German Bar: Gwangju’s Slice of Germany

German Bar is a sizeable pub located in downtown Gwangju that offers guests a variety of constant yet distinctive experiences. Perhaps the most notable feature of the bar, however, is the owner himself.

People come on a daily basis to see and say hello to Seung Cheol Song – or Mr. Song, as he is commonly addressed. Customer Kristine Kim said, “He is always nice, and I guess that is the reason I come here. He makes it a comfortable atmosphere.”

The bar is named after the German beers that Song brews himself, the most popular being the light Weizen beer. But what is the story behind the bar, how does Song run it, and how did he come to brew German beers?

Crafting An Idea

After graduating with a degree in chemistry from Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul, Song moved to Munich, Germany, where he lived for 12 years. It was there that he became interested in brewing beer and worked for several breweries over a span of 10 years, studying the chemical reactions between yeast, barley and hops in order to craft a good beer.

Upon returning to Korea, Song settled in Gwangju and opened his first bar in Bongseon-dong in the early 2000s. Knowing it was too small and in the wrong location, he decided to put any profit toward a better, larger location elsewhere.

Song eventually rented space in Gwangju’s downtown area, but recalls it was full of garbage at first and required much work to make it acceptable for customers. He spent a year cleaning and developing this new location during the day while operating his first bar at night. He built the new bar entirely by hand, crafting tables and benches, an expansive bar area and even installing the plumbing, lighting and sound system himself to cut down on costs. After a year of work, he closed the Bongseon-dong location and moved downtown.

Brewing and Expanding

During the five years that German Bar, or German Bar One as it is now known, was in its first downtown location, the bar gained popularity for its German beers and welcoming atmosphere. Song said, “My time spent as a foreigner in Germany gave me firsthand experience of what it is like to live in a different country. That is why I am so welcoming of all people in my bar. Everyone is welcome at German Bar.”

Song continued expanding his bar, creating a stage on which guests could try their hands at drums and karaoke. He also designed cozy nooks in which guests could hold relaxed conversations away from the main, open room. And through it all, he started brewing his own beer.

Continuously ordering ingredients such as hops and yeast from Germany, Song began to brew his German beer at a separate location where there was more space, and patrons began to take notice. Said Song: “At the breweries in Germany, I learned how to check the chemical reactions of the yeast under a microscope. I know what a good beer looks like and what a bad beer looks like, and that’s what sets me apart.”

German Bar has been at its third and current location since the summer of 2013. The current bar boasts a sizable layout, and patrons can choose from a variety of settings. The main room contains open seating at handmade tables and benches, the central bar and a stage with drums and karaoke. Here you can see friends trying their hand at something new or established bands bringing down the house. A smaller bar, suitably named Side Pocket, opened recently on the other side of the main room and serves as an Irish bar. Yet another room can be found to the side of the central bar, boasting a comfortable space that Song hopes to turn into a wine bar. Guests can also take part in a game of darts in the dart room.

Later this year, Song will move his brewing operation into a room at the current location. By doing this, he will have full control over every aspect of the brewing process, including handling and distribution. This is important to Song because it will further preserve the integrity of his beer.

Helping Song are one full time employee and two part timers. The part time helpers satisfy the busy weekend crowds and keep patrons updated on events through social media. They keep the drinks flowing and maintain the energized atmosphere while Song is talking with customers or cooking German sausages and sauerkraut in the kitchen.

German Bar is open seven days a week from 6pm to 6am on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 6pm until 2am on all other days. Friend German Bar on Facebook to stay up-to-date on events and happenings at the bar, and feel free to send Mr. Song a message or stop by and say hello.