(2nd LD) Korean rice wine `makgeolli` exports rise in H1

(ATTN: FIXES name of government office in para 2)
SEOUL, July 27 (Yonhap) -- Exports of traditional Korean rice wine jumped 13
percent in the first half of this year on growing demand from Japan and the
United States, a government report said Monday.
Exports of the Korean rice wine "makgeolli," a milky brew with an alcohol content
of 6 to 7 percent, stood at US$2.13 million or 2,635 tons during the same period,
the Korea Customs Service said in a report.
Makgeolli was the liquor of choice for Korean farmers and manual workers until
the 1970s, but lost market share to Western drinks such as beer and whisky as
well as soju, Korean traditional distilled liquor.
The fermented drink started regaining popularity this year in South Korea after
being found to have health benefits.
Japan was the biggest makgeolli importer with 2,336 tons in the first half,
accounting for 89 percent of South Korea's overall makgeolli exports, followed by
the United States with 159 tons, China with 57 tons and Australia with 20 tons.
South Korea's makgeolli exports grew nearly eight-fold to $4.42 million or 5,457
tons in 2008 from $614,000 or 631 tons in 1998.
Exports of soju, however, fell 7 percent to $50.7 million or 36,694 tons in the
January-June period from a year ago.
Japan, the biggest soju importer in the first half of this year, imported 29,561
tons of soju, representing 81 percent of South Korea's overall soju exports.
Japan was trailed by the United States with 3,174 tons, China with 1,949 tons and
the Philippines with 369 tons.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
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