Pyeongtaek Craft Beer Society and Osan Craft Beer Club recommend an awesome craft beer venue in South Korea, Elephant Castle.
About Elephant and Castle
What a wonderful ‘hidden gem’. Elephant Castle in Suwon has a direct view of Suwon Fortress across the street and although the view is likely nice during the day, it is most spectacular lit up at night. It reminded me of my first experience in Washington DC, seeing the national monuments at night–an entirely different way to experience the beauty of a city’s sites. Best of all, I was in a cozy pub, enjoying a beer with friends.
Elephant Castle
010-3400-5308
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
경기 수원시 팔달구 신풍로23번길 28
An Osan Craft Beer Club Recommendation
I heard about Elephant Castle from our Osan Craft Beer Club (OCBC) brethren previously, but I did not quite expect a place this awe-inspiring. Thankfully, Mike and Brian volunteered to stay out a bit longer, so I could leave my hotel and enjoy some premium beers with them. Thank you guys for staying out with me and sharing some epic beers.
The Vibe
I almost feel like not sharing this treasure with the larger The Pyeongtaek Craft Beer Society group, so as to protect its sanctity, but it is my duty to share ALL the wonderful craft beer experiences Korea has to offer. It is now your duty to keep this place pure. If this post disappears, it is because I had a change of heart and will only recommend this place to the most worthy members in the future. Don’t abuse the knowledge I’m sharing with you now!
This small taproom/bottleshop has a very cozy vibe to it. The taproom is adorned with Edison lighting and vintage-look round shop lamps hanging from a network of copper piping, giving a very mid-century, industrial look. The tables and bar are made of naturally aged wood; walls made of “worn” metal sheeting; furnished with a mixture of metal and wood bar stools; “aged” concrete floor tiles; and some industrial vintage-look metallic beer signs.
As Mike B. from OCBC pointed out to me, the amount of detail and attention the owners put into the decor is noticeable, including the tap handles wrapped in leather with colored stitching–very unique and beautiful. Yes, the industrial look is common in many breweries and cafes around the world, but Elephant Castle doesn’t feel cheap or typical. The owners were very particular in their selection of interior stylings. As I mentioned, they used shiny copper piping for their lighting and not the overused gray or black steel piping that is more common. This place had a cozy, yet premium feeling at the same time. It definitely was NOT overly commercial in its design.
Their beer selection routinely rotates with ten on tap and a good variety in their fridge. This is not the place to go if you’re in search of Korean craft beer. They had ONE on tap. This is the place to go if you want hand-selected, top-rated craft beers from around the world.
The Beers We Drank
I had the Double Orange Creamsicle Milkshake IPA by WeldWerks Brewing Co. and we shared the Guava Mochi Milkshake IPA (can) by Great Notion Brewing and finished up the night with the 12th Anniversary Stout with Cherries (2021) from Fremont Brewing, which was AMAZING.
Mike and Brian had a few before I arrived, including Darkness (2021), a Russian Imperial Stout by Surly Brewing Company, and a gummy worm sour by The Veil Brewing Co., which was super amazing. Brian swears it was the last can available in the entire country of Korea. I believe him. I wish there was a second and third can available–one for me (all to myself) and one for Zea Urbiztondo and Nicole Salas to try. They would’ve loved it.
What I ate
We ordered the poutine, which is a “traditional” Canadian dish that can even be found at McDonald’s in Canada. It is french fries smothered in gravy. Elephant Castle took it to another level–it was exquisite.
The Staff
To top it all off, as we went to pay our final bill at the end of the night, I recognized a lapel pin on their kiosk–Certified Beer Server, the first certification available through the US-based Cicerone program. What does this mean? One of the owners is a PROFESSIONAL beer server and understands the nuances of beer clean glasses (there is a three-step cleaning process to ensure beers can be best enjoyed), how to clean and service their tap system, and most importantly, how to CORRECTLY pour beer from the tap to maximize beer and foam, while keeping the spout clean. She is also knowledgeable about the various beer styles.
This was my first experience in Korea being served by a Certified Beer Server. I asked if the owner intended to get the Certified Cicerone certification, which she intended to do. For context, the Cicerone program consists of a total of four levels–Certified Beer Server, Certified Cicerone, Advanced Cicerone, and Master Cicerone.
There are probably less than 50 Master Cicerones in the world, a few hundred Advanced Cicerones, and only a couple thousand Certified Cicerones. Considering the Cicerone exams, I believe, are only available in English, Spanish, and Chinese, I was thoroughly impressed that the owner had her CBS. I will cheer her on as she attempts to obtain the highly sought after, but extremely difficult Certified Cicerone certification, something I aspire to one day. Bottom line, I was EXTREMELY impressed at the level of service and dedication this husband and wife team had for the craft. These are true beer professionals.
I Highly Recommend Elephant and Castle
Honestly, I was not expecting the expertly curated beer selection, the world-class view, and the level of professionalism and service I received at Elephant Castle. Mike recommended this place previously, but I mistakenly didn’t prioritize a trip to this place. From now on, Elephant Castle will be in my regular rotation, especially if I’m trying to impress beer snob friends or encourage friends to get into “THE CRAFT BEER LIFE.”
The Itinerary Recommendation
Mike and Brian recommended making it a day trip, doing the 2-3 hour hike up the mountain, followed by a much-deserved dessert at Elephant Castle. Might be kid friendly’ish during the day, but leave the rugrats at home in the evenings please (or keep them in front of an iPad).
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
031-290-3600
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Check the Web Link for current info on performances, fees, etc. The Suwon Fortress is a picturesque location that wraps though the center of the city of Suwon. Although the primary grounds have an entrance fee, much of the wall can be visited and viewed for free (but we recommend paying). There are stunning free performances held in front of the main gate that are highly recommended.
Hangul Address
경기 수원시 팔달구 정조로 825
Final Thoughts
This is a craft beer enthusiast “Mecca” in Korea and folks will want to peacefully enjoy and chat about beer. Thanks, Nicole Salas, for putting the Fundamental Brewing trip together–it was a blast. Thanks, Jeremy Buddemeier, for encouraging the stop through ArtMonster–also a VERY cool spot with great Korean Craft Beer. And especially thanks, Mike Brown, for introducing Elephant Castle to me. I can’t stop thinking about it and can’t wait to return. Let’s do it again soon.
More craft beer recommendations
Founder of the Pyeongtaek Craft Beer Society, Mike Smith is currently studying for a Master Brewers Certificate while living and working in South Korea.
The Pyeongtaek Craft Beer Society fosters friends and a love for craft beers across South Korea. The group provides a welcome and inclusive space to learn about new beers, share beer stories, and generally geek out about all things brewing. Anyone is welcome to join their Facebook group to learn more about Korean craft Beer.
