Whisky imports in Korea reach record high, while wine imports decline

[Photo by Han Joo-hyung]

Whisky imports in South Korea surged by over 50 percent on year in the first half of this year, marking a historic high, while wine imports showed a downward trend.

According to customs statistics released on Wednesday, the volume of whisky imports in the corresponding period reached 16,900 tons, the highest half-year figure since data compilation began in 2000. Whisky imports in the first half of this year jumped 50.9 percent from a year earlier.

The value of whisky imports also saw a significant rise. After increasing from $76 million in the first half of 2021 to $120 million in the first half of last year, it further climbed to $130 million in the first half of this year.

The surge in whisky imports can be attributed to the growing popularity of highballs, which are made by mixing whisky with carbonated water or tonic water, particularly among individuals born between the 1980s and 2000s.

In contrast, wine imports in the six-month period to 31,300 tons, reflecting a 10.8 percent fall compared to a year ago. With the transition from a pandemic to an endemic state, the wine craze is slowing as people are less inclined to drink alone at home.

The volume of wine imports reached a record high of 44,000 tons in the first half of 2021 but fell to 35,100 tons in the first half of last year and further declined to 31,300 tons this year.

On the other hand, beer imports witnessed an upward turn after four years. Beer imports in the first half of this year reached 127,000 tons, up 7.1 percent from the same period last year. The improvement in the relationship between South Korea and Japan led to an increase in Japanese beer imports, contributing to the overall growth in beer imports.