Namgoong Hyun, Head of Alcoholic Beverages at Hyundai Department Store, Receives One of France’s Top Three Wine Knighthoods

Awarded the "Jurade de Saint-Emilion"
Recognized for Raising Awareness of Local Wines

Hyundai Department Store announced on September 22 that Namgoong Hyun, head buyer of alcoholic beverages on the H&B team, received the "Jurade de Saint-Emilion" wine knighthood, which has an 820-year history in France, at the Palais Cardinal winery in Bordeaux, France.

Namgoong Hyun, head buyer of alcoholic beverages at Hyundai Department Store (center), is taking a commemorative photo with officials after receiving the wine knighthood title "Jurade de Saint-Emilion" at the Palais Cardinal winery in Bordeaux, France. Provided by Hyundai Department Store

The "Jurade" knighthood of the Saint-Emilion region in France is considered one of the three major French wine knighthoods, alongside the "Chevalier" of Burgundy and the "Commanderie" of the Medoc region. There are about 3,000 recipients of the Jurade title worldwide, and they also serve as ambassadors promoting the wines of the Saint-Emilion region.

Namgoong has introduced more than 500 types of French wine to Korea through Hyundai Department Store's wine complex "Wine Works" and the country's first large-scale outlet wine shop "Wine List." From 2022 to last month, he sold 600,000 bottles of French wine, earning recognition for his contribution to raising the profile of French wines in Korea.

In April, he also launched a "Premium Glass Wine Bar" at the Wine Works store in Hyundai Department Store's Apgujeong main branch, where wine enthusiasts can taste all five of Bordeaux's First Growth Chateaux by the glass-an experience usually reserved for high-end restaurants where each bottle costs well over 2 million won.

To commemorate Namgoong's knighthood, Hyundai Department Store will offer 20 types of French wine gift sets personally selected by the buyer at up to 50% off their original prices until October 5. Featured products include the KY France Wine Set No. 2 (65,000 won, 750ml x 2 bottles), which consists of two types of Bordeaux red wine, and the France Hyundai Exclusive No. 1 set (80,000 won, 750ml x 2 bottles), which includes the white wines "Franc Parle Blanc" and "Chateau Haut Baradieu."

Namgoong said, "My efforts to introduce a wide range of French wines, from premium to value-oriented options, have led to this meaningful result. I plan to continue curating a diverse selection of wines from Bordeaux and around the world to provide customers with unique gastronomic experiences."