Top 6 Best Soju Seller in Korea Sold 3.6 Billion Bottles in 2017 in Korea, About 70 Bottles/head.

 Sales Volume was recorded last year as WKW 3.7 trillion equivalent to US$ 3 billion in 2017. Major market leaders like Chamisul brand and Cheoeumcheoleom brand are taking majority as about 70%. While other brands based in country area were somewhat losing their market under major brand’s aggressive sales market.

Soju is typical and representing liquor to Korea which was principally distilled but nowadays changed to blending Soju. We call distilled Soju as traditional Soju and blending Soju as public Soju. Soju Sales result was turned out as 3,601,513 bottles based on 360ml botte in 2017, the Distribution Industries announced. This means Korean drinking about 70 bottles per head. This last year result was increased by 96,054,090 bottles and KRW 97.5 billion equivalent to US$ 81.25 thousand comparing to 2016. Please find followings are top 6 major shareholders highly ranking at local Soju market in 2017. 

 

1st Position: Chamisul Soju Brand by Hitejinro Co., Ltd.

This Soju has been produced in 1998 through four times filtering process with bamboo charcoal in order to reduce hangover element in the alcohol which is introducing as Fresh (16.9% alcohol) and Classic (20.1% alcohol). Any artificial raw materials or additives are not used but pure natural raw material and additives for the production. This Soju was sold in 2016 as 18,116,640 bottles which could be converted into KRW1,840,100,000,000 equivalent to US$ 9.2 billion which turned out as top position at local Soju market and taking market share more than half.   

2nd Position: Cheoeumcheoleom Soju by Lotte Chilseong Co., Ltd.

This Soju was introduced in 2006 by Doosan Doosan Liquor BG in Changwon City and sold and transferred to the Lotte Chilseong in 2009 which is still producing by Lotte Chilseong as a representing Soju brand. There are two brand series as Jihancheoleom (20% alcohol) and Cheoeumcheoleom (16% alcohol) which means as “Gentle as the begining” and cocktailed Soju with fruit juice like peach or citron or lime or apple. This Soju was sold in 2016 as 634,342,920 bottles which could be converted into KRW638,500,000,000 equivalent to US$ 532 million which turned out as 2^nd position at local Soju market and taking market share as about 17.5%.

3rd Choeumday Soju by Mukak Co., Ltd.

Muhak was found in 1929 in Masan City, southern area of Korea and started to introduce Whit brand Soju, 19% alcohol. But Muhak launched sister brand as Joeunday, 16.9%  alcohol in 2006 taking into account drink trend changing to light Soju. They later launched cocktail brand Joeunday as Red, Blue , Yellow and Pink in reference to competitor’s success of Cheoeumcheoleom cocktail Soju. This Soju was sold in 2016 as 463,800,000 bottles which could be converted into KRW 463,800,000,000 equivalent to US$ 387 million which turned out as 3rd position at local Soju market and taking market share as 12.74%.

4th Charmsoju by Kumbokju Co., Ltd.

Samsung Musan produced Soju in Daegu City in 1958 and changed to company name as Kumbokju in 1975 which was merging several Soju companies around Daegu and moved their factory to Jangdong in Daegu. There are series of Charmsoju as Sunhan Charmsoju (16.9% alcohol), Charmsoju Original (17% alcohol) and Masineun. Charmsoju was sold 268,050,000 bottles in 2016 which could convert into KRW272,300,000,000 equivalent to US$ 227 million which turned out as 4^th position at local Soju market and taking share as 7.41%.

5th Position : Ijewoolinn by the Mckisscompany Co. ltd.

Mackiss Company has become the representative liquor company of Chungcheong Province since its establishment in 1973 under the name of Sunyang in 1974. Mackiss Company is the new name of Sunyang which combines Energy and Kiss. It means, "Let's do something that connects people and people happily. They firstly introduced blended Soju as O2 Linn (16.5% alcohol) which was later changed its brand name to Ijewoolinn (16.5% alcohol) in 2018.They are presently producing three different brand Soju as Ijewoolinn (16.5%  alcohol), Linn21 (21% alcohol) and Sarak (33% alcohol). Charmsoju was sold 125,010,000 bottles in 2016 which could convert into KRW127,000,000,000 equivalent to US$ 106 million which turned out as 5th position at local Soju market and taking share as 3.46%.

6th Position: Ipsaeju Soju by Bohae Co., Ltd.

Bohae was found in 1950 in Mokpo City, southern area of Korea and started to introduce Ipsaeju brand Soju, 17.8% alcohol in 2002. Thereafter they launched sister brand as Ipsaeju Brothers, 16.3% alcohol taking into account drink trend changing to light Soju. This Ipsaeju Brothers is become more major Soju position in Bohae time by time. Ipsaeju Soju was sold 117,360,000 bottles in 2016 which could convert into KRW119,300,000,000 equivalent to US$ 99.5 million which turned out as 5th position at local Soju market and taking share as 3.25%.

Updated : Hangang River East Walking Course 2 Alongside Hangang River, South from Saetgang Station to Seoul Express Bus Terminal Station in Seoul

 

1.   Preface

Hangang River is one of Major River in Korea which is starting flowing down from the Taebeak City in Gangwon Province, North East to the Ganghwa Island in West Sea and which is almost dividing half of country from North to South. Total flowing distance is estimating as 494km. There are total number of bridges built around Seoul and it’s metropolitan in the Hangang River as 32 pieces. But I will arrange to walk Hangang River from Gangseogu district to  Gandonggu district in Seoul which is estimated as total distance, 86 km and 26 walking hours and passing 23 bridges out of these total 32 bridges. Each course is arranging with about 12 km and 4 hours walking time and starting from near subway station and finishing at designated subway station. Please see more to Attached Table for Walking Course and map below for bridges on the Hangang River.

2.   Course Guide Information

Hangang River Walking Course 2 is arranged from Saetgang Station to Seoul Express Bus Terminal Station in Seoul Metro Line 9 as about 13 km distance walking alongside Hangang River for about 4 hours, South including half an hour break during the Course. We will pass by Seoraesom Island which was made artificially during Hangang General Development Project in 1980^th. Please see following summary map of the Course 2 and also linked Blog to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2XObYKoZn8.

2-1) Cross Yeouikyo Ogueri Junction as see at Photo 1.

2-2) Step down to Saetgang Bridge under Yeouikyo Bridge as see at Photo 2.

2-3) Pass the Yeouikyo Walking Bridge above Saetgang Creek as see at Photo 3.

2-4) Turn Left at the Yeouikyo Bridge Junction after about 3 minutes walking from Saetgang Station as see at Photo 3.

2-5) Start to Walk the Hangang Walking Road heading to East as see at Photo 4.

2-6) Turn Left at the Junction as see at the Photo 7, for exclusive walking on no bike road.

2-7) Pass the Hangang Cheolkyo Railway Bridge as see at the Photo 8 after about 5 minutes walking from previous junction.

2-8) Walk the Under-Pass Road alongside NoreDongjak Daekyo,ang Daekyo Bridge after about 5 minutes walking from Hangang Cheolkyo Bridge as see at Photo 10.

2-9) Walk alongside Noreang Daekyo Brige after about 25 minutes walking form the Noreang Daekyo Bridge Start as see at the Photo 13

2-10) Back to Walking Course 2 under Noreang Daekyo Bridge as see at the Photo 15.

2-11) Finish walking the Under-Bridge Road of Noreang Daekyo Bridge and head to Dongjak Daekyo Bridge as see at the Photo 17 after about 5 minutes walking from the Back to Walking Course 2.

2-12) Turn Left at the Marina Junction as see at the Photo 19 after about 5 minutes walking from the Dongjak Daekyo Bridge as see at the Photo 19.

2-13) Turn Left and Cross Seoraekyo Bridge as see at the Photo 23 after 10 minutes walking from the Marina Junction. .

2-14) Turn Right at almost end of Seorae Som Island and Cross the 1^st  Creek Bridge as see at the Photo 35 after about 13 minutes walking.

2-15) Back to the Hangang Walking Course 2 and head to the Som Sevit Island as see at the Photo 27.

2-16) Walk alongside Banpo Bridge at left and move toward South as see at the Photo 30.

2-17) Walk alongside Banpo Under-Pass Turnnel as see at the Photo 32.

2-18) Turn right on top of the tunnel stair as see at the Photo 33.

2-19) Join either Seoul Express Terminal Station in Subway Line 3 at Express Terminal Junction or Shinbapo Station in Subway Line 9 at right as see at Photo 34.     

3.   Historic and Background Information

There are several places or spot where some cultural and historic background which you may feel interest in or useful for your better understanding. Please refer followings for brief explanation.

3-1) Hangang Cheolkyo (Hangang Railway Bridge)

was firstly arranged to build on the Hangang River at Nodeulnarutoe Ferry in 1900th which was positioned at present location taking into account comparably narrow width and slow flow of the River, easy ferry dock arrangement. This bridge was not principally designed and built for people walking but for the exclusive train transportation. Thereafter 2nd Hangang Bridge was later built in 1917 for the car transportation and people walking when Japanese were controlling Korea. There was so extraordinary heavy flood in 1925 which damaged and lost some part of this bridge. Korea government arranged to repair damaged bridge and reopen it in 1927. But this bridge was faced severe traffic jam time by time until 1930th due to small and narrow and need rebuild bigger and wider bridge. Therefore the Government built new bigger and wider bridge in 1937. This bridge was during the Korea War exploded and destroyed by Korea Military to delay North Korea invasion in 1950. This exploded bridge was completely rebuilt in 1958, after 8 years. This bridge was expanding the width from 4th lane to 8th lane in 1979 which was similar to present Hangang Bridge scale.

3-2) Noreang Daekyo Bridge

This bridge was built and officially opened on May 2, 1086 for connecting Hangang Cheolkyo Bridge, South to Dongjak Daekyo Bridge, total distance 2,070m connecting with the 88 Olympic Highway. This bridge and highway were started to build on October, 1982 in accordance to Hangang General Development Project. Noreang Daekyo Bridge area was hardest project area among complete 88 Olympic Highway Project which was inevitable for solving headache problem, all time traffic jam on Hyeonchungwon Road (National Memorial Board). The Government determined to build detour and by pass road at present location to avoid this critical traffic jam. But this area was so sheared cliff and situated at somewhat fast rapid at the rive shore.   

This Noreang Daekyo Bridge was again facing traffic jam problem accommodating volume traffic with previous 4 lane and ultimately determined to expand additional 4 lanes, total 8 lanes in 1993.

3-2) Soerae Some Island  

The Banpo Som Island was there at present location between Banpo Daekyo Bridge and Dongjak Daekyo Bridge which once called as Gido Island at Choseon Dynasty (1700th to 1900th). This island was thereafter disappeared provably due to natural erosion. The Korea Government decided to build artificial island, calling as Seorae Some Island at the same position as old Banpo Some Island location which was opened at the same time that complete 88 Olympic Highway was officially opened. There are three creek bridges connecting Seorae Some Island, 1st one, 2nd one and 3rd one. Please refer the island to attached Photo 36.    

3-3) Some Sevit Island  

The Sevit Some Island means three islands connecting each other which was devised and designed based on principal concept of basic three color as red, green and blue. This basic three color comes amicable harmony each other so that could eventually bring honor to Seoul. These three islands are simply calling as islands looks like naturally created but these islands were actually and artificially made on the floating barge. Followings are summary of each island from 1^st one to 4^th one which contains three different scales of performances like big, medium and small. 4th island was lastly added to these three islands calling as Some Yevit which was arranged to perform media art gallery.      .

1st Some Gavit	Cultural performance stage and walk under moonlight which is largest island about middle of three islands as see at the Photo 27. .
2nd Some Chavit	This island is first opening among three which is arranged for entertainment of cultural experience and which is situated at right of 1st Some Gavit as see at the Photo 27.
3rd Some Solvit	Water leisure facilities are installed on the this island at slightly above of 1st Some Gavit as see at the Phot 27.
4th Some Yevit	This island was lastly added to above three islands which is a floating stage. There is big size LED screen and performance stage which they could perform trial video or picture observation. This island is separately located from these three islands and differently square shape as see at the Photo 27. .

 

 

Updated : Hangang River East Walking Trek Course 1 Alongside Hangang River, South from Jeungmi Station to Saetgang Station in Seoul Metro Line 9.

1.   Preface

Hangang River is one of Major River in Korea which is starting flowing down from Taebeak City in Gangwon Province, North East to Ganghwa Island in West Sea and which is almost dividing half of country from North to South. Total flowing distance is estimating as 494km. There are total number of bridges built around Seoul and its metropolitan in Hangang River as 32 pieces. But I will arrange to walk Hangang River from Gangseogu district to  Gandonggu district which is estimated as total distance, 86 km and 26 hours walking and passing 23 bridges out of these total 32 bridges. Each course is arranging with about 12 km and 4 hours walking and starting from near subway station and finishing at designated subway station. You may find detailed information of the Hangang River bridges at Google Earth and Walking Course-East Alongside Hangang River, South as attached below. 

2.   Course Guide Information

The Course 1 is arranged from Jeungmi Station to Saetgang Station in Seoul Metro Line 9 as about 15 km distance walking alongside Hangang River, South for about 4 hours including 1 hour break during the Course. We will visit to Seonyudo Island where provably appropriate for lunch break on the way. Please see followings are summary map of the Course 1 and overall view at the linked YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3pXMuEPJ1E. 

        2-1) Starting at Jeungmi Station, Gate 2 in Seoul Metro Line No 9 and turn left at Jeungmi Station Junction as see at Photo 1 attached.

2-2) Cross the Gayang Block 9 Junction after about 5 minutes walking and turn left in front of Gangseogu Library as see at Photo 2.

2-3) Turn right at the corner of Gangseogu Library after about 3 minutes walking as see at Photo 3.

2-4) Turn Left at the junction of Hwanggeumnae Park after about 2 minutes walking from previous corner as see at Photo 5.

2-5) Walk the Ramp Road at the Hwanggeumnae Park as see at Photo 8 after about 4 minutes walking from previous junction.

2-6) Pass the underpass tunnel as see at the Photo 9 after the ramp road.

2-7) Join the Yeomgang Nadeulmok Junction, Left to West and Right to East as see at the Photo 10. Turn Right and head toward East. 

2-8) Yeomchang Nadeulmok Junction after about 15 minutes walking from previos junction as see at Photo 15.

2-9) Pass the Anyangcheon River Junction, left side Hangang River and right side Anyangcheon River as see at the Photo 16.

2-10) Cross Seonyudo Island Bridge as see at the Photo 21 after about 40 minutes walking from the Anyangcheon River Junction.

2-11) Drop off Seonyudo Island Park and take lunch break at small square at the middle of the Park as see at the Photo 25.

2-12) Crossing over the Yanghwa Bridge connecting with Seonyudo Island  as see at the Photo 29.

2-13) Stepping down through Yanghwa Bridge Stairs as see at the Phot 30.

2-14) Return the Hangang River Walking Road and head the National Assembly direction as see at the Photo 32.

2-15) Turn left at Three-way Junction as see at the Photo 36.

2-16) Walk alongside with nice view poplar trees standing on the Walk Road as see at the Photo 38.

2-17) Stop at the Yeouikyo Bridge and Cross the Bridge as see at the Photo 42.

2-18) Cross the Yeouikyo Ogueri Junction as see at Photo 44 and join the Gate 3 at Saetgang Station in Seoul Metro No. 9 as see at the Photo 45.     

3.   Historic and Background Information

There are several places or spot where some cultural and historic background and which you may feel interest or useful for your better understanding. Please refer followings to brief explanation.

3-1) Deungcheon Dong was originally located at the ridge between Maebong Mountain and Yeomchang Mountain which was initially called as “ Deungmaru Gol” as unique and pure traditional Korean. But this name was later changed to Deuncheon Dong referring to Chinese letter.

3-2) Yeomchang Dong was principally called in Choseon Dynasty which means salt store house where most salt collecting from South and West sea and conveniently storing and transporting and distributing the salt to capital, Seoul. There is no more salt store house now days since no need such salt sore house in Seoul. They store the salt at production area and easily and quickly transport them to Seoul.

3-3) Seonyudo Island was originally created as beautiful small peak island and positioned at present location at the middle of Hangang River. There is legend god used to come down this Seonyudo Island for joyful healing at the so beautiful peak island. There is no more peak nowadays and nearly small flat island due to various reasons like extraordinary heavy flood, removing stone and soil on the peak for flood control and so on. Anyhow Seoul City has recently developed this island, Seonyudo as Ecological and Aquatic Park and opened for visitor’s healing and relax. 

3-4) Yeouido Island was mainly for the use of livestock farming in Choseon Dynasty which government was taking care. Minority people were living in the island these days who were somewhat closed community. There was Yangmalsan Mountain at present location of the National Assembly House. Yeouido Airport was built in Yeouido Island in 1916 while Japanese was controlling Korea and used for Korea Air Force until 1917.