​Exports of S. Korean instant noodles Ramyeon surpass 0 mln in first half of 2023

[Yonhap News Photo]

SEOUL -- Exports of South Korean instant noodles known as Ramyeon soared 16.4 percent year-on-year to a record high of 6.2 million in the first half of 2023, state data showed. The instant noodles that appeared in many South Korean films including the Oscar-winning film "Parasite" and live streaming platforms have created a global online phenomenon, with consumers uploading themselves eating hot noodles onto YouTube.  
 
According to data released by state-run tax organization Korea Customs Service (KCS) on July 4, exports of Ramyeon exceeded 0 million in the first half of this year. KCS has not disclosed information regarding the export amount by region. The tax organization said a total of some 5,430,000 worth of Ramyeon packs were exported in 2022, recording the largest amount ever. China was the largest importer with 8.9 million, followed by the United States (.1 million) and Japan (.6 million).  
 
Nongshim, a major food company in South Korea, saw a sharp increase in Ramyeon sales in 2020 thanks to the popularity of "Ram-don," a mixture of two different instant noodles originally known as "Jjapaguri." The instant noodle was used to portray the rich-poor gap in Parasite.
 
BTS member Jimin has received immense popularity for showing himself eating "Hot Chicken Flavor Ramen," an extremely spicy Ramyeon known as fire noodles, through live streaming content. Fire noodles created by domestic food company Samyang Foods are especially popular in Southeast Asia.
 
In 2018, Shinsegae Food, the food merchandise and service wing of South Korea's retail giant Shinsegae, released Halal-certified "Daebak" noodles to Southeast Asian countries including Indonesia and Malaysia. Halal-certified products are considered to be safe and clean under Islamic standards.