Seoul’s vibrant craft beer and traditional alcohol scene makes it a perfect city for exploring Korea’s brewing culture. Whether you want to sip Makgeolli in a cozy workshop or learn the secrets of Soju from a master brewer, Seoul offers an array of options that go beyond typical pub crawls. Among these, we love the Traditional Brewery Visit & Lunch or Dinner with Magkeolli because it combines a deep dive into Korea’s time-honored brewing techniques with a delicious local meal. If you’re interested in rolling up your sleeves, the Makgeolli Brewing Class offers hands-on experience, perfect for those who want to bring home a bit of Seoul’s brewing magic. Lastly, for a modern twist, the Seoul: Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience showcases Seoul’s innovative brewing scene with AI-powered techniques. Read on to see which tour fits your style.
Quick Overview
This list features traditional and modern brewing experiences, each with its own focus: from small-group guided tastings and cultural insights to interactive classes and tech-enhanced tours. If you want an authentic glimpse into Korea’s oldest brewing traditions, the first and third tours are ideal. For a more hands-on approach to brewing, the second tour lets you learn how to make Makgeolli yourself. For those curious about Seoul’s cutting-edge brewing scene, the fourth experience offers a peek into AI-powered fermentation techniques. And if you’re after a visually stylish setting with a mix of tradition and modernity, the Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Tour wraps it all up with a cozy atmosphere. Each one offers something unique—choose based on your interest, budget, and how involved you want your experience to be.
1. Traditional Brewery Visit & Lunch or Dinner with Magkeolli
At number one, this Traditional Brewery Visit & Lunch or Dinner with Magkeolli offers a full immersion into Korea’s ancient brewing methods. It’s more than just tasting; you meet a 10th-generation artisan brewmaster who shows you how traditional Soju, Yakju, and Makgeolli are crafted from rice. The tour begins in the picturesque Bukchon Hanok Village, where you stroll through traditional Korean houses and craft workshops. Afterward, you visit the brewmaster’s workshop, watch the fermentation process, and taste four different types of authentic Korean alcohol. The experience is capped with a home-style Korean dinner in a cozy local restaurant, making it as much about food as about drink.
This small-group tour (limited to 12 people) ensures a personal experience, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and learn about Korean drinking etiquette and culture. Reviews highlight the tour’s intimacy and depth, with one commenter noting that the dinner was unforgettable. Priced at around $150 per person for roughly 2.5 hours, it offers excellent value for anyone interested in Korea’s traditional brewing heritage with a cultural twist.
Bottom line: For those who want an authentic, educational, and delicious overview of Korea’s traditional alcohol scene, this tour is a top choice.
2. Makgeolli Brewing Class
Next up, the Makgeolli Brewing Class provides a hands-on experience in brewing Korea’s iconic milky rice wine. Held in Seoul’s Hyehwa neighborhood, this class is all about learning by doing. You’ll start with washing rice, then progress through fermentation and filtering, guided by knowledgeable instructors. The class is perfect for anyone curious about DIY brewing or who wants to understand the process behind the bubbling jar of Makgeolli perched on Korean tables.
What sets this tour apart is the opportunity to take home an ingredient kit or even a bottle of your own brew. Participants also get to sample various homebrewed makgeolli, experiencing the subtle differences that come from different techniques. The class lasts about 2.5 hours and is highly rated, with reviewers praising the instructor’s detailed explanations and engaging style.
Priced at $75 per person, this experience offers great value for the opportunity to learn a skill that you can replicate at home. It’s ideal for foodies, homebrewers, or anyone wanting a practical take-away from their trip.
Bottom line: If you’re eager to get your hands dirty and walk away with brewing skills, this class is a fun, informative, and affordable choice.
3. Learn and Craft Makgeolli in a Traditional Brewery
Number three is the Learn and Craft Makgeolli in a Traditional Brewery. This tour takes a deep dive into Korea’s most iconic rice wine, with a focus on understanding the differences between craft and commercial styles. Led by Joe Kim, a Korean Alcohol Sommelier and brewery founder, the class combines theory, history, and tasting. You’ll sample various Makgeolli and Soju, then move into the interactive brewing process, making your own batch under expert guidance.
Reviewers find the educational content engaging and thorough, praising Joe’s enthusiasm and depth of knowledge. The class lasts about two hours, providing enough time for in-depth explanations without feeling rushed. The focus on both traditional and modern techniques makes it especially relevant for those interested in Korea’s evolving brewing landscape.
At around $80, this class offers a balanced price point for a comprehensive and personalized educational experience. It suits travelers who want an immersive, hands-on introduction to brewing or to expand their knowledge of Korean alcohol beyond just tasting.
Bottom line: For a deep, detailed look at Makgeolli and Soju, this class is a top-tier, educational choice.
4. Seoul: Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience
Fourth on the list is the Seoul: Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience. This tour offers a modern twist, visiting Seoul’s AI-powered brewery that combines traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology. You’ll meet the master brewer, explore his innovative methods, and taste six varieties of handcrafted makgeolli—each with its own unique flavor profile.
What makes this experience stand out is the fusion of tradition and innovation, especially within Seoul’s tech-savvy brewing scene. Visitors also learn about Korea’s brewing history and royal-era craft techniques, providing a well-rounded cultural context. The tour includes a fermentation inside a traditional brewery, offering a behind-the-scenes look at modern Korean brewing. Plus, you’ll enjoy pairings of jeon or cheese & olives to enhance your tasting experience.
Rated highly with perfect reviews, this tour appeals to tech enthusiasts and culinary explorers alike. Priced at $67 per person, it offers a comprehensive, modern insight into Korea’s brewing evolution at a competitive price.
Bottom line: For those interested in technology-driven brewing and innovative flavors, this tour blends tradition with Seoul’s contemporary scene.
5. Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Tour
Last but not least, the Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Tour provides a stylish, culturally rich experience. Located in Seoul, Chunpoong Brewery combines traditional Korean brewing methods with contemporary design, creating a charming and informative environment. The tour features guided explanations about the cultural significance of Makgeolli, along with tasting sessions of their excellent brews.
While it has only one review, that review is glowing—calling it a “great tour with amazing makgeolli” and highlighting the beautiful ambiance and authentic atmosphere. It’s an ideal choice if you enjoy aesthetic settings and want to explore Korea’s heritage of alcohol in a space that feels both modern and historic.
Priced at just under $56, it offers great value for an immersive experience that emphasizes both tradition and design.
Bottom line: If you’re after a stylish, authentic atmosphere with a focus on cultural depth, this brewery tour shouldn’t be missed.
$55.92 per person
How to Choose the Right Brewery Tour
When deciding between these options, think about what’s most important for your experience. Are you after a deep culture? The Traditional Brewery Visit & Dinner is perfect if you want to combine history, tasting, and food. Want to learn brewing hands-on? The Makgeolli Brewing Class offers practical skills. Curious about Seoul’s modern brewing innovations? The Craft Makgeolli Tour showcases technology and tradition in one.
Consider your budget and time available. The tours range from about $55 to $150, with most lasting around 2.5 hours. If you prefer an intimate, educational experience, the smaller tours tend to be more personal. For those wanting to try multiple styles and learn the history, the tours with tastings and guided explanations are ideal.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability for these popular experiences.
Final Thoughts
Seoul offers a rich variety of brewery tours that cater to different interests—from traditional alcohol lovers to tech-savvy craft enthusiasts. For a deep dive into Korea’s brewing heritage, the Traditional Brewery Visit stands out. If you want to get hands-on with brewing, the Makgeolli Brewing Class is your best pick. And for those curious about Korea’s innovative brewing scene, the Seoul Craft Makgeolli Tour offers a fascinating look.
No matter your choice, these tours promise a unique taste of Seoul’s brewing culture—so book early and enjoy exploring Korea’s rich alcohol traditions.