April 20, 2024

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[THE INVESTOR] Exports of South Korea’s traditional liquor to the United Arab Emirates have commenced in November, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs on Dec. 22.

Kook Soon Dang, a market leader in traditional liquor, supplied a variety of its selection from bekseju to plain and fruit-flavored makgeolli, or rice wine, worth US$120 million.

 

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The shipment was made to Spinneys Liquor, established by a Briton based in Abu Dhabi. After three months of negotiations and local sampling, five were chosen. 

This is the first time South Korean traditional spirits have entered the Middle East. Foreigners are allowed to drink alcoholic beverages in designated areas in the UAE. 

By Hwang You-mee (glamazon@heraldcorp.com)