Kimchangsoo Distillery

South Korea's second whisky distillery, founded in 2020 by Kim Chang-soo, who self-designed and personally assembled the stills and 300 sqm facility. Kim trained at Japanese whisky distilleries and was inspired by Islay, focusing on heavily peated single malt whisky. Korea's intense four-season climate accelerates maturation and creates a distinctive style. First whisky (Kimchangsoo Whisky 01) released 2022 at 54.1% ABV, heavily peated. The Gimpo Korean Single Malt First Edition followed in 2024. Construction underway on a second distillery in Andong, the historic heartland of Korea's soju tradition, to expand production. Represents the Islay-inspired peated wing of the emerging Korean whisky movement.