Think South Korea can’t make good wine? This passionate producer wants to change your mind
Many think South Korea’s climate causes the flavour-masking sweetness of its wine, but Jeong Gyu-song of Jeong Ssang-eun Wine says otherwise
In the quiet mountain village of Ungyang-myeon, in Geochang county in South Korea’s South Gyeongsang province, sits a modest country home. Beside it are a small winery and a vineyard spanning about 18,000 square metres (193,000 sq ft).
Compared with the vast vineyards of Europe’s famous wine regions, the place feels more like a humble grape farm than a vineyard.
The winery, run by first-generation grape farmers Jeong Ssang-eun and Lim Hye-sook and their son, second-generation winemaker Jeong Gyu-song, produces only about 9,000 bottles a year due to its small scale. Despite the limited supply, their wines often sell out soon after they become available.
What makes Jeong Ssang-eun Wine different
For first-time drinkers, perhaps the most striking characteristic of Jeong Ssang-eun Wine is what it lacks: sweetness.
The difference can be particularly noticeable for consumers whose experience with South Korean wine has been limited to products commonly found in supermarkets, convenience stores and neighbourhood shops.