Jeollanam-do

Overview

Jeollanam-do is the warmest and one of the most important emerging wine regions in South Korea. The province ranges from the broad, humid Honam plain to the cooler Muju highlands, where Chateau Muju has helped put Korean wine on the map using the indigenous meoru grape. The relatively mild winters and long growing season allow a wider range of varieties to ripen than in the central and northern provinces.

Local hybrids such as cheongsoo, dunuri, and narsha have been developed specifically for Korea's climate and are increasingly planted alongside international varieties. The region's warmer sites suit Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, while meoru remains the signature indigenous red, producing deeply colored, tannic wines with wild-berry character. Soils vary from alluvial plains to granitic and sedimentary hill slopes.

Key Varietals

• MeoruKorea's indigenous wild grape, yielding deeply colored, tannic reds with brambly black fruit and earthy, savory depth.
• NarshaA modern Korean red hybrid descended from meoru, bred for cold hardiness and producing structured, dark-fruit wines.
• CheongsooA golden Korean white hybrid with tropical fruit and floral aromas, crafted into fresh and off-dry styles.
• Cabernet SauvignonA full-bodied red that ripens well on the province's warmest south-facing slopes, with cassis and herb notes.