K-Ramen Enjoyed Worldwide... Record High Export of $1.02 Billion Until October This Year

Ramen Export Value Up 30% Year-on-Year This Year
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs "Forecast to Reach 1.2 Billion USD by December"

K-ramen has set a record high in exports, fueled by its global popularity.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on the 1st that as of the end of October this year, the cumulative ramen export value reached $1.02 billion, a 30% increase from the previous year, breaking the all-time high record. This already surpasses the annual ramen export value of $952 million in 2023.

Song Mi-ryeong, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, visited the 'CU Ramen Library No.1 (Hongdae SangSang Store)', a convenience store specializing in ramen, on the 1st to celebrate ramen exports surpassing 1 billion dollars.

On this day, Minister Song Mi-ryeong of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs visited the ramen-specialized convenience store 'CU Ramen Library Branch No.1 (Hongdae SangSang Store)' along with ramen export companies. The Ramen Library is a place where over 230 types of ramen are displayed and can be eaten, with a higher sales ratio to foreigners than to locals. As the popularity of "eating Han River ramen at convenience stores," seen in dramas and movies, spreads, convenience stores and marts overseas are increasingly installing instant ramen cookers.

At the event, Minister Song said, "K-ramen is no longer a fleeting trend but has deeply embedded itself in the daily lives of people worldwide," adding, "We will continue to provide close support for product development, localization, customs clearance, and promotional activities linked with K-food recipes and K-content to ensure various ramen products are exported along with culture. For the remainder of this year, we will make every effort to support promotions and consumer-targeted advertising in connection with local distribution stores."

Ramen exports have grown for nine consecutive years since 2014 ($210 million). The export growth trend continues this year, with monthly export values exceeding $100 million for the first time in April. Since then, exports have surpassed $100 million every month through October. K-ramen exports to China, the country with the highest ramen consumption worldwide, reached $210 million, and $180 million worth was exported to the United States.

An official from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs explained, "The expansion of K-ramen exports is a result of the spread of K-content such as Korean dramas and movies and increased interest in Korean cuisine. Korean ramen eating challenges on social media (SNS) have become popular worldwide, including in the US and Europe. Government support, such as discovering buyers and participating in trade fairs, combined with companies’ product development tailored to local markets and market expansion, has led to increased entry into major overseas large retail stores."

Major export companies will hold discount events throughout November at domestic large marts, e-commerce platforms, and convenience stores to share ramen export achievements with domestic consumers and contribute to price stabilization. Nongshim will offer discounts on about 30 products, including its flagship products Shin Ramyun, Chapagetti, and Neoguri. Samyang Foods, which has sparked the Korean Wave overseas with Buldak Bokkeum Myun, will discount 10 products including Buldak Bokkeum Myun, Samyang Ramen, and Nagasaki Jjambbong.