Nongshim's flagship ramen, Shin Ramyun, which is about to celebrate its 40th anniversary, is expected to surpass a cumulative sales volume of 42.5 billion units this year. Since its launch in 1986, Shin Ramyun has maintained its position as the number one ramen in the domestic market and has continued to grow globally, earning recognition as a super mega-brand representing K-Food.

According to the food industry on December 10, Shin Ramyun's cumulative sales by the end of this year are expected to reach 42.5 billion units. Considering that the length of noodles in one packet is about 40 meters, this is equivalent to wrapping around the Earth's circumference (about 40,000 km) 42,500 times if all the noodles were connected. It is also enough to travel back and forth between the Earth and the Sun (about 149.6 million km) six times. Shin Ramyun reached cumulative sales of 10 billion units in 2000, 20 billion in 2009, and 30 billion in 2017, continuing its rapid growth trajectory.

Nongshim's flagship ramen 'Shin Ramyun' 40th anniversary
Expected cumulative sales of 42.5 billion units this year
Length equivalent to wrapping around the Earth's circumference 42,500 times

Firmly holding the No.1 position in the domestic ramen market
Global sales share surpasses 60%
Overseas sales approaching 1 trillion won this year

Shin Ramyun Tumbado achieves global success
Enhancing brand competitiveness

Nongshim's 'Shin Ramyun Ice Rink' at the Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan. Photo by Nongshim

Shin Ramyun's sales increased by 56%, from 860 billion won in 2020 to 1.34 trillion won last year. At the center of this growth is the global market. Global sales, which stood at 420 billion won in 2020, surpassed domestic sales for the first time in 2021, reaching 500 billion won. Since then, global sales have jumped to 620 billion won in 2022 and 710 billion won in 2023, recording 820 billion won last year and accounting for 61% of total sales. Effectively, overseas markets have become the main base for Shin Ramyun. The industry expects global sales to approach 1 trillion won this year. Shin Ramyun accounts for about 30% of Nongshim's total sales. From January to September, Nongshim's sales and operating profit reached 2.6319 trillion won and 150.5 billion won, respectively, up 1.8% and 5.5% compared to the same period last year.

The expansion of the global share is the result of increased market share in major markets and rising demand in emerging markets. Sales have steadily increased in the United States, China, and Japan, while demand for K-ramen has rapidly expanded in Southeast Asia and Latin America. As Korean-style spicy flavors have gained worldwide attention due to the influence of K-content, Nongshim has diversified its product lineup with items such as Shin Ramyun Tumbado and Shin Ramyun Kimchi Stir-fried Noodles, further expanding its market reach.

In particular, Shin Ramyun Tumbado and Shin Ramyun Kimchi Stir-fried Noodles have been credited with enhancing the brand's competitiveness. Tumbado, released last year, became popular for its spicy and creamy flavor, selling a cumulative 60 million units by September this year. It was the first Korean ramen to be listed in Japan's economic magazine Nikkei Trendy's "Top 30 Hit Products for 2025," proving its presence in overseas markets.

Last month, Nongshim launched Shin Ramyun Kimchi Stir-fried Noodles as an additional product. Completed after about two years of development, this product features the "swicy" (sweet and spicy) concept, creating a flavor that foreigners can also easily enjoy. Nongshim is positioning Kimchi Stir-fried Noodles as a key product for overseas market expansion next year, with full-scale exports starting this month and plans to expand sales to about 70 countries by next year.

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Launched in 1986, Shin Ramyun was the first Korean ramen to deliver a truly spicy flavor. At that time, mild broth products dominated the market, but Nongshim analyzed Korean eating habits and cooking culture to develop a spicy broth inspired by hearty beef soup. By applying a minced seasoning technique typically used in Korean soup dishes, they achieved a deep broth flavor. For the noodles, they tested over 200 varieties, aiming for a texture thicker than Ansungtangmyun but thinner than Neoguri, ultimately perfecting the current chewiness.

Shin Ramyun recorded sales of 3 billion won in its first three months and soared to annual sales of 18 billion won in 1987, quickly establishing itself in the market. Since becoming the top-selling ramen in Korea in 1991, it has never relinquished its leading position. In the history of the Korean ramen market, only three products have maintained the number one spot for an extended period: Samyang Ramen (1963-1986), Ansungtangmyun (1987-1990), and Shin Ramyun (1991-present).

In 2015, Shin Ramyun became the first single brand in the food industry to surpass 10 trillion won in cumulative sales. According to market research firm Nielsen, as of the third quarter of this year, Nongshim maintained its lead in the domestic ramen market with a 56% share, followed by Ottogi at 25%.

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In July, Nongshim unveiled a new overseas brand slogan for Shin Ramyun: "Spicy Happiness In Noodles." This reflects the company's intention to share the energy of spiciness and the joy of a bowl of noodles with consumers worldwide. Export products are labeled with "Korea No.1" to reinforce the image of Korea's leading ramen brand.

Last month, K-pop girl group aespa was selected as Shin Ramyun's first global ambassador. Aespa is targeting overseas fandoms through a campaign reinterpreting "Spice Up Your Life" and the "Shin Ramyun Dance."

Experiential marketing is also being strengthened. Nongshim operates "Shin Ramyun Bunsik" at major tourist destinations worldwide to enhance brand experience. Shin Ramyun tastings and content have been showcased in locations such as Machu Picchu in Peru, Harajuku in Japan, and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. At this year's Sapporo Snow Festival, the company opened a "Shin Ramyun Ice Rink," attracting more than 3,000 visitors per day. Nongshim plans to expand to China and Russia next year and is also pursuing collaborations with major winter festivals such as the Harbin Ice Festival and the Quebec Winter Carnival.