Field Forum Held on Traditional Liquor and Regional Economy Vitalization



The Korea Rural Economic Institute (KREI) held a joint field forum on “Hansan Sogokju and Regional Economy Vitalization” with the Chungnam Institute in Munheon Seowon, Seocheon-gun, South Chungcheong Province, May 23, diagnosing the current status of traditional Korean liquor with a focus on Hansan sogokju (a kind of rice wine) and seeking development plans.

In their presentation on “Strategy for Vitalizing Traditional Liquor and the Regional Economy” that day, Drs. Kim Yonglyoul and Choi Jongwoo at KREI stressed the need for strategies to diversify sales channels in order to boost the traditional liquor industry and the necessity of marketing consulting support for small firms. Also, they emphasized the need for joint promotion through organizing manufacturers.

According to the result of a consumer survey, consumers in their 20s and 30s consider local liquor as liquor for the middle-aged (30%) and for the elderly (17.7%). This indicates that it is required to develop products that reflect the young generation’s consumption trends. Dr. Kim said, “The higher consumers’ level of awareness of traditional liquor, the higher their preference for it. Therefore, active promotion of traditional liquor is needed.” In addition, he argued that it is necessary to reduce costs and expand markets by scaling up through a region’s joint license in order to revitalize the regional economy.

That day, KREI and the Chungnam Institute also signed a Memorandum of Understanding for close cooperation in research and information exchange in the fields of agriculture and rural communities.