The volume of whiskey sold in Korea in the first half of this year plunged, apparently due to the ongoing economic slump, data showed on Thuesday.

According to a report by the Korea Alcohol and Liquor Industry Association, whiskey sold in the first six months this year amounted to 1.18 million liters, down 38.9 percent from the same period last year.

Such a trend can be attributed to consumers not buying high-priced liquors in the economic downturn, market observers said. Also, a change in drinking cultures calls for milder alcohols nowadays, they said.

On the other hand, the data showed that soju and beer consumption has been steadily rising since 2011.

According to the KALIA, 63.3 million liters of soju were sold in the first half, up 2.45 percent from the same period last year. Some 894,000 boxes of beers were sold, marking an increase of 0.82 percent compared to last year.

Of the 11 types of alcohol, distilled sojus such as Andong Soju had the greatest rise in quantity sold. About 87,000 liters were sold, which is up 42.8 percent from same period last year, data said.

However, the KALIA reported that sales of general distilled liquors including rum, gin, vodka and tequila jumped 30.1 percent from last year, at 1.8 million liters.

“People nowadays look for (low-ABV) alcohol that also fit their appetite,” an alcohol industry official said. “I think that is why the sales of strong liquors have declined.”

By Kim Eun-seo, Intern reporter
(estee.kim@gmail.com)