So it's sweltering hot outside. More than sweltering- Korea is a full-on “Dutch oven” of smelly, torturous air that makes going on a walk more like going for a wade. Well, when the hot gets tough, the tough knock back a cold one. And if you didn't know already, the thing that makes Korea the best country in the world is the freedom to drink beer everywhere. And I mean everywhere. Here are the cool spots to break out the bubbly- starting from the ones you know about to what may surprise you.

Convenience Stores

Convenience stores are the holy grail of beer-anywhere-and-everywhere. Grab a pitcher and put on your favorite hiking outfit and chill with the ajosshis until 5am; or get a group together and claim a plastic table for the night. Makkoli, dongdongju, soju, beer, wine... the convenience store has it all at bargain prices AND it's open 24 hours! Stage your own drunk-guy-goes-for-more-beer just around the corner from home.

Wow! It's you! In mere seconds. Simply walk out your door and turn right or left. You'll hit a convenience store eventually. Claim a plastic table for your crew and park it for the night- you won't regret it.

World class convenience stores located along the Han River offer riverside vistas AND beer on tap. Beat that, Hongdae!

Movie Theaters

Two words: Beer Combo. All CGVs (some more clandestinely than others) offer an amazing deal: two 500cc draft beers and a choice of delicious dried squid, nachos, a hot dog, and, of course, popcorn for just 8,500 won. Not just regular popcorn but caramel popcorn, too.  Get a combo to share with your sweetheart or get one for yourself and get ready for the best movie you've ever seen in your life.

WARNING: Almost any movie seen with beer combo becomes really good. Double check the critics' reviews before recommending said movie to your friends if you want to keep your dignity.

Amusement Parks

Lotte World, Everland, Caribbean Bay, you name it. Why settle for just waiting in line when you could wait in line... with beer? Line beer dramatically improves any amusement park experience.

Hang in there for Oktoberfest at Lotte World- buy a coffee mug (?) and they'll refill it with beer all day for free. Or hit up Everland for some super delicious micro brews before checking out the steepest wooden roller coaster in the world. Yeah, I know, of all places! Give it a try- you'll find Everland has wheat beers on par with those microbreweries in Gangnam.

So there you have it. It's at the movie theater, improving cheap summer blockbusters. Or it's at the amusement park, making the lines feel shorter. Or it's waiting 24 hours a day for you to stop by. Wherever you are, whenever you need it, beer is there- thanks to KOREA.

Oh, and just in case:

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