SEOUL, February 18 (AJP) - Near Hongik University in Seoul, there's a unique convenience store. You can find a special convenience store that resembles a library bookshelf filled with countless books, but filled with instant noodles instead. This store, called the “Ramyun Library,” offers visitors a new experience that can be enjoyed not only with their eyes but also with their tongue and nose.
The “Ramyun Library,” which opened its first store in December 2023, has received so much love that it now operates eight additional library-themed instant noodle shops in various locations including Jamsil, Incheon Airport, and Jeju. About 70-80 percent of visitors are foreign tourists who learn about the “Ramyun Library” through social media and visit during their travels. The popularity of K-content has contributed to the rising popularity of instant noodles within K-food culture.
Upon entering the “Ramyun Library”, cup noodle-shaped tables and a wall full of instant noodles catch your eye. After approaching the instant noodle-filled wall and selecting your desired instant noodles, you head to the counter where you receive the appropriate container for cooking along with your instant noodles. You then proceed to the self-cooking station. After putting the instant noodle contents in the container and scanning the barcode on it, the cooking time is automatically set. Once cooked, you can enjoy your instant noodles at the table. This experience and meal costs around $2 (3,000 won) including the container, though prices vary by type.
Among the visiting tourists, one couple had dietary restrictions due to religious reasons but was able to enjoy vegetable instant noodles that didn't contain meat, milk, or eggs. Most guidance information is written in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese.
While Hongik University street is already famous as a youth district that attracts many foreign visitors, visiting the Instant Noodle Library could be a great experience if you have the chance.
Last July, “Neoguri-ui RamyeonGage” (K Ramyun restaurant) opened in Myeongdong. This shop is an instant noodle restaurant where you can find all of Nongshim's instant noodles in one place. Themed after raccoon dog(Neoguri), the mascot of Neoguri instant noodles, the shop welcomes visitors with a raccoon holding instant noodles at the entrance. On the raccoon's belly, while it says '너구리' (Neoguri) in Korean, when flipped upside down, it appears as 'RtA' from a foreigner's perspective, incorporating this story into the design.
At “Neoguri-ui Ramyeon Gage,” for approximately $3.5 (5,000 won), you can choose your desired toppings such as green onions, eggs, fried tofu, rice cakes, and onions, which the staff will cook together with your instant noodles.
While similar, the two instant noodle shops have their own distinct concepts. The Hongik University “Ramyun Library” offers the experience of cooking instant noodles yourself and, being a convenience store, allows you to purchase various side items like kimbap and fish cakes. Meanwhile, Myeongdong's “Neoguri-ui RamyeonGage” (K Ramyun restaurant) cooks the instant noodles for you and lets you customize it with your choice of toppings.
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