Korea to Launch Sake Sommelier Program
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Sake lovers can now put their passion for the alcoholic beverage to the test.
The Sake Service Institute (SSI) is launching its program here for the first time, and Koreans can now become certified sake sommeliers, known in Japanese as ``kikisakeshi,’’ without having to leave the country.
The SSI is teaming up with Soongsil University Computer Institute to bring a sake sommelier program to future kikisakeshis in Korea. SSI is currently the only Japanese educational center that gives out official licenses to sake sommeliers.
``I have learned that Korean traditional liquor and Japanese sake are from similar roots. That’s why I chose Korea. I hope through this program, both liquors will get to branch out further in the future,’’ said Keiji Migita, chairman of SSI, during a press conference last week in central Seoul.
The local sake market has jumped in recent years, with more than 1,200 tons imported in 2008 compared to the 319 tons in 2004. Thanks to the younger crowd who enjoy consuming healthier food, including fish and vegetables, the interest toward sake has become a trend as well.
``Unlike wine, Japanese liquor spoils easily and so it’s important for professionals to take care and recommend sake that fits perfectly with customers’ demands. In Japan, the need for such professionals has been recognized as being of great importance and customers rely on them whenever they go out for sake,’’ the chairman added.
The SIS program includes four exams: two written tests, a tasting test and a verbal test. The first written test includes general information about alcohol and the liquor market, while the second delves into the world of sake, including its history, ingredients, brewing and sales promotion. The tasting portion will require the test-taker to distinguish different types of sake, know what type of food goes well with it, and perfectly understand the taste and scent of the liquor. The final verbal test will deal with sake presentation and the overall requirements needed to become a kikisakeshi.
The SSI will offer classes -- all led by a Japanese tutor from the SSI headquarters in Japan --to prepare for such exams. The classes will be carried out in both Japanese and Korean. The weekday classes continue for six weeks, while the weekend classes go for 12 weeks. The class fees for the 36 hour classes are approximately 2.5 million won. For more information, visit www.ssikorea.co.kr.