"Gangnam" itself, of course, is a very large area, but here I'm referring to the area right around Gangnam Station on subway line #2 (Green Line). It's an area packed with bars, restaurants, clubs, and movie theaters, and on a Friday night you'll definitely have difficulty walking because there are so many people. But here is where you'll find many of Seoul's microbreweries.

Platinum

Almost without a doubt, this is my favorite bar in Seoul. As far as I know, it is the only microbrewery that does not limit itself to German styles of beer. In addition to a weizen-style beer, they also feature a wide selection of other European beers: English ale, Belgian wheat, Irish stout, a brown ale, and a pilsener. There's also their special "Platinum" beer, which is very reminiscent of Fuller's London Pride. They have three floors, each with its own style, and the price is very good considering the location and the selection. It's right outside Gangnam Station exit #8 and I strongly suggest that you try it!

Miyocen

Once you walk in, you will wonder precisely what I did: "how did they decide to design this place like this?" The design is certainly unique, though personally I love the high ceiling and the balcony that runs around the top. They have a small number of microbrews (mostly light German beers), plus Guinness and Hoegaarden on draft. Nothing special, though the interior may grab your attention.

Castle Praha

The underground setting, iron fixtures, and low ceiling give you more of an impression of being in a "dungeon" than a "castle", and the beer is quite fitting to the locale. The style is more Czech than German, though overpriced compared to other microbrews in the neighborhood. Worth checking out, though, because of the different styles.

200 Square

By far the most inferior of the four microbreweries in the area. Let's put it this way: My friend Rob and I went, and while he was attempting to choke down their dunkles, he quipped, "this is the worst beer I've ever had." This is a guy who was in a fraternity at Florida State. Nuff said?

Dublin

It seems that Seoul just can't seem to get "Irish pubs" right, and this is yet another example. I have only been once, when Ireland was playing its first World Cup game in 2002. Cavernous but uncrowded, the bar is way over-priced and the seating arrangement is more suitable to a restaurant than a hof. Other than the name and a few Guinness posters, there's really nothing Irish about this place at all.

Mad Dog's

There are lots of bars in the Gangnam Station area, but of them all this one always seems to be the most popular. Probably due to its location, this large bar is always crowded. Like most hofs, you need to sit at a table and the waitstaff is always attentive, no matter how busy they are. You can get fairly cheap pitchers of Korean beer without having to buy anju, but other than draft beer the selection is a bit limited. This is a very good bar to try out with a large group of people. This is a chain but this is the only one I have been to.