ANN/THE KOREA HERALD – South Korea’s instant ramyeon exports have officially surpassed the USD1 billion mark for the first time this year, reflecting surging global demand.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs reported yesterday that instant noodle exports from January to October reached an impressive USD1.02 billion (KRW1.4 trillion), representing a 30-per-cent increase compared to the same period last year.
Last year’s exports totalled USD952 million, meaning this year’s exports exceeded that figure within just 10 months.
Looking ahead, ministry officials anticipated that ramyeon exports would reach USD1.2 billion by year-end.
Significant growth in key markets is contributing to this achievement; exports to China increased by 18.6 per cent to USD210 million, while sales to the United States (US) soared by 65 per cent, reaching USD180 million.
The Netherlands, Japan and Britain follow as major export destinations, with particularly strong demand noted in the US and European markets.
Korean ministry officials attributed the surge in instant noodle exports to the global phenomenon of K-content, including popular Korean dramas and movies, alongside viral ramyeon eating challenges on social media platforms, notably among younger audiences.
In response to the trend, ramyeon manufacturers are actively developing localised products and increasing their presence in major retail outlets overseas, ministry officials said.
On the same day of the announcement, Minister Song Mi-ryung convened a meeting at CU Hongdae, a ramyeon specialty convenience store near Hongik University in western Seoul, to discuss export strategies with representatives from leading ramyeon producers like Nongshim and Samyang.
“One billion dollars in exports is equivalent to 2.07 billion instant noodles, enough to circle the globe 2,600 times,” Minister Song commented, highlighting the global reach of Korean noodles.
She added that a quarter of the world’s eight billion people have tried Korean instant noodles.
“K-ramyeon is no longer a passing fad. It has become ingrained in the daily lives of people worldwide. The government is committed to collaborating as a unified ‘one team’ with companies to bolster product development, localisation, customs clearance, and promotional efforts in partnership with local retail outlets and consumer engagement,” she said.
