According to the classification system of domestic alcohol, K-wine, which is produced in most regions using fruits, belongs to traditional liquor. aT’s 2021 beverage market trend report mentions that traditional liquor is gradually increasing its market share overseas. The total amount of traditional liquor exported in 2021 was 17,704 tons and the export value was 23 million dollars. This increased by 29.1% compared to 18.22 million dollars in 2020. The main types of alcohol exported are still Soju(Korean distilled spirits), liquor, beer, and Makgeolli(Rice Wine).

Export of K-wine increased by 45.2% to 2687 tons compared to the previous year. K-Wine is exported mostly to the United States, China, Thailand, Australia, and Singapore. The export value is 1.8 million dollars in the United States, 220,000 dollars in China, 160,000 dollars in Singapore, 80,000 dollars in Hong Kong, and 200,000 dollars in Japan.

In 2018, fruit wine was the top seller among traditional liquor with 31.1% of total sales, worth 14.1 billion won. The consumer recognition of Korean wine, K-wine, has also increased from 59.2% in 2018 to 74% in 2021.

Makgeolli(Rice Wine) is the top traditional liquor preferred by Koreans from 2017 to 2021 with a range of 54-60%, taking first place, while fruit wine takes second place with 20-23%.

The exports of Korean fruits, which are ingredients of K-wine, are also increasing. As of the end of November 2022, 60.6 million dollars’ worth of exports have been recorded, an increase of 3.7% compared to the same period the previous year. In terms of volume, exports have increased by 17.7% to 28,000 tons.

K-wine’s overseas exports are still modest, but the size of traditional liquor is steadily increasing, and K-Fruit, the ingredient of K-wine, is increasing at a faster pace. The continued increase in exports of K-Fruit and diversification of exporting countries will directly expand the opportunity for K-wine exports.

The quality and level of K-wine is also improving dramatically. There are also positive changes visible regarding domestic consumption trends of K-Wine. Economically active and relatively young and stable women and men in their 30s and 40s, who value their health and personal taste rather than traditional Korean drinking culture, are driving the growth of K-wine.