SEOUL, April 30 (AJU PRESS) - Korea experienced a remarkable 30 percent increase in Ramyeon exports during the first quarter of 2024, reaching a record high for the period, according to data released on Tuesday. Demand for Korean noodle products was especially strong in the United States, followed by China, the Netherlands and Japan.
This surge in popularity has been fueled over the past decade by Ramyeon's frequent exposure through K-pop songs, K-dramas, and K-films. This has aroused the interest of Korean culture enthusiasts and food lovers worldwide, eager to try the flavorful, spicy dishes.
Data from the Korea Customs Service revealed that total Ramyeon exports in the first quarter soared to $270.3 million, a 30 percent increase from the same period last year. This upward trajectory has been consistent since 2018, when exports first surpassed $100 million. Additionally, first-quarter export volume jumped 21.4 percent to reach 67,289 tons.
Financial information service provider FnGuide forecasts continued growth for major Korean noodle makers. Nongshim, producer of the best-selling spicy "Shin Ramyun," is expected to report a 5 percent increase in first-quarter sales to 903.5 billion won. Samyang Foods, known for its "Hot Chicken Flavor Ramen," is projected to see a 30 percent sales increase to 321.2 billion won.
Industry observers are optimistic that, based on this strong performance, Korea could surpass the annual $10 billion mark for Ramyeon exports in 2024. As of February, Korean Ramyeon was exported to 100 countries, with top markets including the U.S. ($19.8 million), China ($15.2 million), the Netherlands ($6 million), and Japan ($5.5 million). Other major importers include Malaysia ($4.7 million), the Philippines ($4.3 million), Thailand ($3.8 million), Taiwan ($3.2 million), Britain ($2.9 million), and Australia ($2.7 million).
