Craftworks Taphouse launches bear beer

Craftworks Taphouse in Itaewon is launching a new beer Thursday to raise awareness for a campaign to end bear farming in Korea.

The microbrewery has brewed the new Jirisan Moonbear IPA, named after the mountain where bears can still be found in Korea, in support of Bear Necessities Korea.

Moon bears are protected species in Korea but the animals are still farmed for their bile, which is prized for its supposed medicinal qualities. Bear Necessities wants the government to shut down bear-farming.

Tickets to the launch are 10,000 won from the bar in advance, and 12,000 on the door, with the money also going to Bear Necessities. The price includes a glass of Jirisan Moonbear and T-shirts and fundraising events will take place.

Craftworks can be found on the main road between Gyeongnidan and Haebangchon.

(paulkerry@heraldcorp.com)