Data from the Korea Customs Service showed that Korean companies sold $108.6 million worth of ramyeon last month, a 46.8 percent increase from the same period a year ago. The volume broke the previous monthly record of $92.9 million set in February.
Ramyeon exports have increased annually since 2015. If the trend continues, the annual total could exceed $1.1 billion in 2024, surpassing the current record of $952.4 million set in 2023.
One of the leading exporters is Samyang Food, renowned for its extremely spicy Hot Chicken Flavor Ramen.
Samyang achieved overseas sales of 288.9 billion won ($212.9 million) in the first quarter of 2024, up 83 percent increase year-on-year. Samyang captivated Southeast Asian consumers with its halal-certified fire noodles, meeting Islamic standards of safety and cleanliness.
The surge in popularity can be attributed to the frequent appearance of the products in Korean pop music, dramas and films. BTS member Jimin has attracted significant attention by showing himself eating the Samyang product. Ramyeon also garnered international attention with the introduction of ramdon, a mixture of two different instant noodles originally known as Jjapaguri, featured in the 2019 film "Parasite," directed by Bong Joon-ho.