SEOUL, July 20 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s whisky imports have surged this year, reaching a new high, data showed Wednesday.
The volume of imported whisky amounted to 16,900 tons, marking a 50.9 percent increase compared to last year, and setting a new record, according to the data from the Korea Customs Service.
The value of South Korea’s whisky imports rose from US$76 million in 2021 to $120 million in early last year, and this year it has already surpassed $130 million.
This remarkable increase is largely attributed to the popularity of highballs among younger people, known as Generation MZ.
A highball is a drink that combines sparkling water or tonic water with whisky.
As whisky has moved away from its previous reputation as an expensive drink limited to certain social classes, and has become more accessible to the general public, the volume of imports has also been on the rise.
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