Last year, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development(OECD) had a meeting in Paris. Representatives of each country attended the meeting and they drank Korea's traditional liquor 'Jinyangju.' The liquor received a favorable evaluation. Many companies are already exporting traditional liquors. Last year, Bohae brewery exported 'Matchsoon' and 'Bokbunjajoo' to about 20 countries, and they made profits of 3 million dollars. There is a enough possibility to globalize Korea's traditional liquors. The Korean government has tried to increase the competitiveness of traditional liquors. Recently, the government loosened some restrictions and gave tax benefits to companies. Also, the government holds a product show to select the best traditional liquor every year.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forest selected Korea's representative traditional liquors in five categories. Selected liquors have been aggressively supported by the government. There is 'Chamsali Makgeolli' in the makeolli category, 'Jinyangju' in the rice wine category, 'Pohang Bulloju' in the soju category and 'Sannaewool Omijaju' in the miscellaneous category. Selected products were shown at internal and external formal events and received various chances to attend expositions and be exported abroad.
The selected products are the result of many people's hard work for a very long time in spite of public indifference. Support from the government is helping to develop traditional liquors. The traditional liquors have distinct features. Because they are made from specific region's water and fruits, you can enjoy the special taste and smell. Before we globalize traditional liquors, we should try to learn about them. The consumption of soju, beer and wine is still higher than traditional liquors. That more and more people know about traditional liquors is very important rather than the globalization of it.