Could this be the most exciting brewery in Asia?

If you ask travelers what drinks to try in South Korea, they’ll likely mention soju or green tea.

But this reputation might be shifting, thanks to a growing and passionate craft beer scene emerging across the country.

Sid Kim, born in South Korea and raised in California, has developed a unique love for both kimchi and guacamole.

He now owns Vatos Urban Tacos, Seoul’s first Mexican-Korean fusion eatery, located in the vibrant, expat-filled neighborhood of Itaewon.

He’s also a fan of craft beer and embarked on an adventure with Dinogo Travel to uncover some of Korea’s most innovative brewers.

One of Kim’s stops was Magpie Brewing Co on Jeju Island, housed in a former tangerine storage facility. (Watch the full journey in the video above.)

The Hawaii of South Korea

Jeju Island, located off the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula, is often referred to as the Hawaii of South Korea. It’s renowned for its premium teas and skincare products and is a favorite vacation spot for both locals and tourists.

When Kim arrives, he’s greeted by Magpie’s trailblazing female brewer, Seolhee Lee, who gives him a tour of the brewery.

“The great thing about this island is its size,” Lee explains. “It’s small enough that you can easily connect with the eco-farmers here.”

Together with her team, she sources a variety of ingredients locally on Jeju, from cinnamon and peanuts to (of course) tangerines.

“It’s like farm-to-table, but farm-to-bottle,” says Kim, who can’t stop raving about Magpie’s peanut beer, a brown ale named Little One, which he describes as tasting just like peanut butter.

Magpie is celebrated for its bold flavor combinations and was the first brewery in Korea to craft a sour beer.

While sours are popular in Belgium and the U.S., this style is still relatively new to South Korea and much of Asia.

It’s unusual to see women not only brewing but also producing their own beer, making Lee a trailblazer in more ways than one.

If you’re craving one of Magpie’s brews, you don’t need to fly all the way to Jeju.

The brewery’s iconic pale ale is now available on tap – where else? – at Vatos Urban Tacos.

Vatos Urban Tacos, Itaewon-ro 15-gil, Itaewon 1(il)-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea; +82 2-797-8226

Magpie Brewing Co, 1261-7 Samdoi-dong, Cheju, Jeju-do, South Korea; +82 64-720-8227