South Korea Alcoholic Beverages Market Research Report, 2030

The South Korea alcoholic beverages market is a significant component of the country’s broader food and beverage sector. With a rich history of alcohol consumption, South Korea has seen its alcohol industry evolve through numerous cultural, social, and economic changes. Historically, traditional beverages like soju and makgeolli have been staples in Korean households and celebrations, but in recent decades, Western-style alcoholic drinks, including beer, wine, and spirits, have gained popularity. Regulatory bodies in South Korea have established stringent rules governing the production, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages, including age restrictions and tax policies aimed at controlling alcohol consumption and ensuring public health. The government’s role extends to promoting domestic beverages, supporting local production, and managing exports. Growing international interest in Korean culture, especially through the Hallyu wave, has also contributed to an increase in the global demand for Korean alcoholic products. The South Korean alcohol market benefits from both a strong domestic demand and an expanding export presence, with a growing preference for premium and craft products in the beverage sector. Cultural consumption patterns, like the popularity of soju in social settings and beer at casual gatherings, shape the broader market dynamics. According to the research report, "South Korea alcoholic beverages Market Market Research Report, 2030," published by Actual Market Research, the South Korea alcoholic beverages market is anticipated to add to more than USD 18.15 Billion by 2025–30. The South Korea alcoholic beverages market is poised for steady growth, driven by changing consumer preferences, innovations, and the rise of premium products. As consumers become more sophisticated in their tastes, there is an increasing shift toward high-quality, craft, and imported beverages. The demand for premium spirits, wines, and artisanal beers continues to rise, influenced by the growing affluence of the middle class and an expanding interest in global food and drink trends. At the same time, traditional beverages like soju and makgeolli remain central to the market, with innovations in flavor and packaging helping to maintain their appeal among younger generations. The market is also witnessing a trend toward healthier and lower-alcohol beverages, responding to concerns about wellness and moderation. In addition, sustainability has become a key factor, with a growing number of consumers seeking eco-friendly packaging and production processes. Major players in the market include companies like Hite Jinro, Lotte Liquor, and Oriental Brewery, which are leading the charge in innovation, distribution, and marketing. These companies dominate the local market, but there is a strong presence of global brands such as Diageo and Pernod Ricard, which are gaining traction due to their premium product offerings and strong distribution networks.

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The South Korea alcoholic beverages market can be segmented by type, with beer, wine, spirits (liquor), sake, and other beverages each holding a unique position. Beer is the most widely consumed alcoholic beverage in South Korea, with a preference for both domestic and international brands. Local breweries, like Oriental Brewery, produce popular beers such as Cass and OB, while imported beers are increasingly favored by younger, urban consumers seeking variety and international flavor profiles. Wine consumption has been steadily rising, especially among affluent consumers who associate wine with sophistication and health benefits. This growth is driven by the increasing availability of imported wines from regions like France, Chile, and the United States, as well as the expanding domestic wine production. Spirits, particularly soju, remain a central part of Korean drinking culture, with soju brands like Hite Jinro’s Chamisul leading the market. The popularity of soju continues to be strong, especially in social and dining settings. Additionally, sake has gained traction, driven by both the influence of Japan and the growing interest in Asian liquors. Sake's appeal is rising, particularly in specialty bars and restaurants offering a more diverse alcoholic experience. Other alcoholic beverages, including flavored spirits, cider, and pre-mixed drinks, are also gaining popularity, reflecting changing consumer tastes and preferences. Each type of alcoholic beverage serves a distinct consumer segment, contributing to the dynamic nature of the South Korea alcoholic beverages market. In terms of packaging, the South Korean alcoholic beverages market is characterized by a variety of packaging types, each catering to different consumer needs and preferences. Glass bottles dominate the market, especially for premium products like spirits and wine, where the packaging quality reflects the value and quality of the beverage itself. Glass is also preferred for beer packaging, offering a more premium image compared to other materials. Tins are increasingly popular, particularly for beer, as they offer convenience, portability, and a lightweight option for consumers. Canned beer is a common choice for younger consumers and is often associated with casual drinking. Plastic bottles, on the other hand, are more commonly used for lower-priced beverages and are favored for their affordability and convenience in larger quantities. These are typically seen in the wine and soju segments. In terms of distribution channels, supermarkets and hypermarkets play a significant role in the South Korea alcoholic beverages market, providing consumers with easy access to a wide variety of alcoholic products. On-trade channels, such as bars, restaurants, and clubs, are also vital for spirits and beer, where consumers can enjoy beverages in social settings. Specialist retailers, which include liquor stores and wine shops, are increasingly catering to the demand for premium and imported alcoholic beverages, allowing consumers to explore niche options. These different packaging and distribution channels create a multifaceted approach to the South Korean alcoholic beverages market, offering a range of choices to meet diverse consumer preferences and needs. The South Korean alcoholic beverages market is well-positioned for continued growth, supported by both traditional consumption patterns and the emergence of new trends. The country’s strong drinking culture, coupled with a rising interest in premium products and healthier options, ensures a dynamic market landscape. Innovations in packaging, along with a growing demand for environmentally friendly products, provide further opportunities for market expansion. Additionally, South Korea’s growing influence in global markets, fueled by the popularity of Korean culture, presents opportunities for both domestic and international brands to increase their market share. With a favorable regulatory environment, evolving consumer preferences, and a competitive landscape, South Korea’s alcoholic beverages market remains a lucrative and evolving sector, offering significant growth potential for businesses and stakeholders involved. Considered in this report • Historic Year: 2019 • Base year: 2024 • Estimated year: 2025 • Forecast year: 2030

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Nikita Jabrela

Business Development Manager

Aspects covered in this report • Alcoholic Beverages Market with its value and forecast along with its segments • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation By Type • Beer • Wine • Spirits (Liquor) • Sake • Others By Packaging Type • Glass Bottles • Tins • Plastic Bottles • Others

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By Distribution Channel • Supermarkets and Hypermarkets • On-Trade • Specialist Retailers • Others The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.