South korea: South Korea's alcoholic beverage production fell below 3 million kiloliters (kl) for the first time in 27 years in 2025, indicating a decline in the industry as more South Koreans adopt healthier lifestyles.
According to Yonhap News Agency, shipments of beer and soju have decreased for three consecutive years since 2022, while takju, or traditional Korean rice liquor, has seen a decline for five years as of 2025. The data from the National Tax Service revealed that the total output of alcoholic beverages was just under 2.99 million kl last year, marking the first instance since 1998 that production fell below 3 million kl.
By category, beer shipments were approximately 1.52 million kl last year, a 7.2 percent decline from the previous year. Soju and takju shipments also decreased, recording 793,000 kl and 318,000 kl respectively. This prolonged decline in the three popular alcoholic beverages suggests a structural shift in drinking habits, influenced by health awareness, population decline, an aging demographic, and changing views on late-night social activities.
A report by the agriculture ministry highlighted a reduction in both the volume and frequency of alcohol consumption. Many consumers are shifting their preferences towards specific types of drinks or exploring new options. For example, domestic fruit wine shipments reached 17,000 kl last year, surpassing the mark for the first time since 2021.
In response to these trends, the alcohol industry has been innovating by introducing non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages, as well as products with varied flavors and scents, to counteract the decline in traditional alcoholic drink shipments.