Budaface, Guui

Just one station East of the buzzing Konkuk area, Budaface takes it all down a notch with a relaxed interior, Korean craft beer and more.

The craft beer menu, which changes every now and then, has 12 beers from Korean breweries, two size choices for each beer and two 6-piece sampler sets if you want to try them all. The selection ranges from safe classics like Slow IPA from Hand and Malt and the Hoppy Lager from Trevier, to bolder choices like the Mangoyah Mango Ale from Satellite and Surleim, a dry-hopped sour ale from Wild Wave.

Surleim is the most famous beer from Wild Wave, a brewery from Busan, and is a fruity and hoppy sour, with citrusy and flowery tones. If you’re new to sour beers, this is a great place to start. Another fruity and bitter beer on the menu is the Saison De Seigle, rom The Ranch Brewing in Daejeon. A strong and spicy saison/farmhouse style ale. Pine Pilsner from The Table is a curious beer we have recommended before, an easygoing foresty pilsner, the perfect choice after a hot sauna.

In general the beer menu at Budaface is well curated, a reasonably wide selection of craft beer from around the country. With only one IPA, and mind you this is a pub in a side street in Guui, this is perhaps a sign of how the Korean craft beer culture is maturing to a wider spectre of styles. It could also just be that Budaface has a very large menu, with burgers, pizza, pasta, beer, wine and whiskey.

Budaface has a couple of very different seating areas, like classic diner tables, taller bar chairs, low lounge chairs and even a little indoor garden. The upstairs venue is a little brighter, and the downstairs lounge is darker and laid-back, but both places have chill music on good volume and in general a very relaxed atmosphere. Their burgers sure pass the test, and can be ordered as sets with drinks and a very generous serving of crispy fries. With a wide food and beer menu, you can even plan a bit and pair your choices.