Global K-Ramen Craze... Record High Export Value for 7 Consecutive Years

Last Year's Ramen Export Value $670 Million
11.7% Increase from Previous Year... Largest for 7 Consecutive Years

On the 15th, ramen was displayed at a large supermarket in downtown Seoul. With rising recognition through Korean dramas and movies, ramen is gaining global popularity. According to the industry, Nongshim's cumulative overseas sales of Shin Ramyun in the third quarter surpassed domestic sales. Samyang Foods' overseas sales accounted for 57% of total sales last year. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] Last year, South Korea's ramen export value exceeded $670 million, marking a record high for the seventh consecutive year.

According to the Korea Customs Service and the food industry on the 31st, last year's ramen export value was $674.41 million, an 11.7% increase compared to the previous year. This is the highest record for seven consecutive years since 2015.

In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, ramen exports surged by 29.2% from the previous year to a total of $603.57 million. It is analyzed that ramen gained attention as a meal substitute due to increased indoor living caused by COVID-19. That same year, the film "Parasite" winning four awards at the U.S. Academy Awards also contributed to the popularity of ramen.

Last year, China was the largest importer of ramen with $149.9 million in exports. This was followed by the United States ($81.23 million), Japan ($65.28 million), and Taiwan ($31.8 million).

Meanwhile, Korean ramen is also exported to the European market, but exports are currently facing difficulties due to the European Union's (EU) strengthened import control measures on Korean ramen. The EU applies stricter standards for harmful substance detection compared to South Korea, which has led to a series of product recalls. Although Europe is not yet a major market for the ramen industry, it cannot be ignored as a market where distribution channels are being developed. According to customs statistics, last year, 4,866 tons ($19.28 million) of ramen were exported to the Netherlands. This was followed by the United Kingdom with 4,390 tons ($19.07 million), Germany with 3,587 tons ($13.22 million), Sweden with 3,018 tons ($6.41 million), and France with 1,089 tons ($4.72 million).

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety plans to follow each country's import customs procedures initially and, after six months, compile the results of customs inspections to request the EU to ease regulations.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.