'Makgeolli' exports rise sharply in Feb.

SEOUL, March 19 (Yonhap) -- Exports of "makgeolli," a traditional Korean rice wine, rose sharply last month to equal more than half of the country's beer exports on the back of the beverage's ever-increasing popularity, a government body said Friday.

 According to the Korea Customs Service, outbound shipments of makgeolli -- a milky brew with an alcohol content of 6-7 percent -- came to 1,227 tons worth US$1.18 million in February, up from $751,000 the previous month.

 The value of makgeolli exports equaled 50.4 percent of the country's beer exports, and 15.8 percent of its export of soju, a Korean distilled beverage made from rice and starches, in the same month.

 Industry sources attributed the trend to makgeolli's fast-growing popularity, and predicted the drink could overtake beer and soju exports this year.

 February's makgeolli exports, the second-largest on a monthly basis, marked the second time that they have surpassed $1 million since the $1.20 million recorded in December last year.

  Japan topped the list of makgeolli importers with $985,000 last month, more than double the previous month's figure. Outbound shipments of makgeolli to Japan constituted 83.7 percent of the total exports, followed by the United States and China.

  February's makgeolli exports logged a 3.4-fold increase from a year ago in terms of value, or 2.8-fold by volume.