The preferred Best Korean beer for Koreans to unwind after a hard day, have a quick drink with friends or simply quench their thirst after a dish of spicy tteokbokki is beer, or “maekju” as it is known in the language. To put things in perspective, the average adult Korean drinks about 83 bottles of beer a year. That’s a cold, foamy beverage that’s served around twice a week.

Here’s something to consider before we get started. When we refer to someone as “Korea” or “Korean,” we mean South Korea. The Korean peninsula is home to North Korea and South Korea, as you are well aware. We actually can’t include the former on our list because of their isolation from the outside world and the fact that we don’t know what kind of beer they enjoy if they ever drink any at all.

Some of the Main streamed Best Korean Beer Brands are

• Cass: A widely available beer that’s not particularly fantastic.
• Kloud: Another common choice, but not exceptional.
• Hite: A well-known brand, but its taste is debatable.
• Terra: A newer addition to the scene.
• Max: A mainstream option with average quality.
• OB: One of the key players in the Korean beer market.

Here are some budget Korean beer brands

• FiLite: An affordable option.
• FilGood: Another budget-friendly choice.
• Cafri: A beer that won’t break the bank.

Some Korean craft beer brands

• Jeju Wit Ale: A craft beer from Jeju Island.
• Gompyo Beer: Unique and flavorful.
• Gwangwhamun Beer: Named after a historic area in Seoul.
• Gyeongbokbung Beer: Inspired by the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace.
• Hanok Village Ale: A nod to traditional Korean architecture.
• Malpyo: Crafted with care.
• Y 블랙 IPL: A dark and intriguing beer.
• Jin Lager: A refreshing lager.
• Buldak Beer: Spicy and bold.

What is Korean beer?

Korean beer refers to “Maekju,” the basic Korean word for beer, which implies “beer,” the English word. It is an alcoholic beverage trendy amongst locals and visitors. Some popular Korean beer brands are Cass, OB, Hite, Max, and Kloud. Koreans choose to serve these ice-cold beers to accompany the tasty and spicy Korean food. They generally tend to have a dramatic cooling effect.

However, makgeolli and soju, two fermented rice-based alcoholic drinks (rice beers) with significant cultural importance now share the role of Korean beer. These Korean rice beers have recently become the foreground of social gatherings and are available everywhere in pubs, restaurants, and convenience stores nationwide.

What is the best Korean beer?

Some well-known or most popular Korean beer brands are Hite, Cass, and OB.

Having learned the guidelines, enjoy these five well-known Korean beer brands:

The best Korean beers are below, let’s discuss them in detail.

• Cafri
• Kloud
• OB Golden Lager
• CASS
• HITE

5. Cafri: Oriental Brewery Co., LTD.

• Style Type: Light Lager
• Percentage of alcohol content: 4.2%
• Flavors: malt and lemon

Lagers are one area in which Oriental Brewery shines. They also demonstrate their ability to craft quality light lagers with Cafri. Cafri, which was founded in 1995, is a staple in many South Korean bars and liquor stores

This best Korean beer is malt-forward. It tastes malty and has a gritty scent. But there is a subtle citrusy/lemon flavor hidden in the sea of malty richness.

4. Kloud Original Gravity: Lotte Liquor 

• Style type: German Pilsner
• Percentage of alcohol content: 5%
• Flavors: Malt, Honey, Grass notes

It takes a unique pilsner like Kloud Original Gravity to be introduced and instantly popular. This beer in Korean was introduced in 2014 and is currently ranked among the top five most consumed beers in Korea.  With this golden pilsner, what can you anticipate? Its scent hits you hard at first, bready and malty. In terms of flavor, it has a sweet beginning and a little bitter end.

3. OB Golden Lager: The Oriental Brewing Co., LTD. 

• Style type: European Pale Lager
• Percentage of alcohol content: 4.5%
• Flavors: Earthy Hops, Malt

One of the oldest beers in South Korea is OB Golden Lager. This Korean beer was established in 1948. OB Golden Lager has endured through conflict and battle. OB Korean beer proudly holds a place among the top three beers in popularity on the Korean peninsula today. Crisp flavor and a light body characterize OB Golden Lager. Your mustache will undoubtedly bear the scar of its white head.

2. Cass Fresh: Oriental Brewery Co. LTD.

• Style type: American Adjunct Lager
• Percentage of alcohol content: 5.5%
• Flavors: Malt, Grass

Ladies and gentlemen, Oriental Brewery maintains its hold on the top three with yet another victory. This time, they’re offering Cass Fresh (Korean beer), a 1995-released American adjunct beer. With its crisp flavor and reviving aftertaste, it effectively quenches thirst. You should have this drink around when you watch Korean baseball.

1. Hite: HiteBrewing Company LTD.

• Style type: European Pale Lager
• Percentage of alcohol content: 4.5%
• Flavors: citrus and malt

Additionally, Hite Korean beer from Hite Brewing Company LTD is the most well-liked beer in Korea. You see, Hite Brewing Company wasn’t the original name of this brewery. Chosun Beer Corporation was its original name when it was founded in 1933.

Furthermore, Hite beer wasn’t made until 1993. Here’s a secret: Hite wasn’t even the beer’s original name until 1998. It is a moniker, Hite beer has become into South Korea’s most well-liked beer. Korean beer Hite tastes great and is very popular.

What is Soju? Is it a Beer?

Soju is a Korean beverage usually distilled from grains or rice, soju is a transparent, neutral alcohol. Soju can be created from rice, it is not a “rice wine.” Like vodka, soju undergoes distillation, although its alcohol content is only approximately half as high.

Around half of vodka’s ABV, or 20 to 25%, is considered the sweet spot for soju, while great soju can have an ABV as low as 17% or as high as 45%.

Soju is not exactly a beer it contains more calories per serving compared to beer. Soju can be used in a range of cocktails. Some of the Soju drink brands are Jinro 24 Soju, Jinro Chamisul Classic Soju, Jinro Ilpoom Premium Soju.

Is Korean beer strong?

Korean beer is not as strong and has a milder flavor but Soju is approximately four times stronger than most of the beers. Three bottles can make you loaded but it depends on individuals, how they consume it and what is the level or tolerance.

What is Soju made from (what is Korean beer made of)?

While starchy components like sweet potatoes or tapioca can also be used to make soju, fermented grains like wheat, barley, and rice are the predominant sources. Soju is also available from maize, grapes, Korean plums, or even pine needles—like Dam Soul Pine soju.

What is the difference between soju and beer?

Soju doesn’t taste like a beer, Soju tastes like a Vodka or Sake. Sake is typically dryer than soju, which is usually sweeter. The primary distinction between the two is the production method: soju is distilled like vodka, while sake is fermented and brewed like beer. Sake usually contains less alcohol than soju. The taste of Soju drinks varies and depends on the ingredients. Soju is stronger than a beer.

How Soju and beer should be mixed?

The essence of Somaek lies in its blend of soju, a potent Korean spirit akin to vodka, and maekju, the Korean term for beer. While the exact proportions are left to the concoction maker, a commonly recommended blend of 30% soju and 70% beer is excellent.

Is the taste of Korean soju drinks the same as that of beer?

Beer does not taste like soju. It tastes a lot more like a weakened sake or vodka. The taste of soju can differ significantly depending on the brand and components. We usually always purchase a couple of bottles of soju during work dinners or outings with Korean friends, even though I’m not a big soju drinker.

How many shots of soju get you drunk?

Depending on your preference, five to seven shots is about one soju bottle’s worth on average. But you wouldn’t finish one bottle if you were drinking with buddies, right? If you drink two, you could become inebriated as soon as you finish the second bottle.

Would you like three or four soju bottles? In addition to the “unpleasant feeling” of a soju hangover, you could potentially pass out and have no memory the next day.

Shots :

As previously said, obtaining intoxication may require five to seven soju shots. However, if you have a poor tolerance to alcohol, you might get tipsy after four to five soju shots (or half bottles), and if your body can handle more alcohol, you might get tipsy after six to seven shots.

Bottles :

Half a bottle of soju is approximately four to five shots, while a full bottle is about six to seven. Depending on how the alcohol interacts with your body, this quantity may get you intoxicated.

What beer store would I find Korean beer in? 

Your best hope for getting a large selection of foreign beers is Premier Gourmet on Maple Road. You can get Hite, Cass, and other popular Korean beer brands.

What are the most popular imported beer brands in South Korea?

The beer market in South Korea is expanding, with a wide variety of international beer brands accessible. In South Korea, some of the most well-known foreign beer brands are:

• Heineken: Popular among residents and foreigners, Heineken is a widely accessible Dutch beer brand in South Korea.
• Stella Artois: Stella Artois is a smooth-tasting Belgian beer brand that has grown in popularity in South Korea.
• Hoegaarden: Another famous Belgian beer brand among South Korean enthusiasts is Hoegaarden, renowned for its crisp flavor.
• Asahi: In recent years, South Korea has seen a rise in the popularity of the Japanese beer brand Asahi.
• Guinness: Known for its rich, dark flavor, Guinness is an Irish beer brand becoming increasingly popular in South Korea.
• Other well-known international beer brands in South Korea include Carlsberg, Corona, and Budweiser.

How much does a bottle of soju cost in Korea?

A bottle of Soju (Korean rice beer) can cost different amounts in Korea based on its size, brand, and location. At a convenience store or supermarket, a 375 ml bottle of well-known brands Soju beer like Jinro or Chum Churum usually costs between 1,500 and 2,000 Korean won (between 1.25 and 1.75 USD). Premium brands or larger bottles of Korean rice beer could be more expensive.

It’s important to remember that in addition to these variables, soju prices could also be affected by import duties, taxes, and applicable discounts or promotions. In addition, since markup is applied at restaurants and bars to cover other costs, such as service, the price may be more excellent there.

Soju drinks may be more reasonably priced in Korea than other forms of alcohol, although this is dependent on several variables.

Would Makku beer be gluten-free?

Yes, Makku beer can be gluten-free If uses rice, nuruk (a traditional fermentation starter), and water that gives Makku a cleaner and simpler taste. Lactic acid bacteria provide it with a smooth mouthfeel and somewhat acidic flavor character. At 6% alcohol by volume (ABV), it is usually a little on the sweet side.

Is Terra a Korean beer?

Indeed, beer from Korea. Crafted in South Korea, Korean beer Terra is a crisp and clean pale lager made using barley grown in Australia’s Golden Triangle region. Terra is Korea’s most widely consumed beer due to its crisp and refreshing flavor. A light and fluffy beer goes with your saucy appetizer.

To purchase alcohol, a valid ID and an age of 21 are required. Beyond just a drink, terra Korean beer serves as a link to treasured moments and encounters.

What type of beer is Cass Korean beer?

Because of its distinct and crunchy flavor, Cass Fresh is the most popular beer in Korea. Cass Beer Korean is a light beer designed for easy drinking. Technically speaking, it is also an adjunct lager because it is made with hops instead of malt and less malt in the flavor of corn starch. Cass Beer, 330 ml, 4.5% ABV. It’s been described as having a slight soju kick, being light and fresh.