Korean Dictionary
How to say "Draft Beer" in Korean
“Draft Beer” in Korean is 생맥주 (pronounced "saengmaekju").
생맥주
saengmaekju
Usage & Context
Saengmaekju is draft beer served from a tap, popular at Korean bars and restaurants. It is a staple of Korean nightlife culture and often paired with fried chicken (chimaek).
Example Sentence
퇴근 후 시원한 생맥주 한 잔이 최고다.
A cold glass of draft beer after work is the best.
How to use 생맥주 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Draft Beer” is 생맥주, romanized as saengmaekju.
Usage tip
Use this word with ordering phrases, taste descriptions, and polite requests when speaking in a restaurant.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 생맥주.
Pronunciation Guide
"Saeng-maek-ju" is pronounced with "Saeng" sounding like "sang" (as in "sang a song"). "Maek" sounds like "mack" (as in "Mack truck"). "Ju" sounds like "joo" (as in "juice" without the 's'). The stress is fairly even across the syllables.
More Example Sentences
Enjoying the classic 'chimaek' (chicken and beer) pairing.
치킨에는 역시 시원한 생맥주가 최고지!
Nothing beats a cold draft beer with chicken!
Suggesting after-work drinks with coworkers.
퇴근하고 동료들이랑 생맥주 한 잔 하러 갈까?
Shall we go for a draft beer with colleagues after work?
Recommending a bar or restaurant to a friend.
이 집 생맥주 진짜 신선하고 맛있어요.
The draft beer at this place is really fresh and delicious.
Cultural Context
Saengmaekju is a staple of Korean nightlife and social gatherings, often seen in K-dramas as friends unwind after a long day. It's prized for its freshness and crispness, especially when paired with fried chicken (치맥, chimaek), a quintessential Korean combo. Many Koreans enjoy a cold glass after work (퇴근 후 한 잔, toegeun hu han jan) or while watching sports. The perfect pour, with a good head of foam (거품, geopum), is often a point of pride for establishments.
Editorial note
We test food and dining words like 생맥주 inside ordering situations, because the natural Korean phrase often includes a polite request ending.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
생맥주 한 잔 주세요.
Please give me a glass of draft beer.
생맥주가 시원하다.
The draft beer is cold/refreshing.
생맥주 마시러 가자.
Let's go drink draft beer.
Related Expressions
맥주
maekju
Beer (general term)
병맥주
byeongmaekju
Bottled beer
치맥
chimaek
Chicken and beer
소맥
somaek
Soju and beer mix
More Korean Food & Dining Words
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