maples will follow with colors ranging from orange to red. Oaks and chestnuts will also drop their nuts and leaves. Before we know it, only the pine trees will remain in color, which means winter and snow are right around the corner. Korean Fall Craft Beers Spots What is a beer lover supposed to do in autumn in Korea? Where should one go to enjoy the season and some tasty brews? Osan Craft Beer Club (OCBC) and Pyeongtaek Craft Beer Society (PCBS) have compiled a few suggestions. Please add any of your own suggestions to this post and be sure to check out both of our groups on Facebook and Instagram. Links are provided later. Let’s start in the north since fall colors will begin to appear north of Seoul and in Gangwon-do in mid-September. After that, we will work our way South. That’s right, this blog includes locations across South Korea and not only Seoul or Busan. Please note leaf color dates are estimates…we are all patiently waiting for the leaf people to release this year’s fall color schedule. Each year a new fall foliage map gets released and you will want to cross-reference the dates in this post with the estimated dates based on current weather. In addition to sharing what craft beer locations to visit in the fall, we will also mention nearby attractions so that you can mix and match your travel plans with your craft beer plans. Sokcho, Gangwon-do This is the premier spot for autumn hiking and color exploration, but it is also the first area to change colors and is extremely busy, especially on weekends. Follow the Craftroot Instagram Follow the Mont Beer Instagram Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do The White Crow brewery is, in my opinion, one of the best breweries in the country and is situated in a beautiful valley, surrounded by trees and farmland. It is quiet and has wide open spaces for kids, adults, and pets to frolic. And the beer is outstanding. Be sure to try the fall version of Freebird and the new Chillhops collab. Follow the White Crow Brewing Instagram Gapyeong-si, Gyeonggi-do This location is the closest to Seoul and is home to several small attractions and one large brewery. Follow the Kraemer Lee Instagram Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do This destination will scratch your history itch for fall colors, history, and amazing craft beer. Gyeongju is home to many historic structures, tombs, and museums. It is also nestled between some mountains and has excellent, open views. Follow the Whasoo Brewery Instagram Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do This southernmost destination will start its colors later but will have the most gingko trees. Be sure to explore the Hanok Village. Do it while wearing rented hanbok for a fun day. Food and snacks in the village are tasty and the Nomadic beers are handcrafted, hard to find anywhere else in Korea, and very good. Follow the Nomadic Brewing Instagram Follow the Nomadic Beer Garden in Hanok Village on Instagram Kimchi Rednecks Interview with Nomadic Brewing Who are we? We are craft beer lovers who live and work in South Korea. You can learn more about craft beer in Korea by joining or following us on Facebook or Instagram. Learn more below! Osan Craft Beer Club A social group at and near Osan AB. OCBC tries to meet weekly and loves exploring local and distant beer destinations. Follow the OSBC Instagram Pyeongtaek Craft Beer Society A social group in Pyeongtaek and near USAG Humphreys. PCBS loves to sample local and import beers and post descriptive descriptions of these beers. Michael Brown, MBA and Founder Osan Craft Beer ClubMike Brown retired from the Air Force, holds a Master’s in Business Administration, and is a co-founder of the Osan Craft Beer Club. Mr. Brown worked as a Korean language analyst and translator and currently lives with his family in South Korea. As a leader of the Osan Craft Beer Club, Mike Brown brings together casual beer lovers and advanced craft connoisseurs to share knowledge of the craft beer industry in South Korea. Additionally, he works with breweries, distributors, and the community to support and promote the growing craft beer scene across South Korea. www.facebook.com/groups/545864773526672/

The post Best Korean Craft Beer Spots for Fall appeared first on South of Seoul.

Looking for the 30 top Korean craft beer and brewery adventures. You have come to the right place. South of Seoul’s “Korean Craft Beer and Breweries” Adventure Map takes you across Korea on a flavor adventure. Click here to jump straight to the list. About Craft Beer in South Korea The craft beer scene began to take root and grow in Korea within the last decade. That means Craft Beer remains a small and developing aspect of Korean life. Exploring this new industry takes you to some of the most beautiful areas of Korea and introduces you to new flavors and ideas. Since we know that Craft Beer enthusiasts love detail and information, we recommend reading the following articles. The information will fuel your passion and give you plenty to talk about with strangers over your next pint or tasting flight. Korean Craft Beer Travel Itineraries South of Seoul, Osan Craft Beer Club, and Pyeongtaek Craft Beer Society members and volunteers create craft beer itineraries. Here are a few to help you get started on your Korean Craft Beer Adventure Map plans. South of Seoul volunteers will continue to add to the Korean Craft Beer Travel Itineraries each year! The Craft Beer and Breweries Adventure Map List You can track your craft beer adventures with the Korean Craft Beer & Breweries Adventure Map available for sale within South Korea. Pyeongtaek-si Osan-si Suwon-si Incheon Goyang-si Seoul Gapyeong Gangwondo Chungcheonnamdo Daejeon Jeonju Andong Daegu Gyeongju Busan Jeju Follow Osan Craft Beer Club Join Pyeongtaek Craft Beer Society Join Pyeongtaek Travelers South of SeoulFounded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences. www.southofseoul.net

The post 30 Top Korean Craft Beer and Breweries appeared first on South of Seoul.

Highly recommend craft beer at Elephant and Castle in Suwon, South Korea. Fun to visit with friends and with family.

The post PCBS Craft Beer at Elephant and Castle in Suwon appeared first on South of Seoul.

What is the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll? South of Seoul is proud to host the 5th Annual Best of Pyeongtaek Poll in celebration of our delicious and delightful community. The South of Seoul volunteer organization has supported ex-pats living outside of Seoul since 2015. The South of Seoul (SOS) volunteers and manage multiple Facebook groups, the South of Seoul Facebook page, South of Seoul blog, and South of Seoul smartphone app. In 2021 the South of Seoul volunteers also launched the SOS Public Health which researches and distributes information to support the physical and mental health of expats in Korea. Our volunteers adore this rich life we live south of Seoul and feel honored to help new arrivals discover the hidden magic it holds. Pyeongtaek is a rewarding mix of city life and country life which can make it a challenge for new arrivals. However, with a little information like the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll Winners list, Pyeongtaek-si can be a delightful place for new arrivals and long-term international residents alike. How did the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll change in 2021? For 2021 we added a few new categories and withdrew a few categories in order to respond to the changes caused by the global pandemic and shifts in information. Since SOS volunteers stay closely connected with the community, each year we adjust the categories to reflect what is happening right now. This means each year the poll is a little different. Specifically in 2021, South of Seoul decided to split the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll into two different polls. The Best of Pyeongtaek winter poll focuses now on food and beverage hotspots while the summer poll will focus on lifestyle and health and coordinated by the SOS Public Health Program. Who votes in the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll? The South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek poll is open to the public. We make every feasible effort to reach outside the South of Seoul community into the communities around us to gain an authentic insight into the preferences of English-speaking international residents in Pyeongtaek. SOS volunteers feel confirmation bias does not serve the greater good, so we seek opinions outside of our own sphere of influence. We want the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll to hold accurate information whether that information matches our belief or not. South of Seoul volunteers want to meet the authentic needs of the community and the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll provides us with the insight we need by reflecting on the opinions of others. That said, nothing about this poll is scientific. It is for fun and for community development. We try to level the playing field by leaving the poll open for two weeks so that community members can vote once a day and deeply support the people and businesses they love. Over 250 people participated in the poll in 2019 and over 350 individuals cast votes in 2021. What did you learn from the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll in 2021? When reviewing the responses to The Best of Pyeongtaek 2021 poll we found that English-speaking residents’ comfort zone in Pyeongtaek has expanded! This trend started in 2018 and has continued to grow when we saw more international residents voting for businesses outside of Paenseong and Sinjangdong. In 2021, a variety of businesses located far from US military bases won Best of Pyeongtaek. Each year more votes are cast for businesses that 1) aren’t English dominant or 2) located outside of the Songtan/Shinjang or Paengseong areas. That’s right! English speakers are moving about the different neighborhoods of Pyeongtaek more every year! International residents now enjoy more of the magic Pyeongtaek has to offer. This growing trend makes our South of Seoul hearts very happy. In 2021, we learned that South of Seoul continues to be a leader in information in Pyeongtaek. Our Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group has been a powerhouse of information with the community that allows us all to come together to support people every single day. The hard work of each member of Pyeongtaek Food & Fun has driven the group to become one of the most influential places for ex-pats to gather information.  We want to congratulate the SOS Technology Development Volunteers for continuing to build the South of Seoul app. We never imagined a volunteer-built app could compete in Pyeongtaek with giants like Naver, Kakao, Google, and Facebook. South of Seoul 2.0 is under development and will hopefully be available in the first quarter of 2021. Enough talking, time to get down to business. *drum roll please* We are proud to announce the amazing, hard-working, talented winners of The Best of Pyeongtaek 2020. Go visit them all! PYEONGTAEK’S BEST NEIGHBORHOOD SOSABEOL Offers the Best Experience for Date Night, Hanging Out, and Families One of the most common questions we in the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun group get is, “Where can we go on a date?” or “Where can I go that’s family-friendly?” So we decided to put it to a vote and the winning neighborhood is Sosabeol, Bijeondong! Every year since the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll started, Sosabeol has been the date night choice of English-speaking residents of Pyeongtaek. Past Awards: PYEONGTAEK’S BEST RESTAURANT WINNERS IN 2021 Best International Grilled Meat: BRAAI REPUBLIC Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) Braai Republic offers heaping plates of South African comfort food including grilled lamb, ribs, chicken, and more. Braai Republic also has a location in Seoul. In addition to their BBQ, we also recommend their hearty and filling meat pies. Braai Republic’s Past Awards: Support This Business Best Pub / Sports Bar: TAILGATE TAVERN Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) Tailgate Tavern has been a popular spot for beer and burger enthusiasts. It’s not surprising with their many TVs, large menu, and solid beer selection. With seating for 100, Tailgate is an excellent space for large groups. Plus, drum roll please, parking! Tailgate also does catering for large events in-house and off-site. This is their second year winning Best Pub or Sports Bar. Tailgate‘s Other Awards: Support This Business: Best Sandwich Shop: EPHPHATHA Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) For the third year in a row, the sandwich shop with the impossible name-Ephphatha- has won over Pyeongtaek hearts with their hearty and delicious Philly cheese-steaks. A well-deserved win by this hardworking couple. Sandwich shops keep opening in the area, but Ephphatha has held on and kept up the great work. In 2020 they also began offering the first burger in Pyeongtaek served on a homemade pretzel bun. Ephphatha’s Past Awards: Support This Business Best American BBQ Restaurant: JP’S BBQ Neighborhoods: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong and Sinjang (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base and Osan Air Force Base) JP’s BBQ has been working hard to bring authentic USA-style smoked meat to Pyeongtaek for years and that work has paid off! He started out working the pink carts in Songtan that grew into a popular catering company. In 2018, the husband and wife team opened their own storefront in Paengseong, and in 2019 they opened a second location in Songtan/Sinjang-dong. Last year they won for Best BBQ Sandwich and best brisket. In 2020, they swept all non-Korean BBQ categories. In 2020 JP’s BBQ also went out of its way to support US troops by providing meals to soldiers and their families in quarantine. JP’s Other Awards: Support This Business Best Korean Galbi Restaurant: HWA HWA and MYEONGNYU AYCE (Tie) Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) Hwa Hwa has been a Paengseong institution for as long as we can remember. It was recently remodeled and offers Korean BBQ and sides that lean toward the western taste. It’s the perfect spot to get used to this delicious new way of eating. Once you have tried them, keep trying as many other BBQ joints as you can. The choices are limitless. In 2020 Hwa Hwa supported US troops by providing meals to soldiers and their families in quarantine and packaging their tasty BBQ for take-out so that the local community could continue to enjoy their food at home. HWA HWA’S Other Awards: Support This Business Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) Myeongnyu AYCE is another popular galbi restaurant in South Korea that recently opened a new location in Paengseong. The location became a big hit with the English-speaking community in 2021 earning them their first Best of Pyeongtaek award. Support This Business Best Korean BBQ Restaurant: ARIRANG Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) Arirang has been around for many years. The location offers delicious Korean BBQ and side dishes near gorgeous cafes. It makes it the perfect spot for families, couples, and companies. The location also offers plenty of parking huge tables and private rooms. This is Arirang’s first Best of Pyeongtaek win. They greatly deserve it since they are popular with both Korean and English speaking residents. Support This Business Best Fried Chicken: BRUXIE CHICKEN AND WAFFLES Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Sinjang-dong (Near Osan Air Force Base) Bruxie has two locations. One location is in Paengseong and the original location is in Sinjang. The brand originated in California and opened locations in Pyeongtaek recently. Their savory fusion fried chicken mixes American comfort food with a Korean twist. You can find both sandwiches and plates that will remind you of home with a Korean twist. The perfect meal for hungry days. This Bruxie Chicken and Waffles’ first Best of Pyeongtaek win. Support This Business Best Family Restaurant: THE RED ONION Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) This is The Red Onion’s first win in the Best of Pyeongtaek Family Restaurant category. Red Onion’s recent remodel and expansive menu which offers something for everyone pushed them to the top of the list in 2021. The Big Bite’s Past Awards: Support This Business Best NOT Fried Chicken: SOUS VIDE CHICKEN PUB Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Sosabeol Sous Vide Chicken Pub has a unique and interesting menu. They even have a giant chicken dish that gets set on fire. It’s hard to compete with a restaurant that offers delicious and exciting food along with a nice assortment of beers, including some they brew themselves. Additionally, Sous Vide Chicken Pub is located in Sosabeol which has been winning awards as the Best Pyeongtaek Neighborhood for date nights, family fun and hanging out since 2017. This is Sous Vide Chicken Pub’s first Best of Pyeongtaek win. Sous Vide Chicken Pub Other Awards: Support This Business Best Italian: DEL VINO Winner 2 Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Pyeongtaek-dong (Near AK Plaza) Del Vino is one of Pyeongtaek’s longest-running Italian Restaurants. Located about a 5-minute walk from Pyeongtaek Station, Del Vino offers an open concept kitchen and a romantic atmosphere. The menu features steak, pasta, stone over pizza, and a substantial wine list.  This is Del Vino’s first Best of Pyeongtaek win. Support This Business Best South American Restaurant: CEVICHE 210 Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Sinjang-dong (Near Osan Air Force Base) When you think Pyeongtaek you probably don’t think “What an amazing place for Peruvian food!”… but you should. The best of the bunch is hands down, Ceviche 210. It’s a show-stopper. It’s hard to pick a favorite dish on their menu because it’s all friggen delicious. Their green sauce is a legend all its own. Ceviche 210 also offers stunning off-site catering for your events. They often cater events for the Peruvian embassy in Seoul. Ceviche 210’s Past Awards: Support This Business Best Filipino Restaurant: ALICE’S FILIPINO CUISINE Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) In Pyeongtaek-so, we have been blessed with a plethora of Filipino options and Alice’s Filipino has been voted the best. It has a great location near Camp Humphreys and offers very affordable meal sets. This is the perfect cuisine for those who don’t like spicy food. Next time you need some lumpia or chicken adobo, you know where to go. Next year this category will be packed! Even more Filipino restaurants are opening each month and SOS volunteers love it! Alice’s Filipino’s Past Awards: Support This Business Best Thai Restaurant: TASTE of THAILAND Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army...

The post Best of Pyeongtaek Poll 2021 Winners appeared first on South of Seoul.