Busan is good

Busan Metropolitan City to Host the 2025 “Busan Craft Beer Masters Challenge”

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Busan Metropolitan City Mayor Park Heong-joon announced that the “2025 Busan Craft Beer Masters Challenge” will be held from September 20 (Saturday) to 24 (Wednesday) for five days at the BEXCO Outdoor Plaza.

The city has organized this event since 2018 as part of its support programs for promising small business sectors, with the aim of enhancing the capabilities of local craft beer companies and helping related small business owners expand their markets.

Last year, the event was held over two days at BEXCO. This year, it will expand to five days and be held in connection with “Festival Shiwol,” Korea’s first convergence exhibition and convention event, at the BEXCO Outdoor Plaza.

The event consists of the main program, including the “Busan Craft Beer Evaluation,” which selects the company that produces the best beer of the year among Busan’s representative craft beers, along with a variety of side programs.

Event Overview (2025 Busan Craft Beer Masters Challenge)

• ●Period: September 20 (Saturday) – September 24 (Wednesday), 2025, 16:00–22:00

• ●Venue: BEXCO Outdoor Plaza

• ●Hosted/Organized by: Busan Metropolitan City / Busan Economic Promotion Agency, BEXCO

• ●Main Programs: Opening ceremony and performances, craft beer evaluation, craft beer pop-up stores (10 companies), Brewers’ Lounge

• ●Side Programs:
  ‣ Food Zone by excellent small business owners, “Star Small Business” zone, participating companies from the Small Business Problem Solver program
  ‣ Small Business Flea Market, participating dessert entrepreneurs from promising sectors, trainees from the New Business Startup Academy
  ‣ Experience booths including lifestyle exercise “Warm-up Challenge,” “Beer Quiz Challenge,” craft beer label design program, and more

As the main programs, the opening ceremony, beer concert, craft beer evaluation, and craft beer pop-up stores will take place. In particular, this year’s event, held in connection with “Festival Shiwol,” is expected to offer visitors even greater enjoyment through diverse experiences and food.

The opening ceremony will feature a performance by Busan’s representative passionate singer, Cyburger, and the closing ceremony will include a celebratory performance by singer-songwriter Choi Yoori.

The “Craft Beer Evaluation” will be held from September 20 to 23, with both public judges and six expert judges in the field of beer gastronomy. The winners will be announced on September 24. Each participating company’s beer will be assessed for professionalism and popularity, and the winner producing the best beer of the year will receive a “Winner Certificate.”

Citizens wishing to participate as public judges can apply in advance via the Event-us website (https://event-us.kr) by September 23, or register on-site during the event. Participants will receive an ID card and tasting beers from each company, and voting will be conducted on-site. Participation will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

In addition, a “Brewers’ Lounge” will be operated, providing a venue for domestic and international visitors and industry representatives visiting Busan during “Festival Shiwol” to network, and supporting opportunities for collaboration among local craft beer companies.

Furthermore, side events will include pop-up stores promoting and selling products from small business owners participating in city-supported programs, a flea market for small business owners, dessert entrepreneurs from promising sectors, and experience programs such as the “Warm-up Challenge,” craft beer label design activities, and more.

Kim Bong-chul, Assistant Mayor of Digital Economy Office, stated, “This event will provide craft beer companies in Busan with opportunities to strengthen their capabilities and develop new sales channels, while offering citizens the chance to enjoy diverse food and entertainment presented by outstanding small businesses. Our city will continue to support this event so that it can grow into Asia’s leading craft beer challenge.”