SEOUL, October 09 (AJP) - South Korea has been named the world's No. 2 instant noodle-consuming country, trailing only Vietnam, as global demand for the quick and spicy comfort food continues to surge and bring travelers to its shores. Once an affordable meal for busy workers, Korean ramyun has grown into a cultural export that attracts noodle lovers who are eager to experience the food they’ve seen in K-dramas and online challenges.
According to the World Instant Noodles Association, the global consumption of instant noodles reached a record 123.1 billion servings in 2024, up 2.4 percent from a year earlier. Koreans ate an average of 79 servings each, totaling 4.1 billion nationwide. That puts the country eighth in total volume but second per capita, underscoring how deeply ramyun is tied to everyday life. Vietnam topped the list with 81 servings per person, followed by Thailand, Nepal, Indonesia, and Japan.
The world's largest market remains China, including Hong Kong, which consumed 43.8 billion servings, or nearly 10.7 times Korea's total. Indonesia ranked second with 14.4 billion servings, followed by India, Vietnam, Japan, and the United States.
Korean brands are driving much of the global boom. Samyang Foods' fiery "Buldak Ramen," also just known as "Buldak," triggered the viral "Fire Noodle Challenge," turning its spice into a global phenomenon. The company estimates that more than five billion packs have been sold worldwide and now earns about 80 percent of its revenue overseas. Nongshim, maker of Shin Ramyun, and Ottogi, known for Jin Ramyun, are expanding their reach with new production lines in Busan and the United States, and by entering more than 70 countries.
According to the Korea International Trade Association, Korea's instant noodle exports reached 1.11 billion dollars (about 1.6 trillion won) between January and September this year, a 24.7 percent increase from the previous year. Annual exports are expected to exceed 1.3 billion dollars for the first time.
The growing appetite for K-ramyun is now shaping travel trends. A survey by the Seoul Tourism Organization found that foreign visitors ranked Korean food as the main reason for revisiting the capital, ahead of shopping and the country’s distinct seasons. Among 500 travelers surveyed, "K-food" scored 79.5 out of 100, followed by "shopping" (73.2) and "weather and seasons" (72.9).
Convenience store chains have been quick to respond. In Seoul's Hongdae area, CU's "Ramyun Library" has become a must-stop attraction, offering more than 100 types of instant noodles from Korea and abroad. Visitors can cook and eat on-site while listening to K-pop hits. Since opening in December 2024, it has sold over 150,000 packs and attracts tourists from China and Japan who often arrive by tour bus.
In the busy Myeong-dong district, Nongshim's pop-up "Neoguri" shop served 400 to 500 customers a day in February this year, many stopping to take photos with the brand’s raccoon mascot outside. Similar themed stores have started appearing across Seoul’s tourist hubs, turning simple bowls of noodles into one of the country’s most recognizable cultural experiences.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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