Four South Korean Whiskies and Sojus Gaining Popularity in the UK
Key Takeaways
- •Ki One Unicorn, Korea's first single malt whisky, was awarded the 2025 IWSC Worldwide Whisky Trophy, a recognition that has historically served as a gateway for emerging whisky regions seeking credibility with Western consumers.
- •The Whisky Exchange has reported increasing demand for both Korean whisky and soju from British consumers amid the broader rise of South Korean cultural influence in the UK.
- •Most South Korean whisky distilleries have been established within the last decade, following a development path similar to the previously emerging Japanese and Taiwanese whisky industries.
- •Craft and premium soju expressions remain relatively new to Western retail, despite soju being the world's best-selling spirit category by volume driven largely by mass-market Korean brands.
- •Several Korean spirits are now available through The Whisky Exchange, including Ki One Tiger single malt, Kimchangsoo Gimpo peated whisky, and craft soju offerings from J&J Brewery and Jinmaek.
The rise of South Korean lifestyle culture in the UK — propelled by K-pop, Squid Game, and Korean street food — has extended into the world of spirits, with Korean whisky and soju attracting growing interest from British consumers.
South Korea's whisky industry remains young, with most distilleries established within the last decade, yet it follows a path previously travelled by Japanese and Taiwanese whisky, which gained international recognition through competition awards before building sustained global demand. The IWSC, founded in 1969, is one of the most established spirits competitions globally, and its endorsement has historically served as a gateway for emerging whisky regions seeking credibility with Western drinkers.
Following the 2025 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) Worldwide Whisky Trophy awarded to Ki One Unicorn, Korea's first single malt whisky, The Whisky Exchange has reported increasing demand for both Korean whisky and soju.
Ki One Tiger
Ki One's inaugural releases pay homage to three nations that shaped its vision: Unicorn represents Scotland, Tiger represents Korea, and Eagle represents America. The Tiger expression delivers fruit and spice on the palate, with rounded, sticky notes of dates, figs, and raisins, followed by hints of walnut and worn leather.
46% ABV — £69.95 | Available at The Whisky Exchange
Kimchangsoo Gimpo
A well-balanced peated single malt from Kimchangsoo, which launched its first whisky in 2021. Tasting notes include BBQ smoke alongside seaweed, heather, and salted dark chocolate.
50.1% ABV — £125 | Available at The Whisky Exchange
Propose Red Soju
Soju has long been the world's best-selling spirit category by volume, driven largely by mass-market Korean brands, but craft and premium expressions like this remain relatively new to Western retail. Produced by J&J Brewery, recognised leaders in Korea's craft soju movement, this table-strength soju is rich in character while retaining an elegance suited for sipping or mixing.
25% ABV — £22.50 | Available at The Whisky Exchange
Jinmaek 40 Wheat Soju
Jinmaek soju is crafted using an old-fashioned recipe featuring organic local wheat from southern Korea. Although wheat was an original ingredient in traditional soju, it had fallen out of widespread use for many years. The founders of Jinmaek sought to revive this heritage recipe, producing a well-balanced soju with citrus and spice notes.
40% ABV — £42.95 | Available at The Whisky Exchange
