Draft beer likely to get more expensive

South Korea will end the temporary 20 percent tax break on draft beer at the end of this year, as announced in the 2026 tax reform package. Starting next year, draft beer will be taxed at the full rate, increasing costs for bars and restaurants and likely resulting in higher prices for consumers. South Korea now taxes beer based on volume instead of price. Standard beer is taxed at 885,700 won ($600) per kiloliter, while draft beer has received a 20 percent discount since 2020, reducing its tax