S. Korea imports record-high 54,127 tons of wine in 2020

South Korea imported a record-high 54,127 tons of wines last year, up 24.4 percent from the previous year, as more of its citizens indulged in drinking at home due to the pandemic.

According to the data by the Korea Customs Service and industry sources, the value of imported wines increased 27.3 percent from a year before to US$330 million.

The coronavirus-induced social distancing measures resulted in decreased company dinners, which prompted more South Koreans to enjoy drinking wine at home and alone.

Chile was the top wine source for South Korea last year, amounting to 14,703 tons, or 27.2 percent of the wine exports.

Spain followed with 10,200 tons of exports, then Italy with 7,453 tons, France with 7,057 tons, and the US 5,503 tons.

By value, France was the top exporter with $93.48 million, or 28.3 percent of the total.

Chile was second with $58.55 million, followed by the US with $56.03 million, and Italy with $48.73 million.