The Beer Bang:

Establishments Raise to the Top of Gwangju’s Destinations

Written By Matthew Endacott

Beer: it holds a special place in the hearts of many. Why do we drink it? Some say for its refreshing taste, the social stimulus and its mind-altering properties, but most likely not for the “never again” agony it causes after a few too many.

Those of us living in Gwangju who enjoy a wide variety of 맥주 (beer) usually have to scour the city in hopes of unearthing a new watering hole that provides a quality menu of diverse beer. However, I have had the privilege of searching out and locating establishments worth mentioning for their stock of draught, craft and import beers so you do not have to.

Downtown Area

Timi Triangle: Sandwich and Craft Beer

This new restaurant and pub opened five months ago and has by far the largest and most impressive selection of beer in Gwangju. It boasts nine draught beers, three of which are brewed in Seoul- the Saudi Red Ale, Combat Zone IPA and (a mixture of the two) the DMZ Ale – by a microbrewery in Itaewon: Maloney’s Brewing Co.

If that was not impressive enough, Timi Triangle offers 25-plus bottled import brews to enjoy. From the familiar Blue Moon to a more obscure Sticky Toffee Pudding Ale, this place has a beer for everyone to try.
The Korean owner calls himself Timi, having formerly lived in Itaewon and is a huge fan of beer. There he took note of the scores of Koreans and international residents getting along in bars and wanted to bring that culture to Gwangju. He worked at the Magpie microbrewery in Seoul where he learned some tricks of the trade and now wants to create his own beer to sell.

Currently Timi is researching and developing different recipes. He hopes to have full-scale production and sale of his beer in two years’ time. According to Timi, the taps at his bar are unique to Gwangju because Gwangju does not have many other taps than basic Korean beers.

When his Korean customers come in, he explains as much as possible to them about foreign beers and the flavors involved because Korean beers generally taste the same. So he suggests they try a hoppy Inda Pale Ale (I.P.A.) or a thick and smooth dark stout. He says they are extremely satisfied with their experience.

I highly recommend checking this place out. It is a gem and should be cherished. With great quality and solid prices, order a beer and a sandwich, their Philly Cheesesteak being my favorite and watch as you come back again and again. Another wrinkle that speaks to this establishment’s ingenuity for Gwangju is that Timi will introduce guest taps soon! Different beers for different seasons such as summer or Oktoberfest.

Also find Timi Triangle on Instagram: timi_triangle

Address: 광주광역시 동구 장동  15 / Jangdong-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju

Directions: From the Dong-gu Office Bus Stop, walk straight three blocks with the Asian Culture Complex across the street on your left. Turn right onto Jangdong-ro and walk until you see the bright blue awning.

Phone: 062-222-4474

Hours: Every Day, 5 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Buses: 37, 49, 52, 54, 150, 152, 518, 1187, 1187-1 (Dong-gu Office Bus Stop)

Amble

Located at the heart of the bustling downtown night-life district, this pub is a solid place for finding draught and import beers. It is ideal for any time of night: an early start, the intermission stop or the late night stumbling, this bar stands as long as you do (5 a.m. is a safe bet).

The Amble Draught, a creation of the owner, is the most popular and also the most dangerous drink available. It is a Dutch Draught, a shot of coffee mixed with (in this case) Max beer. So be wary, you may be up for the long haul with this one. Their second most popular beer is the Green Grape draught. My favorite was the Kirin Ichiban draught. Amble has a notable stock of 17 import and 3 Korean beers.

Amble is almost 2-years-old. The owner wanted to bring more unique draught beers to Gwangju, as Timi said, not many places around Gwangju have a diverse selection of draught beer. He wanted “special” draughts like Stella Artois. His vision for Amble was to create a place for all visitors to enjoy because the downtown area is specifically catered to young people. He succeeded.

This tavern has a good, warm atmosphere with nice beer and good service. Even though the staff lacks English skills, they are kind and happy to help. The vinyl records lining the walls may just be for display, but the beer is not. This pub is worth frequenting.

Address: 광주광역시 동구 문화전당로 35번길8 (광산동 100)/ 8 beon-gil 35 Munhwadang-ro, Gwangju

Directions: From Tequilaz, continue to the large square where the yellow structure stands. Turn left and walk down the street for 20 meters. Amble will be on the street’s left side.

Phone: 010-7164-3535

Hours: Sundays – Thursdays, 4 p.m.- 4 a.m.; Fridays and Saturdays 5 p.m. – 5 a.m.

Chonnam National University Back Gate

Corona

A long-standing staple for beer and Mexican-style food for residents of Gwangju, this restaurant and pub is familiar to many, however I felt it necessary to include because there are not many places to find import beers in this Back Gate area, and the service and atmosphere of Corona is second to none.

Corona has a smaller selection of brew than the previous two taverns: six import bottles, Guinness draught and the Korean-made Red Rock draught but has distinguishing drink specials to make a night-out more fun. The Happy-Bomber quickly enhances the evening by pairing a draught of Red Rock with a shot of tequila for 6,900 won. If you prefer cocktails, enjoy the Coronarita, a margarita with a Corona Extra turned upside-down in it; there are lime, grapefruit and mango flavors. Corona also has the makings of another fun party drink, the Irish Car-bomb.

If you have not had the pleasure of experiencing this wonderful restaurant and bar, I definitely suggest making your way there in the near future with a group of friends. You will not be disappointed with your experience.

Directions: Travel to Chonnam National University Back Gate (전대후문) and walk up the street where Dunkin’ Donuts sits on the corner. Continue along this road until you reach the fork in the road. Stop, turn left and on the second floor is Corona.

Address: 광주광역시 북구 호동로 15 번길 9 /9, Hodong-ro 15 beon-gil, Buk-gu, Gwangju

Phone: 062-251-7221

Hours: Mondays – Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 12 a.m., Fridays and Saturdays, 4 p.m. – 2 a.m., Sundays – Closed

Suwon-jigu

Kozel

Residing in the newest part of Gwangju is the pub Kozel. With two types of its namesake Czech beer, Kozel, on draught for great prices and a classic style that emanates luxury and relaxation, this is a must stop for beer enthusiasts. The Kozel beers on tap are the dark stout and pale lager. A half pint sells for 3,000 won and a near pint (500 ml) is only 4,000 won. There are five other import bottles to choose from but it is difficult to shy away from those two delicious and affordable draughts. Suwon is far for many people to visit, but it is worth the trip.

Address: 광주광역시 광산구 수완로 52번길 1-4, 102 / 102, 1-4,  52 beon-gil, Suwan-ro, Gwangju

Directions: Take Buses 10, 12 or 72 to the Eunbit Village Bus Stop (은빛마). The establishment is located on the south side of the street in a commercial area tucked behind a Noraebang and chicken place.

Phone: 062-962-7743

Hours: Everyday, 4 p.m. – 4 a.m.

There are many “beer and chicken” restaurants in Gwangju that can appease some, but for those looking to find a more diverse selection of beer, the establishments recorded above are great places to indulge yourself. Alone or with a group of friends, there is plenty of beer to try and enjoy around the city.