Korea's alcoholic beverage production fell below 3 million kiloliters in 2025 for the first time in 27 years, signaling a structural decline in the industry. Beer and soju shipments have fallen for three straight years since 2022, while takju has declined for five straight years as of 2025. The data from the National Tax Service point to shifting drinking trends, with health consciousness and demographic change cited as factors. The industry is responding with non-alcoholic, low-alcohol, and flavored products.
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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 consecutive years as of 2025, according to the data from the National Tax Service.
The total output of alcoholic beverages stood at slightly below 2.99 million kl last year, marking the first time since 1998 that it hovered below 3 million kl.
