Is Korea really unsuitable for winemaking? This winemaker in Geochang says no

In the peaceful mountain village of Ungyang-myeon, nestled within Geochang County, South Gyeongsang Province, lies a modest country residence. Adjacent to the home, there is a small winery and a vineyard covering approximately 18,000 square meters. While the scale of the vineyard pales in comparison to the expansive vineyards found in Europe's renowned wine regions, the setting exudes the feel of a humble Korean grape farm rather than a grand vineyard.

Nonetheless, the organically cultivated grapes harvested in this vineyard are transformed into Jeong Ssang-eun Wine, a natural wine that has captured the attention of wine enthusiasts throughout Korea who eagerly await their opportunity to purchase the product. The winery, managed by first-generation grape farmers Jeong Ssang-eun and Lim Hye-sook alongside their son, second-generation winemaker Jeong Gyu-song, produces only around 9,000 bottles annually due to its small-scale production.

Despite the limited supply, their wines consistently sell out shortly after becoming available. Hankook Ilbo paid a visit to Jeong Ssang-eun Winery on August 14 to delve into the family's methodology of crafting natural wine and their aspirations for the future of Korean wine. For those who are first-time consumers, the most conspicuous feature of Jeong Ssang-eun Wine may be its distinctive lack of sweetness, challenging the prevalent stereotype surrounding Korean wine.