The export revenue of ramen, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, has surpassed 1 trillion won for the first time in history.
According to trade statistics from the Korea Customs Service on Nov. 20, the export revenue of ramen for the first 10 months of this year reached US$785.25 million, marking a 24.7 percent increase compared to the same period last year. This achievement represents the highest export revenue in history for the ninth consecutive year since 2015. The industry estimates that the actual export revenue from January to October this year is expected to exceed 2 trillion won when considering the volume produced in overseas factories and sold locally.
Analysts attribute the sharp increase in exports to the combination of the COVID-19 pandemic and the widespread popularity of K-content globally. A representative from the ramen industry stated, “Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, overseas sales have surged,” adding, “As people predominantly dine at home, they have come to appreciate the advantages of Korean ramen as a suitable meal option compared to ramen from other countries.” Additionally, the increasing popularity of ramen is also influenced by the rise of ramen-related content on social media services (SNS) and the widespread appeal of various aspects of Korean culture, such as K-dramas, K-pop, and K-beauty trends.
Korean ramen’s popularity is also attributed to its distinctive features, such as an intensely spicy flavor unfamiliar to foreigners, which sets it apart. The emphasis on affordability and convenience, making it more accessible compared to other instant foods, has further contributed to its popularity among international consumers.
Ramen is exported to approximately two-thirds of the world’s 200 countries, totaling 128 nations. In terms of export revenue, China leads with US$174.45 million, followed by the United States with US$107 million, Japan with US$48.66 million, the Netherlands with US$48.64 million, and Malaysia with US$39.67 million. It enjoys widespread popularity across major continents with notable figures in the Philippines with US$30.9 million, Australia with US$30.16 million, Thailand with US$30.07 million, and the United Kingdom with US$29.8 million.
Looking at individual companies, Nongshim, the leader in the industry, recorded the highest export revenue to Japan this year. However, Nongshim operates production facilities in China and the United States, leading to a larger scale of local sales in the regions.
Samyang Foods exclusively manufactures its products in Korea, with China, Southeast Asia, and the United States being the top three destinations for exports. Active sales were observed in Southeast Asian markets, particularly in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The “Buldak Bokkeum Myeon,” or firey chicken stir-fried noodles, emerged as the best-selling product across all nations. Ottogi, similarly, produces over 90 percent of its products domestically and exports them. The highest revenue comes from China and the United States, with a notable surge in sales across Southeast Asia, centered around Vietnam. The mild-flavored Jin Ramen has been leading in popularity.