4 Best Brewery Tours And Tastings In Seoul

Exploring Seoul’s brewery scene reveals fascinating insights into Korean drinking traditions. Top spots include the well-organized Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery, where self-guided tours let you move at your own pace. We especially love the expert-led Chunpoong Brewery Tour – their sommelier shares incredible knowledge about rare makgeolli varieties you won’t find elsewhere. For hands-on experience, try the brewing workshops in Hyehwa or central Seoul. These practical classes teach you traditional fermentation methods while letting you create your own makgeolli to take home. Let’s look at our favorite brewery experiences in Seoul.

Key Points

• Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery offers a self-guided tour with high traveler ratings, including two makgeolli tastings, located near Yaksu Station.
• Chunpoong Brewery Tour provides an immersive 50-minute experience led by a Korean liquor sommelier, featuring tastings of at least 5 curated Korean alcohols.
• Makgeolli Brewing Class in Hyehwa, Seoul, focuses on fermentation techniques, history, and hands-on brewing, with the option to take home an ingredient kit or freshly made makgeolli.
• Learn and Craft Makgeolli in a Traditional Brewery is a 2-hour class led by a certified Traditional Korean alcohol sommelier, covering theory, history, and hands-on brewing techniques.
• Brewery tours in Seoul offer unique insights into Korean drinking culture, with limited group sizes ensuring personalized experiences and intimate settings.

Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Visitor Ticket

For a self-guided tour of the Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery, visitors can opt for the Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Visitor Ticket. This ticket has an impressive 4.9-star rating from 26 reviews, with 96% of travelers recommending the experience.

The self-guided tour includes a mobile information booklet and the opportunity to sample two different versions of the traditional Korean rice wine, makgeolli.

The brewery is located in the Jung District of Seoul, a short walk from Yaksu Station. The tour has a maximum capacity of 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for most visitors, excluding pregnant travelers.

Feedback on the experience is mixed, with some praising the high-quality makgeolli and the appealing brewery design, while others note a lack of employee engagement in the self-guided nature of the tour.

Read our full review: Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Visitor Ticket Review
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Chunpoong Brewery Tour:Award Winning Makgeolli(Rice Wine)

Visitors to Seoul can embark on an immersive Chunpoong Brewery Tour to discover the art of award-winning makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice wine.

The 50-minute experience, led by a Korean liquor sommelier and a certified alcohol brewer, allows participants to taste rare makgeolli and soju varieties. The tasting includes at least 5 carefully curated Korean alcohols, providing a spirited journey through the country’s rich drinking culture.

Priced at $32.68 per person, the tour is limited to 10 participants to ensure an intimate and personalized experience. Located just 30 seconds from the Yaksu station exit, the tour is easily accessible.

Visitors must be 18 years or older and bring a valid ID. Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

With a perfect 5/5 rating based on customer feedback, the Chunpoong Brewery Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the flavors of traditional Korean rice wines.

Read our full review: Chunpoong Brewery Tour:Award Winning Makgeolli(Rice Wine) Review
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Makgeolli Brewing Class

A makgeolli brewing class in Hyehwa, Seoul, South Korea offers an immersive experience for those seeking to learn the art of crafting this traditional Korean rice wine.

The class boasts an impressive 18 reviews with a 100% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, ensuring a top-notch learning experience. Participants will dive into the fermentation techniques unique to Korean alcohol, exploring the history, tasting homemade makgeolli, and receiving practical, hands-on instructions from washing rice to filtering.

The class ends with the opportunity to take home an ingredient kit for personal brewing or a bottle of the freshly made makgeolli. Plus, attendees can visit a nearby shop showcasing a curated selection of alcoholic drinks from South Korea.

The class is accessible, meeting near public transportation and accommodating strollers, with a maximum of 20 travelers. Priced at $75 per person, the makgeolli brewing class offers a comprehensive and immersive experience, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Read our full review: Makgeolli Brewing Class Review
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Learn and Craft Makgeolli in a Traditional Brewery

Travelers eager to explore the art of traditional Korean rice wine can embark on a 2-hour Makgeolli brewing class at a renowned brewery in central Seoul. Priced at $78.82 per person, the small-group session, limited to 10 participants, is led by Joe Kim, a certified Traditional Korean alcohol sommelier and Makgeolli Brewery Owner.

Participants will learn the theory, history, and hands-on techniques of Makgeolli brewing, progressing from tasters to avid brewers. The class covers selecting ingredients and tools, crafting homemade Makgeolli, and participating in blind tastings of Craft Makgeolli and Soju.

Attendees will also enjoy light snacks during the session and leave with a Makgeolli kit to ferment at home, yielding about 1.5 liters. With an overall rating of 5/5 based on 7 reviews, the experience is praised for its enjoyable and informative nature.

However, the class isn’t suitable for pregnant women or individuals under 21 years, and public transportation is recommended due to alcohol sampling.

Read our full review: Learn and Craft Makgeolli in a Traditional Brewery Review
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Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does the Brewery Tour Typically Last?

The brewery tour typically lasts around 1-2 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the facility. Most tours include a guided walk-through of the brewing process and a tasting of the brewery’s signature offerings.

What Should I Wear to the Brewery Tour?

When attending a brewery tour, one should wear comfortable, casual clothing. Avoid anything too formal or restrictive, as the tour may involve walking around the facilities. Opt for closed-toe shoes as well, for safety and comfort during the tour.

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, you can generally take photographs during the brewery tour, but it’s best to ask the tour guide beforehand. Many breweries allow photography, but some may have restrictions to protect their production processes. Check with the tour organizers to ensure you can capture the experience.

Is There a Designated Area for Tasting?

Most brewery tours offer a designated tasting area where visitors can sample the beers. This allows for a more structured and comfortable tasting experience, often with guidance from knowledgeable staff. Photography is typically permitted in this designated tasting zone.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

Most brewery tours have age restrictions, typically requiring participants to be 18 or 21 years old, depending on local laws. Visitors should check with the specific brewery before booking a tour to ensure they meet the age requirements.

The Sum Up

Seoul’s brewery tours and tastings offer a unique opportunity to explore the city’s vibrant makgeolli (rice wine) culture. Visitors can learn the art of traditional brewing, sample award-winning varieties, and even craft their own makgeolli at the Chunpoong Brewery. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a curious newcomer, these experiences provide an immersive and educational look into Seoul’s rich culinary heritage.