Korean Beer

Beer or called maekju in Korean was introduced to Korea by Europeans. The South Korean beer market is dominated by the three major brands: Cass, Hite, and OB. Most restaurants and bars will only have one on tap, as they are largely regarded as similar in taste and price. Foreign beers are available but are generally expensive - generally at least ₩8,000 and as much as ₩15,000 for a pint of Guinness in downtown Seoul. Microbreweries are starting to appear, and the market as a whole is showing increasing signs of sophistication. However, of all Korea's mass produced beers, only Hite's Max Prime brand contains 100% barley malt.