SOL Taphouse Gwangan - A Slice Abroad

The piggies have gone international! Last year, our trotters found their way to Gwanganri Beach in Busan, and like moths to a flame (or swine to slop), we sniffed out SOL Taphouse — a cozy pizza and craft beer bar with a killer view. We were so tired after a day of walking and touring so we stopped by for a quick bite with a couple of beers.

Since 2015, they’ve been serving up artisanal New York–style pizza alongside an impressive lineup of local and international beers on tap. Their motto? “A Slice of Pizza, A Slice of Life.” We couldn’t agree more — because sometimes, life really does taste better with dough, cheese, and hops.

THE BOAR-OMETER

THREE PIGGIES AND A PIGLET | Worth the Squeal!

Worth a stop if you’re in the area, but don’t fret if it’s full. Gwanganri has plenty of other bites and brews waiting for you.

Scoresheet

The Pig Pen: FIVE PIGGIES - Panoramic beach views make this place a gem. English menus and staff make it very foreigner-friendly.

Oink-credible Bites:  THREE PIGGIES - Solid pizza, satisfying but not unforgettable.

Piggy Bank Savings: THREE PIGGIES - About $6.50 USD for a slice — steep for Korea, but fair for a premium pizza and beer joint.

Wondering how we score and what the categories are? Read here for more information!

THE PIG PEN

The vibes here are rustic, casual, and warmly tourist-friendly. Menus are translated into English, staff speak enough English to get you sorted, and the crowd is a fun mix of locals and travelers alike. The only catch? Getting a table by the window is a competitive sport — those Gwanganri ocean views are the main character here.

Timing Tip: Arrive early! We snagged a table easily, but by the time we left, the place was filling up fast. Also, if you want that incredible view by the window, reserve if you can!

OINK-CREDIBLE BITES

Korea knows its alcohol, and SOL proves it. With a rotating tap list, you’ll find plenty of local craft options to sip on. We tried a few, and each one hit the spot after a long day of beach wandering. I'll be honest with you, we forgot which brews we ordered but we do remember how refreshing both were after a long tiring day of touring around.

Pizza is the star, and the ordering format is genius — slice, half (3 slices), or whole (6 slices). We went for the margherita and white pie, both solid, cheesy, and satisfying without being mind-blowing. There are also wings, meatballs, and even desserts on the menu if you want to linger longer.

PIGGY BANK SAVINGS

Now, let’s talk piggy banks. In Korea, you can usually grab a quick street bite for the price of pocket change, so dropping about $6.50 USD per slice at SOL Taphouse definitely puts it in the “premium” category. But then again, you’re not just paying for dough and cheese — you’re paying for the atmosphere, the curated craft beer lineup, and that unbeatable Gwanganri Beach view. Think of it less like a casual pizza joint and more like an experience: one part meal, one part vibe. While it won’t break the bank for a night out, it’s not the kind of place most piggies would nibble at every day. For travelers, it’s a fair splurge; for locals, maybe more of a once-in-a-while treat.

FINAL THOUGHTS

SOL Taphouse isn’t just a stop for pizza and beer — it’s a slice of the Busan lifestyle. Between the beach views, the buzzing atmosphere, and the hearty New York–style slices, it feels like a perfect blend of East meets West. While it might not be the most wallet-friendly option compared to Korea’s endless street eats, it makes up for it with vibes and accessibility — especially for tourists who want something familiar yet still elevated. Would we trot back? Absolutely, though with so many tasty spots lining Gwanganri Beach, we’d likely keep this one as a casual piggy pit stop rather than a main feast.