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2025 Developments
Although total consumption in South Korea’s alcoholic drinks market remained broadly flat at 3,611 million litres in 2025, opportunities remain for companies that can address shifting consumer priorities around affordability, health, and experiences. The performance in South Korea mirrors regional challenges from inflation and economic headwinds, but stands out for its pronounced polarisation between value-driven small formats and high-end gifting, supported by a strong convenience-led retail structure. Success increasingly depends on adapting portfolios to cater to both budget-conscious and wellness-focused consumers, investing in nolo and low-abv innovation, and leveraging robust distribution across convenience and omnichannel retail. Leading players maintain a competitive edge through agility in product launches and a deep understanding of shifting drinking occasions, while future growth will hinge on the ability to balance price, quality, and relevance across all consumer touchpoints.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Alcoholic Drinks industry in South Korea with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to the following key categories, where applicable:
- Beer
- Wine
- Spirits
- Cider and Perry
- RTDs
If you're in the Alcoholic Drinks industry in South Korea, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty
The Alcoholic Drinks in South Korea report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Alcoholic Drinks in South Korea?
- Where is consumer demand for Alcoholic Drinks focussed?
- Which is being consumed more; beer, wine or spirits?
- Where is demand growing? Stagnating?
- How is the operating environment for alcoholic drinks changing?
- Which are the leading brands in South Korea?
- How are products distributed in South Korea?
- What are the key trends in new product development?
- Do consumers want value for money or added value?
- How will macroeconomic context and shifting cultural values shape future growth?
- How will COVID-19 and recession impact the alcoholic drinks industry?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
Alcoholic Drinks in South Korea
2025 Developments
Key Data Insights
Chart 1 Key Industry Trends for Alcoholic Drinks
Alcoholic Drinks Volumes Remain Flat as Inflation and Premiumisation Drive Value Growth
Spirits Polarisation Intensifies as Whisky Demand Splits between Value and Premium Segments
Chart 2 The whisky market splits into value highball picks and premium gifting favourites
Nolo Revolution Drives Strong Growth for Rtds as Moderation and Wellness Reshape Drinking Culture
Chart 3 Volume Sales 2020-2030
Chart 4 Volume Sales by Category 2025
Chart 5 Analyst Insight for Alcoholic Drinks
Alcoholic Drinks Will Be Marked by Flat Volumes and Value-Led Growth Dynamics
Spirits Will Remain Stable While Rtds Drive Growth Amid Shift toward Low-Abv and Convenience-Led Drinking
Chart 6 Korean Soju brands expand low ABV lines to align with the rising interest in moderation
Future Growth Is Set to Be Shaped by a Shift to Quality, Affordability and Moderation
Chart 7 Forecast Volume Sales 2020-2030
Chart 8 Forecast Volume Sales by Category 2025-2030
Market Concentration Remains High with Stable Leadership among Domestic Players
Competitive Dynamics Are Shaped by Portfolio Innovation, Premiumisation and Nolo Expansion
Chart 9 Company Shares 2025
Chart 10 Brand Shares 2025
Convenience Stores Extend Reach as Small Formats Boost Sales
Retail E-Commerce and Omni-Channel Strategies Steadily Gain Traction
Legislation
Legal Purchasing Age and Legal Drinking Age
Drink-Driving
Advertising
Smoking Ban
Opening Hours
On-Trade Establishments
Taxation and Duty Levies
Contraband/Parallel Trade
Duty Free
Cross-Border/Private Imports
Chart 11 Economic Context for Alcoholic Drinks
Chart 12 Real Gdp Growth 2020-2030
Chart 13 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 14 Consumer Context for Alcoholic Drinks
Chart 15 Population 2020-2030
Chart 16 Population by Generation 2025
Beer in South Korea
Key Data Insights
Beer Summary
Chart 17 Key Industry Trends for Beer
South Korean Beer Market Stagnates as Moderation Pressures Persist
Non/Low Alcohol Beer Innovation Drives Functional Growth Amid South Korea’S Moderation-Led Market
Chart 18 OB's Cass All Zero drives growth of Korea’s expanding non/low alcohol beer category
Heritage-Led Premiumisation and Packaging Innovation Reshape Beer
Chart 19 Volume Sales 2020-2030
Chart 20 Volume Sales by Category 2025
Chart 21 Analyst Insight for Beer
Beer Outlook Remains Structurally Constrained as Regulation, Moderation, and Alternative Categories Reshape Demand
Non/Low Alcohol Beer Will Lead Growth as Wellness Trends Reshape Beer Consumption
Chart 22 Forecast Volume Sales 2020-2030
Chart 23 Forecast Volume Sales by Category 2025-2030
Beer Remains Highly Concentrated as Oriental Brewery and Hite Jinro Sustain Dominance Amid Rising Premiumisation and No/Low Alcohol Innovation
Chart 24 Company Shares 2025
Chart 25 Brand Shares 2025
Convenience Stores Sustain Dominance as Hypermarkets Drive Bulk Buying
Low/No Alcohol Beer Leverages Retail E-Commerce for Steady Gains
Heritage-Led Premiumisation and Flavour Innovation Reshape South Korea’S Beer Market
Chart 26 Sapporo Opens Premium Heritage Beer Stand in Seoul to Elevate Japanese Beer Experience
Packaging Innovation and Strategic Pricing Influence Competitive Dynamics
Chart 27 Economic Context for Beer
Chart 28 Real Gdp Growth 2020-2030
Chart 29 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 30 Consumer Context for Beer
Chart 31 Population 2020-2030
Chart 32 Population by Generation 2025
Rtds in South Korea
Key Data Insights
Rtds Summary
Chart 33 Key Industry Trends for Rtds
Rtds Sustain Double-Digit Growth through Innovation and Convenience
Spirit-Based Highballs Eclipse All Other Launches as Brands Widen Flavour Portfolios
Chart 34 Seven Eleven launches chef collaboration low alcohol RTD highballs
Hybridisation and Premium Innovation Sustain Rtd Momentum
Chart 35 Volume Sales 2020-2030
Chart 36 Volume Sales by Category 2025
Rtds Is Set to Enter a Slower Growth Phase as Premiumisation Drives Future Expansion
Regulatory Flexibility, Product Hybridisation, and Convenience Store Expansion Will Reshape Rtds
Chart 37 Forecast Volume Sales 2020-2030
Chart 38 Forecast Volume Sales by Category 2025-2030
Rising Market Concentration and Highball Innovation Are Reshaping Competition in Rtds
Chart 39 Company Shares 2025
Chart 40 Brand Shares 2025
Convenience Stores Strengthen Leadership as Private Label Highballs Reshape Rtd Retailing
Chart 41 Economic Context for Rtds
Chart 42 Real Gdp Growth 2020-2030
Chart 43 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 44 Consumer Context for Rtds
Chart 45 Population 2020-2030
Chart 46 Population by Generation 2025
Spirits in South Korea
Key Data Insights
Spirits Summary
Chart 47 Key Industry Trends for Spirits
Spirits Records Value Growth Amid Polarisation and Subdued Volume Decline
Spirits Is Shaped by Soju Dominance, Premium Whisky Growth and Channel Polarisation
Chart 48 Korean soju brands cut ABV as consumers shift toward lighter drinking
Lotte and Hitejinro Adapt Soju for Moderation as Mindful Drinking Accelerates
Chart 49 Volume Sales 2020-2030
Chart 50 Volume Sales by Category 2025
Chart 51 Analyst Insight for Spirits
Premiumisation and Experience-Led Drinking Are Set to Drive Value over Volume Growth
Premium Growth and the Rise of Low-Alcohol Formats Will Shape the Forecast Period
Gdp Growth Moderates as Experience and Value Will Become Key Purchase Drivers
Chart 52 Forecast Volume Sales 2020-2030
Chart 53 Forecast Volume Sales by Category 2025-2030
Rising Concentration, Premiumisation, and Global Brand Growth Shape Spirits
Chart 54 Company Shares 2025
Chart 55 Brand Shares 2025
Hypermarkets Lead Off-Trade Spirits Sales, While Convenience Stores Remain Key for Immediate Purchases
Retail E-Commerce Plays a Niche but Growing Role in Premium Spirits Discovery
Chart 56 Economic Context for Spirits
Chart 57 Real Gdp Growth 2020-2030
Chart 58 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 59 Consumer Context for Spirits
Chart 60 Population 2020-2030
Chart 61 Population by Generation 2025
Wine in South Korea
Key Data Insights
Wine Summary
Chart 62 Key Industry Trends for Wine
South Korea's Wine Market Recovers as Premiumisation and Polarisation Accelerate
Chart 63 Large retailers boost wine sales through valuefocused events and accessible formats
Non-Grape Wine Remains Dominant While Sparkling Wine Accelerates
Baemin B Mart Accelerates Impulse Buying with Instant Delivery Innovation
Chart 64 Volume Sales 2020-2030
Chart 65 Volume Sales by Category 2025
Wine Is Set for Stable Volumes, While Value Growth Is Driven by Premiumisation and Sparkling Wine
Convenience Formats, Digitalisation and Ongoing Premiumisation Will Shape the Forecast Period
Chart 66 Forecast Volume Sales 2020-2030
Chart 67 Forecast Volume Sales by Category 2025-2030
Wine Remains Concentrated as Incumbents Defend Leadership Amid Gradual Fragmentation and Premiumisation-Driven Gains
Premium Makgeolli Launches and Functional Innovation Reshape Competitive Dynamics
Chart 68 Company Shares 2025
Chart 69 Brand Shares 2025
Hypermarkets Retain Leadership as Convenience Stores Expand Reach
Mobile-First E-Commerce Boosts Premium and Niche Wine Discovery
Chart 70 Economic Context for Wine
Chart 71 Real Gdp Growth 2020-2030
Chart 72 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 73 Analyst Insight for Wine
Chart 74 Population 2020-2030
Chart 75 Population by Generation 2025
Country Reports Disclaimer
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Alcoholic Drinks
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- Ale
- Sorghum
- Weissbier/Weizen/Wheat Beer
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- Flavoured/Mixed Lager
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- Domestic Premium Lager
- Imported Premium Lager
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- Domestic Mid-Priced Lager
- Imported Mid-Priced Lager
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- Domestic Economy Lager
- Imported Economy Lager
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- Domestic Premium Lager
- Domestic Mid-Priced Lager
- Domestic Economy Lager
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- Imported Premium Lager
- Imported Mid-Priced Lager
- Imported Economy Lager
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- Low Alcohol Beer
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- Standard Non Alcoholic Beer
- Malta Style Non Alcoholic Beer
- Stout
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- Regular Cider/Perry
- Non Alcoholic Cider/Perry
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- Malt-based RTDs
- Spirit-based RTDs
- Wine-based RTDs
- Other RTDs
- Non Alcoholic RTDs
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- Brandy
- Cognac
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- Bitters
- Cream-based Liqueurs
- Other Liqueurs
- Non Alcoholic Spirits
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- Prestige Dark Rum
- Ultra Premium Dark Rum
- Super Premium Dark Rum
- Premium Dark Rum
- Standard Dark Rum
- Economy Dark Rum
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- Prestige White Rum
- Ultra Premium White Rum
- Super Premium White Rum
- Premium White Rum
- Standard White Rum
- Economy White Rum
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- Tequila (and Mezcal)
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- Bourbon/Other US Whiskey
- Canadian Whisky
- Irish Whiskey
- Japanese Whisky
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- Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
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- Prestige Other Blended Scotch Whisky
- Ultra Premium Other Blended Scotch Whisky
- Super Premium Other Blended Scotch Whisky
- Premium Other Blended Scotch Whisky
- Standard Other Blended Scotch Whisky
- Economy Other Blended Scotch Whisky
- Single Grain Scotch Whisky
- Single Malt Scotch Whisky
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- Other Whiskies
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- Prestige English Gin
- Ultra Premium English Gin
- Super Premium English Gin
- Premium English Gin
- Standard English Gin
- Economy English Gin
- Dutch Gin
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- Prestige Vodka
- Ultra Premium Vodka
- Super Premium Vodka
- Premium Vodka
- Standard Vodka
- Economy Vodka
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- Absinthe
- Ad-Mix Brandy
- Ad-Mix Gin
- Ad-Mix Rum
- Ad-Mix Vodka
- Ad-Mix Whisky
- Aguardente/Aguardiente
- Aguardiente De Caña
- Akvavit/Aquavit
- Aniseed-Flavoured Spirits
- Borovicka
- Boukha
- Brandy Type Distilled Spirits
- Cachaça
- Calvados
- Cane
- Chacha
- Charanda
- Chinese Herbal Spirits
- Chinese Spirits
- Cut Brandy
- Destilados De Agave
- Distilled Fruit Spirits
- Domestic Brandy
- Domestic Rum
- Doppelkorn
- Economy Chinese Spirits
- Flavoured Spirits
- Flavoured Vodka-based Drinks
- Fynbos gin/Local Gin
- Gin-flavoured spirits
- Goldbrand/Goldkrone
- Grappa
- Grappamiel
- Guaro
- Kirsch
- Komovica
- Korn
- Lambanog
- Limoncello
- Local White Spirits
- Lower Mid-Range Chinese Spirits
- Lozovaca
- Maesilju
- Mahia Rabi Amrane
- Mead
- Mixed Spirits
- Nalivka/Nalewka
- Nastoyka
- National Specialities
- Obstbrände
- Ouzo
- Pacharán
- Palinca/Pálinka
- Pear and Apple Distillates
- Pisco
- Premium Chinese Spirits
- Prune
- Punsch
- Rachiu/Rakija
- Rum-Flavoured Spirits
- Samane
- Sambuca
- Samsu
- Schnapps
- Shochu/Soju
- Singani
- Sljivovica/Slivovice
- Steinhäeger
- Strong African Spirits
- Super Premium Chinese Spirits
- Sura Khao
- Tequila Flavoured Spirits
- Travarica
- Tsipouro
- Upper Mid-Range Chinese Spirits
- Vieux
- Viina
- Vodka Type Distilled Spirits
- Other Distilled Beverages
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- Port
- Sherry
- Vermouth
- Other Fortified Wine
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- Apple Wine
- Bokbunjaju
- Cheongju
- Chinese Wine
- Economy Rice Wine
- Fortified Fruit Wine
- Fruit and Berry Wine
- Fruit and Herbal Wine
- Fruit and Honey based Wine
- Fruit Wine
- Lower Mid-Range Rice Wine
- Non-Grape Dessert Wine
- Premium Rice Wine
- Sake
- Takju
- Upper Mid-Range Rice Wine
- Yakju
- Yellow Wine
- Other Non-Grape Wine
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- Champagne
- Other Sparkling Wine
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- Still Red Wine
- Still Rosé Wine
- Still White Wine
- Non Alcoholic Wine
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Alcoholic Drinks
Alcoholic drinks is the aggregation of beer, wine, spirits, cider/perry and RTDs.
See all of our definitions
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This report originates from Passport, our Alcoholic Drinks research and analysis database.
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