While it’s no surprise that Korea is well-known for their drinking culture, soju and makgeolli (Korean rice wine) are not the only alcoholic drinks that the country can do well. Budnamu Brewery is a bar that makes their own unique craft beers by using local ingredients to produce high-quality beers.
Image credit: 강릉가이드 via Naver
Budnamu Brewery features 4 brewed-in-house craft beers: Minori Session, Zeumeu Blanc, Haslla IPA, and Baegilhong Red Ale. The ingredients are all locally sourced and unique to the Gangneung area. And that tribute even extends to the names of the craft beverages.
Image credit: @budnamu_brewery via Instagram
The Haslla IPA uses locally grown hops and “Haslla” is also the old name for Gangneung, which translates to “big ocean”.
Image credit: 히메 via Naver
Zeumeu Blanc uses chrysanthemums and Korean sanchos, and is the Korean reinterpretation of traditional craft beer brewing. Also, Zeumeu is the name of a town in Gangneung.
Image credit: @se_ddon via Instagram
If you can’t decide which of the 4 beers you should try, get their Budnamu Sampler (KRW18,000, ~USD13.55) to sample all 4 flavours that come in 180ml glasses. After you’ve concluded which flavour is your favourite, you might want to get another pint of it. Or maybe get a pint of each. We don’t judge.
Image adapted from: @budnamu_brewery via Instagram, @budnamu_brewery via Instagram
Budnamu Brewery also features limited-time craft beers, such as their Halloween Pumpkin Ale, and the Changpo Saison beer they released for Halloween. Check out their Instagram to see if there are any special beers before visiting the bar to get the most out of your trip.
Image credit: @jun.h_0922 via Instagram
Budnamu Brewery shares more about craft beers than just the taste by giving patrons viewing access to the brewing process.
Image credit: 히메 via Naver
On display are the oak barrels that contain all the fermenting beer that will eventually end up being sold.
Image credit: 등산주니어 via Naver
The windows are also decorated with Budnamu’s signature designs that give the brewing area a slight aesthetic appeal, so these areas are sure to up your social media rizz.
Image adapted from: 꼬물이는개그냥이 via Naver, @ssu_eat via Instagram
Budnamu Brewery also serves many delicious mains to complete your dining experience. These dishes are prepared with just as much heart as their delicious craft beers.
Image credit: @ye_ssssseul via Instagram
One of their signatures is the Gangneung Song-go Mushroom Pizza (KRW25,000, ~USD17.60). With locally sourced mushrooms, mozzarella, and truffle oil, this pizza just might ruin pizzas for you forever.
Image credit: 꼬물이는개그냥이 via Naver
We also recommend treating yourself to their BBQ Burger (KRW12,000, ~USD8.40). With pulled pork cooked “low and slow” in their huge smoker with oak wood crowned with bacon, eating this burger will become a BBQ experience you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.
Image adapted from: 꼬물이는개그냥이 via Naver, nhgam via Naver
If these mains are not up your alley or you’re not that famished, they also serve bar bites such as Sriracha Buffalo Wings and Chips (KRW14,000, ~USD9.80) and Truffle Mayonnaise Fries (KRW9,000, ~USD6.30). These bites might seem common, but their burst of flavours are to-die-for.
Craft beer aficionados simply cannot skip out on a visit to Budnamu Brewery. With locally sourced ingredients and brewing techniques, these beers are truly one-of-a-kind.
How to get there:
Address: 1961, Gyeonggang-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
Opening hours: 12pm-12am, Daily (Break time: 4pm-5pm)
Contact: 033-920-9380
If you’re looking to check out more unique bars in Korea, you can find out more about Zoo Sindang, Art Monster, Munster-Dam, Pistil and Nook.
Cover image adapted from: @ye_ssssseul via Instagram, @se_ddon via Instagram, @ye_ssssseul via Instagram
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