Seomjingang Spring Agricultural Corp. crafts premium wine from locally grown produce
"The harmony of Gwangyang-grown plums, wild pears and yuzu, crafted with a master's care — the delicate bubbles and clean acidity produced by a 10-month aging process are truly exceptional," said Lee Jong-gi, chief executive of Seomjingang Spring Agricultural Corp.
The company's premium plum sparkling wine, "Star of Seomjingang," which went on sale in March, is set to be exported to Germany and Hong Kong.
Gwangyang city held an export ceremony Monday at the Seomjingang Spring production factory in Jinwol-myeon to mark the occasion.
"Star of Seomjingang" is billed as the world's first plum sparkling wine made using the charmat method, crafted from Gwangyang-grown plums, wild pears and yuzu.
Since its launch, the wine has secured shelf space at the Shinsegae duty-free shop and the Cityplus duty-free shop at Incheon International Airport. It has also earned recognition for its taste and quality, being named among the top 20 at the 2026 Korea Traditional Liquor Competition and finishing first in the Honam region at the K-Liquor Competition.
The Germany shipment follows a contract signed in August with Berlin-based spirits distributor Soju Hallae. A first batch was airfreighted in September, and a second consignment is now being loaded onto a vessel at Busan Port.
A Gwangyang city official said the city plans to finalize an export contract with H Mart in the United States in November, shipping around 720 bottles, and is also pursuing participation in the Hong Kong International Wine Fair. In December, the city intends to send sample products to explore markets in Japan and Vietnam.
parkds@heraldcorp.com
