2023 was a record year for ramyeon

Korea's ramyeon witnessed a record high in global exports in 2023 due to rising demand amid the pandemic and the growing popularity of Korean culture.

A customer selects ramyeon at a supermarket in Seoul on Sunday. Ramyeon exports increased by 24 percent on-year in 2023 to reach over $952 million, according the Korea Customs Service said Monday. [NEWS1]

Korea’s ramyeon, or instant noodles, flew off shelves in global markets last year. The year 2023 marked a record high for exports of the nation's comfort food.

Ramyeon exports increased by 24 percent on year in 2023 to reach more than $952 million, the Korea Customs Service said Monday. This marks the ninth consecutive year, from 2015, in which overseas ramyeon sales have increased. Exports reached $200 million in 2015, increasing to $400 million in 2018, $600 million in 2020 and $700 million in 2022.

Ramyeon's worldwide success has at least something to do with its association with Korean culture, including the country's movies and K-pop stars. The food is also a convenient and cost-efficient meal option, for which demand shot up during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Nongshim, which manufactures Shin Ramyun, reported a 40.1 percent on-year jump in sales from its U.S. branch last May. The company’s Neoguri and Chapagetti ramyeon became international household names after chapaguri, a mixture of the two products, appeared in Oscar-winning film “Parasite” (2019).

Samyang Foods’ Buldak brand also became a steady bestseller after becoming viral through the “Fire Noodle Challenge” and appearing in mukbangs, or eating shows.

Though derived from Japanese ramen, Korean instant ramyeon is generally spicier and features both distinct peppery flavors and meat-based broth, though seafood and vegan options are also available. Toppings such as eggs, green onion and American cheese are commonly added.

BY KIM JU-YEON [kim.juyeon2@joongang.co.kr]