Exports of Korea’s traditional rice wine makgeolli reached an all-time high last year thanks to high demand in Japan and a spike in shipments to China, a report showed Wednesday.

Makgeolli exports reached $19.1 million in 2010, up from $6.3 million a year earlier, said the report by the Korea Agro-Fisheries Trade Corp.

By country, Japan topped the list of importers with shipments totaling $15.6 million. Exports to China rose 557 percent on-year to $912,000, said the report. A total of 38 countries imported the traditional rice wine in 2010, it added.

Korea aims to export $30 million worth of makgeolli this year.

Makgeolli has been gaining popularity both at home and abroad amid rising public interest in organic and healthy food and beverages. The fermented rice drink is known to have positive effects on controlling weight and blood pressure. 

(Yonhap News)