Exhibiting at Thaifex - Anuga Asia 2025

Seoul Jangsoo Co., Ltd. is South Korea’s leading producer and exporter of traditional Korean rice wine, Makgeolli. With a rich legacy rooted in Seoul and a commitment to preserving Korea’s cultural heritage, the company has modernized traditional brewing techniques to cater to both domestic and global markets. It is renowned for quality, innovation, and cultural representation through its diverse Makgeolli offerings.

Company Overview

Founded in Seoul, Republic of Korea, Seoul Jangsoo has positioned itself as the standard bearer of Korea’s national alcoholic beverage—Makgeolli. Leveraging over 50 years of brewing expertise, the company’s mission is to preserve and promote Korean rice wine culture while adapting to modern consumer preferences in terms of taste, packaging, and distribution.

Core Business and Product Line

Seoul Jangsoo specializes exclusively in Makgeolli production, creating a portfolio that spans both traditional and contemporary flavor profiles. Its primary products include:

Flagship Products:

• Jangsoo Draft Makgeolli: The most recognized and widely consumed Makgeolli in Korea, known for its balanced sweetness and clean aftertaste.
• Insaeng Makgeolli: A premium variety emphasizing health benefits through enhanced fermentation.
• Walmae Makgeolli: Traditional taste with a twist, offered in both bottled and canned formats for convenience.

Specialized Varieties:

• Jang Red Ginseng Makgeolli: Infused with Korean red ginseng for added health benefits and unique flavor.
• de chez (Pineapple Makgeolli): A fruit-infused variety targeting younger and international consumers.
• Mak-cao (Cacao Makgeolli): A fusion of cacao and rice wine designed to appeal to gourmet and experimental drinkers.

All products are made using selected rice, nuruk (a traditional fermentation starter), and pure water, employing a careful fermentation process in state-of-the-art facilities.

Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Seoul Jangsoo's key differentiators include:

• Pioneering canned Makgeolli for convenience and export.
• Health-oriented varieties with functional ingredients like red ginseng.
• Traditional recipes modernized through innovation.
• Brand dominance in Seoul and national level for the draft Makgeolli segment.

The company is one of the few Makgeolli brewers that has invested heavily in packaging innovation to ensure global distribution viability.

Market Position and Financial Insights

Though private financials are undisclosed, Seoul Jangsoo is estimated to hold a 30–35% market share in the Korean Makgeolli industry by volume. The company’s flagship product—Jangsoo Draft Makgeolli—is the No. 1 selling Makgeolli in Seoul and surrounding metropolitan areas.

Its facilities in Seoul operate on high-throughput fermentation lines, producing thousands of liters daily to meet both domestic and international demand.

Export and Shipment Data

According to international trade data:

• Seoul Jangsoo has conducted regular export shipments to over 10 countries, including the USA, Japan, China, and Southeast Asian markets.
• Canned Walmae Makgeolli has gained particular traction in Japan and Hong Kong due to its portability and aesthetic packaging.
• Annual exports are estimated at over 200,000 liters, making Seoul Jangsoo a significant player in Korea’s alcoholic beverage export market.

Target Market

• Domestic: General consumers, restaurants, bars, and traditional Korean eateries.
• International: Korean diaspora, Asian supermarkets, health-focused alcoholic beverage consumers, and specialty stores seeking cultural imports.

The company’s flavored and health-oriented Makgeolli products target younger demographics and health-conscious drinkers seeking functional beverages.

Capabilities and Infrastructure

• High-volume production facility in Seoul with fermentation and bottling units.
• In-house R&D team developing new flavor profiles and functional beverage formulations.
• Cold-chain logistics and packaging suitable for export and long shelf life.
• Compliance with international food safety regulations for export clearance.

Certifications and Quality Assurance

• HACCP Certified
• KFDA Approved for all products
• ISO-compliant production processes

These certifications ensure safety, consistency, and regulatory adherence, particularly important for international buyers.

Brand Recognition and Customer Sentiment

Brands under Seoul Jangsoo—Jangsoo, Walmae, Insaeng, de chez, and Mak-cao—are well recognized across retail and restaurant sectors. Online sentiment reflects:

• High praise for taste authenticity
• Appreciation for health variants like ginseng-infused Makgeolli
• Positive response to canned and flavored options from international consumers

Major Achievements

• Market leader in Seoul for Makgeolli distribution
• First mover in Makgeolli can packaging
• Export partner of Korean cultural promotional programs
• Recognized for revitalizing traditional alcoholic beverages through innovation

Seoul Jangsoo Co., Ltd. continues to lead South Korea’s traditional beverage industry by combining cultural integrity with product innovation. Its sustained dominance in the domestic market and strategic expansion overseas solidify its position as a global ambassador for Makgeolli.