For the first time, South Korea's exports of instant noodles, known as "ramyeon," exceeded USD 100 million in a single month, highlighting the growing global popularity of Korean culture and cuisine. According to data released by the Korea Customs Service (KCS) on Sunday, exports of ramyeon reached USD 108.6 million in April, marking a 46.8 percent increase from the same period last year and the fastest growth rate since May 2022.
This milestone marks the first occasion that monthly ramyeon exports have surpassed the USD 100 million threshold. The steady rise in exports since 2015 is anticipated to continue, driven by the increasing international appeal of Korean movies, dramas, music, and the demand for affordable, ready-to-eat food products amid high inflation.
In 2023, ramyeon exports hit a record high of USD 952 million, representing a 24.4 percent increase from the previous year. The KCS projects that exports will exceed USD 1 billion this year.
Samyang Foods Co., a leading South Korean instant noodle manufacturer, reported a 57 percent year-on-year increase in sales, totaling 385.7 billion won (USD 284.5 million) in the first quarter. The company attributed its significant growth to the international success of its popular Buldak Ramen, particularly the carbonara flavor, which saw an 85 percent surge in overseas revenue. Overseas markets accounted for 75 percent of Samyang's total sales in the first quarter.
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