The growth of K-ramyeon is heating up. Boosted by the worldwide popularity of K-culture, ramyeon exports surged last year, recording a historic growth rate of 31% and surpassing $1.2 billion. This marks the tenth consecutive year of record-breaking performance. K-ramyeon is rapidly becoming a part of daily life for people across the globe, from the United States and Europe to Southeast Asia. With major companies swiftly expanding production facilities to keep up with soaring demand, the golden era of K-ramyeon is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

According to the Korea Trade Statistics Promotion Institute on the 7th, ramyeon exports reached a provisional total of $1.2485 billion (about 1.8363 trillion KRW) as of December last year. This represents a 31.1% increase compared to $952.4 million (1.4008 trillion KRW) in 2023. This is the highest export growth rate ever recorded.

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Following the COVID-19 pandemic, ramyeon exports have shown rapid growth, with annual rates of ▲29.34% in 2020 ▲11.59% in 2021 ▲13.5% in 2022 ▲24.44% in 2023. The pace of export growth has accelerated each year, allowing K-ramyeon to break its own records for ten consecutive years since 2015. In 2014, ramyeon exports stood at only $210 million (308.9 billion KRW).

The main driver behind the expansion of K-ramyeon exports is the spread of K-content, which coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic after 2019. As K-pop, Korean dramas, and movies gained global popularity, awareness of Korean ramyeon naturally increased. A prime example is the "Chapaguri" (Chapagetti + Neoguri) dish featured in the film "Parasite," which won Best Picture at the 2020 Academy Awards.

Due to the global popularity of the movie 'Parasite,' Joo Yeongjung's creation of Jjapaguri, a mix of Jjapagetti and Neoguri, became a trend.

BTS member Jungkook attracted attention online with 'Bulgeuri,' a mix of Buldak Bokkeum Myun and Nongshim Neoguri, and 'Kkosohan Bulmayo Deulgireum Makguksu,' which uses Buldak Bokkeum Myun sauce.

BTS member Jungkook's introduction of a Buldak Bokkeummyeon recipe also received a tremendous response. As ready-to-eat meals have gained worldwide popularity since COVID-19, K-ramyeon has successfully carved out a larger presence in the market.

Additionally, the addictive spiciness of Korean ramyeon has captivated consumers around the world, driving repeat purchases. In particular, Samyang Foods' Buldak Bokkeummyeon, which accounts for a significant portion of ramyeon exports, has become nothing short of a global phenomenon. Thanks to the Buldak craze, exports now make up 80% of Samyang Foods' sales.

With export performance soaring, Samyang Foods recently became the first company in the food industry to receive the $700 Million Export Tower award. Favorable exchange rates have also contributed to this achievement. As the value of the dollar has surged, Samyang Foods, which manufactures all its ramyeon domestically and sells it overseas, has benefited the most from currency gains.

To keep up with surging overseas demand, major companies such as Samyang Foods and Nongshim are expanding production facilities, so K-ramyeon exports are expected to continue growing. Samyang Foods is set to begin operations at its second Miryang plant at the end of May. In 2027, the company also plans to complete a production facility in China, the top export destination for Buldak. Afterward, the local plant will supply Chinese demand, while the volume previously sent to China will be redirected to the US and Europe. Nongshim also plans to build a new factory at its Noksan site in the first half of this year to increase production of ramyeon exclusively for export.

Kwon Woojung, a researcher at Kyobo Securities, said, "The export boom centered on ramyeon is expected to continue in 2025," adding, "The recent weakness of the Korean won is expected to be favorable for export-oriented companies."