The latest trend of international fascination with South Korea is K-food, or more specifically K-ramyun. The Korean ramyun wave ties in the country's film and music, to captivate consumers around the world and challenge

Seoul

South Korea's ramyun industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, with exports doubling to over $1 billion annually. This surge is attributed to global interest in Korean culture, particularly the influence of K-pop, K-dramas, and collaborations with films such as 'K-pop Demon Hunters.'

Manufacturers like Nongshim have expanded production, including the use of AI and new factories, to keep up with demand. The popularity of ramyun is also supported by its affordability, evolving flavors, and its presence in international markets, where it is enjoyed in various forms.

How K-pop pushes appetite for Korean ramyun noodles

Almost five million packs of noodles. That's how much ramyun Nongshim's flagship Gumi facility produces each day. And despite additional factories in China and the U.S., it's still not enough. So Nongshim upgraded, implementing AI in production and together with further plant expansion, meet a global demand driven by taste, health, movies, and music. The cultural elements, the health-seeking trend from consumers and thirdly, industrial foundations that turn these elements into an industry are all intertwined, which is why I believe it will be sustainable in the long term. While South Korea's ramyun has seen steady growth in exports over the years, deals involving Hallyu, South Korea's cultural wave, and most recently a tie-in with the film K-pop Demon Hunters, have served to boost brand visibility. Not to be confused with salty or soy-based Japanese ramen, bags of ramyun dried snack can be found in Asian shops all over Europe. Just add hot water, of course. But the popularity of Korea's noodles began at home. Lim Soo-min eats ramyun twice a week with her kids, much like she had years ago with her parents. It's a simple meal and enough. And K-dramas are popular, so a lot of people seem to be watching it. I think ramyun is delicious, but it's also cheap and filling. South Korea's ramyun exports have doubled over the past five years to more than $1 billion a year. And overall, South Korean food exports, including spicy rice cakes and seaweed rice rolls, have grown more than 20% in 2025, to nearly $9 billion annually. There are also many healthy ramyun options available, so it's a perfect meal. Oh, and these days, because it's a bit spicy, it might be addictive, which is why it's so popular worldwide. K-ramyun is constantly evolving now, including various flavors such as kimchi and Korean chicken. Ramyun can be so spicy, one brand was once banned in Denmark. In South Korea, it's sometimes added to rice, and now, abroad, put on hamburgers.

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