S. Korea's growing drinking-at-home culture pushes wine imports to record $236.9 million in H1

South Korea's wine imports reached an all-time high value of $236.9 million in the first half, up 110 percent year-on-year as more people drink at home due to the prolonged pandemic.

The figure broke the previous first-half record while accounting for 86 percent of yearly wine imports in 2020.

Red wine imports account for the largest share at $180.4 million, while white wine imports came to $49.3 million.

France was the largest source of red wine imports amounting to $43.1 million, followed by the US and Chile.

France also exported the most volume of white wine to South Korea, valued at $13.4 million, followed by Italy, the US, New Zealand, Chile, and Australia.

A growing number of South Koreans are avoiding crowded places like bars and would rather drink at home.