[Try It] Deep Flavor Evokes Memories... 'Nongshim Ramyeon' Returns After 50 Years

Re-release of 'Nongshim Ramen' for the 60th Anniversary
Packaging evokes nostalgia from the past
Chewy texture and deep flavor with Korean beef and rice

"Was it 1984? When I was in my third year of high school, after self-study ended, I came home and cooked this ramen. And now it's back? How nice."

This was the reaction of family members who discovered the nostalgic 'Nongshim Ramen.' Unlike the reporter, who was encountering Nongshim Ramen for the first time, the family recalled memories of eating the ramen with somewhat excited expressions. Returning with Nongshim's 60th anniversary, Nongshim Ramen reflects the recent food industry trend of re-releasing products that were popular in the past. I tried this nostalgic ramen myself.

Launched in 1975, Nongshim Ramen was the key contributor to creating what is now 'Nongshim.' It was such a popular product that it became the reason for changing the company name from 'Lotte Industrial' to 'Nongshim.' Although it disappeared in the mid-1980s due to the emergence of latecomers including Nongshim's flagship ramen 'Shin Ramyun,' it remains a ramen with special meaning for Nongshim.

Nongshim recently re-released 'Nongshim Ramen'. In the lower right corner, the past advertising copy "Hyungnim First, Awoo First" is depicted. Photo by Han Yeju

The product packaging applied elements that evoke nostalgia from the past. The most eye-catching feature is the inclusion of the advertising copy from 50 years ago, "Hyungnim first, Awoo first" (meaning "Older brother first, younger brother first"). At that time, veteran comedians Gu Bong-seo and Gwak Gyu-seok filmed commercials saying, "Hyungnim first, please have Nongshim Ramen," "Awoo first, I'll have Nongshim Ramen," and "Hyungnim first, Awoo first, Hyungnim first, Awoo first..." which became a hot topic. Middle-aged and older generations naturally recalled the advertisement just by looking at the packaging.

Nongshim Ramen contains 4 packs per bag, and each ramen consists of noodles and three types of soup powders. The soup powders include a secret soup, flakes, and a 'flavorful added powder.' The secret soup and flakes are added to boiling water along with the noodles, and after boiling, the added powder is mixed in well before eating.

Although it was recommended to boil for 4 minutes and 30 seconds, the reporter, who prefers firmer noodles, boiled it for about 4 minutes before transferring it to a bowl. The noodles were very similar to Shin Ramyun, and the most noticeable difference was that the toppings such as meat were larger compared to other ramens. The egg garnish was also generously included in large pieces.

Nongshim Ramen is less spicy than Shin Ramyun but features a refreshing beef flavor brewed with Korean beef and vegetable broth. Photo by Han Yeju

The first bite gave the impression that "there would be no likes or dislikes." It was a taste and texture that anyone could enjoy deliciously regardless of preference. Family members also commented, "It's tastier than before." This is the result of upgrading the recipe based on the formula held by Nongshim's research and development (R&D) at the time to suit recent consumer tastes.

For the reporter, who is a 'maeppul-i' (someone sensitive to spicy food), the recently popular spicy ramens were overwhelming, but this ramen is slightly less spicy than Shin Ramyun while having a deep-flavored broth, perfect for cold weather like these days. In line with the product description that it realizes a refreshing beef broth flavor using Korean beef and vegetable stock, it actually reminded me of a spicy beef soup. The role of the added soup powder was also significant. The spicy aroma that was smelled immediately after opening the added soup powder packet infused well into the broth, enhancing the umami flavor. The noodles themselves were much chewier and more elastic. In addition to wheat flour, domestic rice was added to increase chewing variety.

However, because the broth is rather rich, adjusting the amount of soup powder or water according to personal preference seems essential. The reporter, who prefers a lighter taste, added slightly more water than the recommended amount, which suited the palate perfectly.

A Nongshim official explained, "To celebrate the 60th anniversary of our founding, we reflected on the meaning of the Nongshim name, which means 'Farmer's Heart,' and included the meaning of sharing warmth with those around us through delicious food." They added, "For generations who remember Nongshim Ramen from the past, it offers a gift of nostalgia, and for younger generations, it adds a retro-style freshness."