Korea's alcoholic beverage output falls to 27-year low in 2025 amid shifting drinking trends
Korea's alcoholic beverage production plunged to below 3 million kiloliters (kl) for the first time in 27 years in 2025, data showed Sunday, signaling a structural decline in the industry with more Koreans turning to healthy lifestyles. Shipments of beer and soju have fallen for three consecutive years since 2022, while those of takju, or traditional Korean rice liquor, have dropped for five…
In 2025, South Korea's alcoholic beverage output reached a 27-year low, with production falling to below 3 million kiloliters for the first time since 1998. This downward trend in the industry can be attributed to shifting drinking patterns, as more Koreans adopt healthier lifestyles. Shipments of beer and soju have declined for three straight years since 2022, while takju, or traditional rice liquor, has seen a five-year decline since 2025.
According to the National Tax Service, the total output of alcoholic beverages stood at slightly below 2.99 million kl in 2025. Beer shipments were about 1.52 million kl last year, a 7.2% decrease from the previous year. Similarly, soju and takju shipments also showed consistent declines, with 793,000 kl and 318,000 kl sold respectively.
This prolonged decline in shipments of these popular alcoholic beverages suggests a structural shift in drinking trends, influenced by factors such as increased health consciousness, population decline, the aging population and changing demographics.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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