South Korea Whiskey Market

South Korea Whiskey Market Overview:

The South Korea whiskey market size reached USD 1,358.50 Million in 2024. The market is projected to reach USD 1,832.81 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.04% during 2025-2033. At present, western impact, through media and international travel, is presenting whiskey as a chic and high-end drink linked to relaxation, elegance, and prestige. Besides this, the broadening of retail outlets, which aids in increasing product accessibility, is contributing to the expansion of the South Korea whiskey market share.

South Korea Whiskey Market Trends:

Increasing popularity of Western lifestyle and drinking culture

The growing popularity of Western lifestyle and drinking culture is offering a favorable market outlook. Western influence, promoted through media and international travel, is introducing whiskey as a stylish and premium beverage associated with leisure, sophistication, and status. The younger population in South Korea is more open to worldwide trends and actively adopting Western customs, including drinking habits that favor whiskey over traditional spirits. Young adults view whiskey as trendy and aspirational, often choosing it for social gatherings, celebrations, and business settings. The emergence of whiskey bars, tasting rooms, and exclusive lounges across major cities is adding to the cultural shift, offering curated experiences that attract both enthusiasts and newcomers. As more people are utilizing social media, they are exposed to high-end whiskey brands, mixology, and whiskey-based cocktails. According to industry reports, by February 2025, South Korea had 48.9 Million social media users, rising by 597 Thousand (+1.2%) compared to 2024. Apart from this, imported and single malt whiskies are gaining popularity as people are seeking variety and quality. Additionally, gifting whiskey during holidays or special occasions is becoming more common, enhancing its cultural relevance. The evolving drinking culture and the growing curiosity around whiskey’s heritage, flavor profiles, and collecting appeal make it a central part of South Korea’s premium alcohol market.

Broadening of retail outlets

The expansion of retail outlets is impelling the South Korea whiskey market growth. As modern retail formats, such as hypermarkets, department stores, duty-free shops, and convenience stores, are expanding across urban and semi-urban areas, whiskey is becoming more visible and readily available to a broader customer base. Organized retail spaces offer well-designed displays, promotional campaigns, and dedicated sections for premium and imported whiskey, making it easier for consumers to explore and compare options. Retailers are also collaborating with worldwide brands to offer exclusive editions, bundled deals, and tasting events, which encourage trial and repeat purchases. The presence of knowledgeable staff in specialized stores helps educate consumers, especially new buyers, about whiskey types, aging, and usage, which builds confidence in their choices. The increasing role of e-commerce in alcohol retail is also fueling the market growth, allowing home delivery and online promotions. As retail channels have become more diverse and sophisticated, they are playing a key role in shaping purchasing decisions and supporting the steady rise of whiskey consumption across South Korea. As per the IMARC Group, the South Korea retail market is set to attain USD 820.0 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% during 2025-2033.

South Korea Whiskey Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on product type, quality, and distribution channel.

Product Type Insights:

• American Whiskey
• Irish Whiskey
• Scotch Whiskey
• Canadian Whiskey
• Others

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the product type. This includes American whiskey, Irish whiskey, Scotch whiskey, Canadian whiskey, and others.

Quality Insights:

• Premium
• High-End Premium
• Super Premium

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the quality have also been provided in the report. This includes premium, high-end premium, and super premium.

Distribution Channel Insights:

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

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the distribution channel. This includes off-trade (supermarkets and hypermarkets, discount stores, online stores, and others) and on-trade (restaurants and bars, liquor stores, and others).

Regional Insights:

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

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include Seoul Capital Area, Yeongnam (Southeastern Region), Honam (Southwestern Region), Hoseo (Central Region), and others.

Competitive Landscape:

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Competitive analysis such as market structure, key player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.

South Korea Whiskey Market News:

• In July 2025, HiteJinro introduced the high-end Japanese whisky 'Fuji' lineup in South Korea. The launched items were ‘Fuji Blended,’ ‘Fuji Single Grain,’ ‘Fuji Single Blended,’ and ‘Fuji Single Malt 17 Years.’ Fuji Single Grain was a beverage that blended rich fruity scents and delicate spiciness from three distinct grain whiskeys. It featured sweet fragrances similar to raspberry, orange jam, and pound cake.
• In May 2025, Jack Daniel's broadened its high-end selection in the South Korean market with the launch of its matured whiskey. The company introduced its premier luxury offerings, Jack Daniel’s 10-Year-Old and Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye, in the nation. The company sought to expand consumer options by offering different product grades and enhancing its brand visibility.

South Korea Whiskey Market Report Coverage:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the South Korea whiskey market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What is the breakup of the South Korea whiskey market on the basis of product type?
• What is the breakup of the South Korea whiskey market on the basis of quality?
• What is the breakup of the South Korea whiskey market on the basis of distribution channel?
• What is the breakup of the South Korea whiskey market on the basis of region?
• What are the various stages in the value chain of the South Korea whiskey market? 
• What are the key driving factors and challenges in the South Korea whiskey market?
• What is the structure of the South Korea whiskey market and who are the key players?
• What is the degree of competition in the South Korea whiskey market? 

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the South Korea whiskey market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the South Korea whiskey market.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the South Korea whiskey industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.