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[Anchor Lead]The craft beer served during a recent meeting between President Moon Jae-in and business leaders has created a buzz. Craft beer, produced on a small scale but in a variety of flavors, is rapidly emerging in the domestic beer market.[Pkg]Signs for craft beer pubs are not difficult to spot on this street frequented by young people. Craft beers are known for their unique flavors and aroma.[Soundbite] Kim Suk-hee(Customer) : "I like the slightly bitter scent at the end. The flavor is nice too."The names are similarly diverse.[Soundbite] "This is Baekdusan, this is Namsan, and this one is Hallasan. They vary by alcohol content."This small brewery is located in a residential area. It produces new beer flavors every day by combining various ingredients. The owners, a couple in their 30s who were formerly a doctor of Oriental medicine and a stock analyst, entered the craft beer market 3 years ago.[Soundbite] Yang Seong-hoo(CEO, Craft Beer Shop) : "Yeast, malt and water are the ingredients. Changes to the combination ratio greatly alters the taste. Beer combinations of over 1,000 different flavors can be produced."Craft beer still accounts for only half a percent of the entire beer market. However, it has grown annually by more than 100% for 3 consecutive years, expanding sales channels to large supermarket chains, convenience stores and even local mom and pop stores. The prevalence of people drinking alone amid the increase in single-person households is also believed to have affected the growth of craft beer.[Soundbite] Kim In-ha(Single-person Household (26-year-old)) : "We often drink the same kind of beer during co-worker gatherings. But with craft beer, I can freely enjoy more diverse flavors."New tastes and a new culture in beer drinking has captured consumer preferences, creating a new wave in the beer market.

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