A glimpse at the fascinating beer culture in North Korea
12
OCTOBER, 2016
Culture
Beer
Asia
North Korea is considered one of the most inaccessible countries in the world. The Asian nation has been literally locked away from the rest of the world due to its ongoing state of dictatorship.
The country’s leader, Kim Jong-Un does not want people to be exposed to outside culture and information, particular influences coming from the western world. With similar premises, it seems almost impossible for something like a beer culture to flourish within the country. Yet, against all odds, North Korea is home to a burgeoning beer movement, with surprising European influences.

Soldiers march during a mass military parade at Kim Il-Sung square in Pyongyang
Photo credit ED JONES/AFP/Getty Images
“North Korea is home to a burgeoning beer movement, with surprising European influences”
This september, the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, will be home to the country’s very first beer festival, which is expected to draw local and foreign guests alike. Locals seem to have a very “german” approach to their own local brewing and beer consumption habits. It appears, for example, that North Koreans drinkers love pairing their beer with savory pretzels!
The country’s local beer, “Taedonggang” is a clear, sweet and refreshing brew with a unique taste, according to North Korean nationals. The occasional international visitors lucky enough to enter the country are also reportedly surprised by the quality of the beer, which definitely surpasses the low initial expectations!