Gokseong County announced on March 25 that Sihyangga—an agricultural corporation based in Gokseong, South Jeolla Province—won the top prize in the premium soju category at the 2026 Korea Liquor Awards for its NEO40 Black.
Now in its 13th year, the Liquor Awards is South Korea’s premier spirits competition, held annually to spotlight outstanding domestic drinks and support growth in the liquor industry.
According to Gokseong County, NEO40 Black builds on the distilled soju NEO40, made from 100% Gokseong-grown Garumi (Baromi 2) rice. The maker applied a modern twist to a traditional raw-rice fermentation method to highlight the rice’s natural flavor and character.
Since 2021, Sihyangga has been researching traditional liquors using Garumi rice and collaborated with the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences under the Rural Development Administration to refine quality. Chef Choi Kang-rok also participated in the development process, bringing a culinary perspective that elevated the product’s sophistication.
Founded in 2019, Sihyangga sources rice through contract farming with local Gokseong farms and produces a range of traditional liquors. NEO40 Black has been the No. 1 seller on KakaoTalk Gifts—the popular gifting service on Korea’s top messaging app—for three consecutive months.
“I’m deeply honored that our liquor, which truly captures the value of Gokseong rice, has received this major award,” said Yang Sook-hee, CEO of Sihyangga. “We will continue to use quality ingredients and honest brewing to raise the standard of traditional liquors and share Gokseong’s flavors and value more broadly.”
“This award once again proves the excellence of Gokseong rice and local agricultural products,” a county official said. “We will actively support the traditional liquor industry so it can connect with regional agriculture and serve as a foundation for sustainable growth.”
