IMARC Group has recently released a new research study titled “South Korea Whiskey Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecast by Product Type, Quality, Distribution Channel, and Region, 2026-2034”, offers a detailed analysis of the market drivers, segmentation, growth opportunities, trends and competitive landscape to understand the current and future market scenarios.

South Korea Whiskey Market Overview

The South Korea whiskey market size was valued at USD 1,401.43 Million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 1,833.92 Million by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.03% from 2026 to 2034. The growing preference for premium, aged, and craft whiskey varieties, alongside rising interest in Western drinking culture, cocktail consumption, and home drinking trends, is driving demand. Imported whiskey brands are becoming more visible, and e-commerce alcohol sales are expanding, supporting the market’s positive long-term outlook.

Study Assumption Years

• Base Year: 2025
• Historical Year/Period: 2020-2025
• Forecast Year/Period: 2026-2034

South Korea Whiskey Market Key Takeaways

• Current Market Size: USD 1,401.43 Million in 2025
• CAGR: 3.03% from 2026 to 2034
• Forecast Period: 2026-2034
• Scotch whiskey dominates the market with a 62% share in 2025, favored for its heritage appeal and suitability for highball cocktails and premium gifting.
• Premium whiskey quality leads with 50% market share, balancing accessibility and quality-consciousness among consumers.
• On-trade distribution channels represent 60% market share, driven by vibrant nightlife and whiskey bar proliferation.
• The market features multinational spirits corporations alongside regional distributors and emerging domestic producers.
• Younger consumers are exploring single malts, blended varieties, and craft labels, broadening the consumer base.

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Market Growth Factors

Rising Disposable Incomes: Increasing disposable incomes in South Korea are enabling consumers to spend more on premium alcoholic beverages like high-quality whiskey. Notably, South Korea's Gross National Disposable Income rose from 651,865.6 KRW Billion in September 2024 to 680,063.1 KRW Billion in December 2024. This wealth growth supports a shift from mainstream spirits to refined drinking experiences emphasizing craftsmanship, aging, and flavor, especially among young professionals and urban consumers who perceive premium whiskey as a status symbol and experiential reward.

Innovative Product Launches: Whiskey brands are introducing flavored, cask-finished, and small-batch variants tailored to evolving consumer preferences, reshaping the market landscape. In August 2025, HiteJinro launched its premium bourbon whiskey line Four Roses in Korea, including Bourbon, Single Barrel, Small Batch, and Small Batch Select, with alcohol contents from 40% to 52%. These products cater to new drinkers and enthusiasts seeking unique, premium whiskey experiences, supported by limited editions and experimental finishes that foster brand loyalty and higher price points.

Tourism and Hospitality Growth: The expanding tourism and hospitality sectors in South Korea significantly contribute to increased whiskey demand. The tourism market size reached USD 13,066.0 Million in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 19,805.3 Million by 2033. This growth supports on-trade whiskey sales in hotels, luxury lounges, and upscale restaurants, which offer curated whiskey menus to attract domestic and international guests. Experimentation with dining and cocktail culture further enhances whiskey visibility and brand positioning in urban centers.

Market Segmentation

• Product Type:
• American Whiskey
• Irish Whiskey
• Scotch Whiskey
• Canadian Whiskey
• Others

Scotch whiskey dominates the South Korea whiskey market, valued at 62% market share in 2025, driven by its heritage, prestige, and availability of aged, premium expressions that cater to diverse taste preferences.

• Quality:
• Premium
• High-End Premium
• Super Premium

Premium whiskey leads with 50% market share in 2025, favored for its balanced value proposition of refined taste, quality aging, and brand credibility without steep price barriers.

• Distribution Channel:
• Off-Trade:
• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Discount Stores
• Online Stores
• Others
• On-Trade:
• Restaurants and Bars
• Liquor Stores
• Others

On-trade is dominant with 60% market share in 2025, fueled by South Korea’s nightlife and bar culture, supporting experiential drinking via curated menus and mixology-driven offerings.

• Region:
• Seoul Capital Area
• Yeongnam (Southeastern Region)
• Honam (Southwestern Region)
• Hoseo (Central Region)
• Others

The Seoul Capital Area leads demand due to dense population, nightlife culture, and concentration of premium bars and restaurants. Other regions like Yeongnam, Honam, and Hoseo show steady to moderate growth, supported by urban development and expanding hospitality sectors.

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Regional Insights

The Seoul Capital Area is the dominant region driving whiskey demand, attributed to its dense population and strong nightlife culture. It hosts numerous premium bars, hotels, and restaurants, making it the most influential regional market. Yeongnam shows steady consumption supported by urban centers and hospitality. Honam and Hoseo demonstrate gradual and moderate growth respectively, as expanded retail access and urban development raise consumer willingness to explore premium spirits.

Recent Developments & News

In September 2025, Campari Korea announced plans to launch a premium whiskey gift set for Chuseok, including brands like Wild Turkey, Russell Reserve, and The Glengrant, with exclusive glasses and various bottle sizes sold through major retailers such as Homeplus and GS25.

In April 2025, Diageo Korea introduced "Johnny Walker Black Ruby" at convenience stores, targeting the MZ generation. This product, created by the brand's first female master blender, offers a fruit-forward profile aimed at beginner whiskey drinkers and women.

Key Players

• Campari Korea
• Diageo Korea
• HiteJinro
• Lotte Chilsung Beverage
• Ki One
• Kavalan
• Golden Blue

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