Wine, Whiskey Imports Rise to New Highs

Wine and whiskey imports have soared to new highs as more people opt to drink at home amid coronavirus restrictions.

The Korea Customs Service said Wednesday that the country imported US$506.17 million worth of wine in the January-November period last year, up a whopping 76 percent from a year earlier and hitting an all-time record.

French labels accounted for the largest proportion of wine imports at $162.56 million.

Imports of scotch whisky, bourbon and other whiskey varieties stood at $154.35 million, a five-year high.

After peaking in 2007 at $270.29 million, whiskey imports began to decline as Korea reduced working hours. They have rebounded recently, however, amid a trend among young people in their 20s and 30s of enjoying whiskey mixed with carbonated water.

Beer imports have been on the decline since 2019. Some $204.47 million worth of beer was imported in the same period, down 1.7 percent. The decline is attributed to the growing popularity of Korean craft beers and reduced consumption of Japanese brands.