[Graphic News] Korea’s alcohol consumption sees record decline

South Koreans’ spending on alcoholic beverages posted its steepest decline on record in the first quarter, extending a prolonged downturn in alcohol consumption.

Average monthly household spending on alcoholic beverages, adjusted for inflation, fell 9 percent on-year to 13,000 won ($8.60) in the January-March period, according to data from the Korean Statistical Information Service.

The decline was the largest since comparable quarterly data became available in 2019.

Real spending on alcohol has ...