4 Tasty Korean Beers To Try From Convenience Stores

Last Updated on 2 days by admin

From citrusy Jeju Wit Ale to bold Mr. Bock, here are 4 Korean craft beers you can pick up at convenience stores across Korea.

The craft beer boom in Korea is no longer limited to hip breweries or specialty bars. You can now find exciting local brews right at your neighborhood convenience store. With over 40,000 CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven outlets across the country, grabbing a unique beer has never been easier. Whether you’re stocking up for a picnic at the Han River, a night in with friends, or just a solo treat after work, convenience stores are making great Korean beers truly accessible.

Table of Contents

Inseng Pale Ale, Platinum Brewing Co.

Seoul’s craft over the last couple of years has matured nicely. Over time, the number of breweries and craft beer taprooms has grown, with Platinum Brewery leading the pack. Inseng Pale Ale is a pale ale brewed by Platinum Brewing Co. in Cheonan, South Korea. It is made with Korean inseng, a type of ginseng, and it has a refreshing, citrusy flavor with hints of spice. The inseng in Inseng Pale Ale gives the beer a unique and flavorful aroma and flavor. The spicy notes from the inseng perfectly balance the citrusy notes from the hops. The result is a refreshing and invigorating beer that is perfect for a hot day.

local beers in Korea — **Inseng Pale Ale, Platinum Brewing Co.** (Image: beer_____boss)

Inseng Pale Ale (ABV 5.2%) made its first appearance 17 years ago at a taproom in Gangnam, Seoul and then about seven months ago, it finally made it to CU convenience store shelves. With time, it is taking its unique taste across the country. It is becoming one of the most popular local beers in Korea.

This brown-hued brew offers a pleasant, balanced flavor and boasts a nice froth, with a medium body and a solidly bitter, hoppy profile. Although the alcohol content is noticeable, the flavor of the beer offers warmth and a comforting richness. A hint of light flower taste rounds out this pale ale. The beer cup medal winner logos on the label are a testament to its excellence.

Inseng Pale Ale (인생 페일 에일)

Style: American Pale Ale
Where to Find It: CU convenience stores (nationwide)
Tasting Notes: A crisp, hop-forward ale with a refreshing bitterness balanced by subtle malt sweetness. Its unique twist? Ginseng root is added during brewing, imparting a faint, earthy finish that distinguishes it from typical pale ales.
Perfect Pairing: Pairs well with fried chicken or spicy Korean anju, such as tteokbokki, as the bitterness helps cut through the richness.
When to Enjoy: A fun conversation starter at a casual get-together, especially appealing to those curious about “only-in-Korea” flavors.

Mr. Bock, Platinum Brewing Co.

As a pioneer of Korean beer brands, Platinum Brewing Company introduces another fantastic product to the market: Mr. Bock. Favored by many locals, Mr. Bock is a trendy brew in the Korean beer scene. Mr. Bock has a medium body and a smooth finish. It is a full-flavored beer that is perfect for a cold winter day. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with food, such as grilled meats, sausages, or desserts. Mr. Bock is also a popular choice for beer enthusiasts seeking a unique and flavorful brew.

korean beers — **Mr. Bock, Platinum Brewing Co.** (Photo: seehau_chilled)

Mr. Bock (6.7% ABV) is a lager with a soft mouthfeel that combines bitter and sweet flavors, similar to many other local beers in Korea. The sweetness is balanced proportionately with the strong coffee roast that kicks in right after. The award-winning beer has a relatively light body, which is smooth and easy to drink. Additionally, the bottle’s aesthetic gives you a classic, pompous vibe.

But Mr. Bock is more than just a delicious beer. It is also a symbol of Korean brewing tradition. Bock beers have been brewed in Korea for centuries, and Mr. Bock is a modern interpretation of this classic style.

Mr. Bock (미스터 복)

Style: German-style Bock Lager
Where to Find It: GS25 convenience stores (limited availability in some regions), Lotte Mart and 7-Eleven convenience stores.
Tasting Notes: Smooth, dark, and malty, with subtle notes of caramel and roasted nuts. It’s less heavy than a stout but richer than your average lager, making it a cozy middle ground.
Perfect Pairing: Perfect with grilled meat skewers, sausage, or a hearty pork cutlet. Its malty sweetness also works surprisingly well with chocolate snacks from the convenience store.
When to Enjoy: Best for cooler evenings or when you want something a little more robust than a light lager.

Joker Pale Ale, Playground Brewing Co.

Playground is an emerging brewery in the North of the Gyeonggi-do brewery scene. The newly founded brewing company was launched in 2015. Though new, it is swiftly gaining attention and becoming one of the most recognized. All credit goes to its high-quality brewing skills.

It is slowly occupying space at various stores and grocery shops; you can also buy Playground’s Korean craft beers at your local grocery stores. While not long ago, one had to visit one of Playground Brewing Co.’s outlets, and now you can savor the craftsmanship from the comfort of your own home.

Joker Pale Ale is smooth yet with a slight hoppy flavor. The finish is still always smooth, but with a sweet and woody flavor. A sip of this beer will make you want more. Joker Pale Ale is a fine choice from Playground.

Joker Pale Ale (조커 페일 에일)

Style: Pale Ale
Where to Find It: GS25 convenience stores, some larger supermarkets
Tasting Notes: Bright and aromatic, with citrus and tropical fruit hops leading the flavor. It’s moderately bitter but not overwhelming, making it a solid entry point for those new to craft beer.
Perfect Pairing: Matches well with spicy snacks like hot chicken-flavored ramen (buldak bokkeum myeon) or chili-flavored chips. The bitterness balances heat, while the fruity hops refresh the palate.
When to Enjoy: Great for a casual hangout night, or as a pick-me-up beer when you want something lively and zesty.

Jeju Wit Ale, Jeju Beer Company

Jeju Beer Company, an affiliate of Brooklyn Brewery, launched Jeju Wit Ale utilizing Brooklyn Brewery’s technology. The Jeju Beer Company is situated in Hallim, Jeju Island, South Korea. Jeju Wit Ale (5.3 ABV) is made with organic Jeju orange peels, which gives Korean beers a fresh and bright flavor. It is one of the best local beers in Korea. Jeju Wit Ale is a refreshing and easy-drinking beer that is perfect for a hot day. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with food, such as seafood, salads, or light fare. Jeju Wit Ale is also a popular choice for beer enthusiasts seeking a unique and flavorful brew.

The hazy, golden-hued beer has a light body with a white head. This witbier carries a delicate aroma and features bright citrus and tangy flavors, with subtle notes of coriander, banana, and wheat. This classic Belgian-style brew serves as the perfect summer refreshment.

Jeju Wit Ale (제주 위트 에일)

Style: Belgian-style Witbier
Where to Find It: CU, GS25, and most major supermarkets
Tasting Notes: Light, refreshing, and slightly cloudy. Brewed with Jeju orange peel and coriander, it has a zesty citrus aroma with a gentle spice finish.
Perfect Pairing: Matches beautifully with seafood, fried chicken, or even a late-night convenience store kimbap.
When to Enjoy: A summer picnic by the Han River, or as a palate cleanser after a hearty Korean BBQ meal.

Beer & Korea’s Drinking Culture

In Korea, beer is rarely enjoyed alone; it’s often paired with anju (drinking snacks). If you’re grabbing a craft beer at CU or GS25, consider picking up honey butter chips, dried squid, or spicy ramen to enjoy alongside.

And if you want to drink “like a local,” try making Somaek, a mix of soju and beer. Convenience stores sell both, so you can easily whip up your own DIY cocktail right at home or on a picnic blanket.

Beer Availability Update (2025)

Inseng Pale Ale: Still available at CU, especially popular in Seoul and Busan.
Mr. Bock: Seasonal in some GS25 outlets—stock varies.
Joker Pale Ale: Recently featured in GS25’s craft beer promotions.
Jeju Wit Ale: Now a convenience store staple, also widely sold at Lotte Mart.

Tip: Seasonal releases and collaborations pop up frequently—keep an eye out for limited-edition flavors!

Final Sip: Korea’s Convenience Store Beer Adventure

These four beers, Inseng Pale Ale, Mr. Bock, Joker Pale Ale, and Jeju Wit Ale, are just a taste of how Korea’s craft beer scene has leapt beyond bars and breweries and into everyday convenience stores. Whether you’re looking for something bold and malty, crisp and hoppy, or light and citrusy, you don’t need to go far; just stop by your nearest CU, GS25, or 7-Eleven.

Korean convenience stores are more than just late-night snack stops; they’ve become mini playgrounds for food and drink discoveries. Pair your beer with some anju (snacks), try mixing up a Somaek, or take your finds to a riverside picnic for the whole local experience.

Pro tip: Keep an eye out for seasonal or limited-edition brews; new collaborations pop up often, so there’s always something new to discover.

So next time you’re in Korea, don’t just grab a Cass or Hite, venture into the craft section of the beer fridge at a convenience store. You might just find your new favorite Korean beer waiting for you.

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