0089 Wine for Korea

South Korea may be on the cutting edge of technoculture, but when it comes to oenoculture, it doesn’t know its shiraz from its merlot. Most Koreans prefer to meet their alcohol RDA by knocking back shots of soju, a clear liquor distilled from grain, not unlike vodka though sweeter. The latest free trade pact signed with the US, however, may just cause a cultural shift. The terms will greatly expand the ability of US wine makers to export their product. Who to? A growing market made up mostly of young Korean women influenced by trendy TV dramas in which wine is the adult beverage of choice. Will that be red or white? Can’t say yet, but as soon as “vino,” you’ll know. #ceas #hacker #SouthKorea #tsutsui