Makgeolli Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2021-2031

The Global Makgeolli Market is projected to increase from USD 554.77 Million in 2025 to USD 790.97 Million by 2031, expanding at a CAGR of 6.09%. Defined by its milky texture, low alcohol content, and a balance of sweet and tangy flavors, this traditional Korean rice wine is gaining popularity due to the global spread of Korean culture and a growing preference for gut-healthy fermented drinks. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs reported that exports of rice-based processed foods, including Makgeolli, totaled USD 136.9 million in the first half of 2024, reflecting rising international demand.

However, the market faces substantial hurdles regarding logistics and distribution infrastructure. Fresh, unpasteurized Makgeolli possesses a short shelf life that requires rigorous cold-chain management, complicating long-distance export efforts and driving up operational costs. These logistical constraints limit the availability of authentic products to regions with advanced distribution networks, currently serving as a primary barrier to broader global market expansion.

Market Drivers

The global influence of the "Hallyu" cultural wave is a significant driver for the Makgeolli market, as the mainstream success of Korean entertainment and cuisine introduces the rice wine to Western audiences. The United States has become a key growth area, with the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation reporting that annual exports to the U.S. reached USD 2.76 million in February 2025, reflecting a 7.9% year-over-year increase. As noted by the Maeil Business Newspaper in February 2025, the U.S. is now the second-largest export destination, marking a crucial shift from regional Asian trade to a wider international footprint.

Complementing this cultural momentum is strategic government support aimed at reducing regulatory burdens and incentivizing artisanal production. Policymakers have implemented fiscal reforms to treat traditional liquor as a high-value export, with the Chosun Ilbo reporting in February 2025 that tax benefits were expanded by doubling the eligible production limit to 1,000 kiloliters annually. These measures are designed to help small and medium-sized brewers scale up and modernize, thereby addressing logistical inefficiencies and fostering a competitive export-oriented manufacturing base.

Market Challenges

The primary obstacle hindering the Global Makgeolli Market is the logistical complexity and high cost associated with maintaining strict cold-chain standards for fresh, unpasteurized products. Because fresh Makgeolli retains active yeast and continues to ferment after bottling, it risks spoiling or exploding if not kept at consistently low temperatures, compelling exporters to use expensive air freight or specialized refrigerated containers. This economic burden renders the distribution of authentic products unviable for many long-distance markets that lack adequate cold-chain infrastructure.

Consequently, these logistical barriers restrict market penetration by limiting the availability of high-quality fresh products to geographically proximate regions, preventing the sector from fully capitalizing on global interest in Korean gastronomy. The severity of this constraint is evident in trade data; the Korea Customs Service reported that in 2023, the total export volume of Makgeolli and traditional rice wines decreased by 9.2 percent to approximately 13,982 tons. This contraction demonstrates how logistical hurdles effectively cap international expansion and stifle volume growth despite broadening consumer awareness.

Market Trends

The market is being reshaped by the proliferation of fruit-infused and dessert-like flavors, moving beyond traditional profiles to attract the "MZ Generation." Breweries are aggressively launching varieties with aromas such as chestnut, yuzu, and Earl Grey to modernize the beverage's image and appeal to younger consumers seeking novel options. This strategy has successfully revitalized domestic demand; The Korea Times reported in May 2024 that BGF Retail saw a 14.2 percent year-on-year increase in flavored Makgeolli sales, with consumers in their 20s and 30s accounting for nearly 70 percent of these purchases.

Simultaneously, exclusive collaborations with convenience stores have emerged as a dominant distribution strategy, transforming retail chains into influential brand incubators. Major operators are partnering with craft breweries to release limited-edition, private-label products that leverage sophisticated logistics to reach both domestic and international consumers. According to the Maeil Business Newspaper in March 2025, this channel-led expansion is driving significant volume, with GS Retail’s export revenue exceeding USD 9 million in 2024, largely attributed to the global popularity of these collaborative products.

Key Players Profiled in the Makgeolli Market

• Hana Makgeolli LLC
• KOOKSOONDANG BREWERY CO.LTD.
• Lee Bros Winery Inc.
• Hite Jinro Co., Ltd.
• Kim Seng Company
• Seoul Jangsoo Co, Ltd.
• Seek Sophie Private Limited
• Kumbokju Co.,Ltd.
• Baesangmyun Brewery Co.
• BHD CO., LTD

Report Scope

In this report, the Global Makgeolli Market has been segmented into the following categories:

Makgeolli Market, by Flavor:

• Flavored
• Unflavored

Makgeolli Market, by Distribution Channel:

• On-trade
• Off-trade

Makgeolli Market, by Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Makgeolli Market.

Available Customization

The analyst offers customization according to your specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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