Ein Prosit
On the afternoon of September 12, as autumn weather settled in, the 'Oktoberfest Seoul 2026' took place at the Culture Storage Base in Seongsan-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. The main venue, the Big Tent, resonated with the traditional toast song 'Ein Prosit,' which is sung by attendees at the world's largest beer festival, Munich's Oktoberfest.
The event was co-hosted by Deutsche Oktoberfest Korea and Original Beer Company, marking the first official Oktoberfest in South Korea approved by the city of Munich.
Upon entering the venue, visitors were greeted by traditional German music, and many attendees donned Bavarian costumes, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a German festival right in the heart of Seoul.
During the opening ceremony, a lively scene unfolded as Örn Weisert, the Deputy Ambassador of the German Embassy in South Korea, took the stage to tap a keg in the traditional Munich style. After announcing 'O'zapft is,' meaning 'the keg is tapped,' applause and cheers erupted from the audience.
No Oktoberfest is complete without beer. The festival featured ten iconic German beer brands, including Paulaner, Kronbacher, Schneider, Weltenburger, Kaiserdom, Gaffel, Schlenkerla, Clausthaler, Giesinger, and Oberdorfer. The Original Beer Company (OBC), the only craft brewery participating from South Korea, also joined the lineup.
The beer was served in special Oktoberfest mugs imported from Germany, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Attendees could enjoy traditional German dishes such as Schweinshaxe, sausages, schnitzel, and pretzels, along with Korean fried chicken.
The festival's excitement extended beyond the Big Tent. An outdoor beer garden, accessible without an admission ticket, offered the same selection of German beers as the main venue. Performances by traditional folk and brass bands, as well as the Oktoberband, added to the festivities.
Promotional booths also attracted attention, featuring official partners like FC Bayern Munich, German appliance manufacturer Miele, and the Korea Fisheries and Port Development Corporation, drawing in visitors.
This event, allowing attendees to experience the atmosphere of Germany's Oktoberfest in Seoul, runs until September 21. The Big Tent operates in two sessions: the first from noon to 4:30 PM and the second from 5:30 PM to 10 PM, while the free outdoor beer garden is open from noon to 10 PM.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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