Magpie Brewing

Magpie Brewing opened in 2012 and essentially created the Korean craft beer scene. Before Magpie, Korean beer meant Cass, Hite, or OB: light, inoffensive lagers designed for soju-mixing rather than drinking on their own. Magpie proved that a Korean brewery could make an IPA that stood alongside American craft imports, and the market followed.

The Itaewon taproom reflects the brewery's ethos: unpretentious, quality-focused, and welcoming. The twelve taps rotate between core beers (the Pale Ale and Porter are mainstays) and seasonal experiments. Recent specials have included a yuzu wheat beer, a makgeolli-inspired sour, and a stout aged in Korean soju barrels. The brewing is consistently solid; you won't get a bad pint here.

The space works well for different modes of drinking. The ground-floor bar is social and slightly loud on weekend evenings, ideal for groups. The second floor has tables and chairs that accommodate conversations and dates. The beer flights are a good equalizer: ordering one puts you in conversation with the bartender about what's on tap, and that conversation often extends to neighboring drinkers.

Magpie's pricing is fair for craft beer in Seoul. A pint at 8,000 to 10,000 KRW compares favorably to imported craft beer at most Seoul bars, and you're drinking something brewed locally with genuine craft. The food menu is limited to bar snacks, so eat before or plan to order delivery.

As an entry point to Itaewon's evening, Magpie is hard to beat. The low-pressure atmosphere, good beer, and central location make it an ideal first stop before the neighborhood's clubs and bars ramp up later.