WRITER : ARCHANA K
EDITOR : SHIVRAJ PATEL
When is comes to Korea comfort food, few dishes are as iconic and loved as ramyeon. Ramyeon is popular comfort food and staple in Korean Cuisine and Korean version of instant noodles, influenced by Japanese Ramen. Ramyeon is known for its spicy and rich soup. Ramyeon is widely popular dish, both in Korea and internationally. Nongshim Shib Ramyun is gaining global recognition. Ramyeon is a quick, flavorful Korean noodle dish, typically served in a spicy broth. making it both comfort food and cultural icon.
Picture Credit: WIKIPEDIA
From Japan to Korea: The Birth of Ramyeon:
Ramen (Japanese): Adapted from Chinese la-mian noodles, ramen evolved into a distinct Japanese dish with various regional styles. Ramen is made fresh with homemade noodles and rich soups that can take hours or sometimes days to prepare.
Ramyeon (Korean): Korean adapted Ramyeon from Japanese ramen, introduced as instant noodles in the 1960’s. convenience stores and market began selling both packet and cup varieties, making it a go-to meal for students, workers, and soldiers. In 1963, South Korea’s Samyung Foods launched the first Korean ramyeon. This was during a time of post-war poverty, so ramyeon became popular as an affordable and filling meal in that time. The first flavor was Beef-based but over time spicier variations appeared to match Korean preferences.
By the 1970s, ramyeon was a national favorite. Other companies like Nongshim and Ottogi entered the market, and offering new flavors to local tastes. Spicy seasonings, inspired by Korea’s love for chili and garlic, transformed ramyeon into something uniquely Korean. In 1986, the launch of Shin Ramyeon the launch of Shin Ramyeon by Nongshim marked a turning point.
Today, ramyeon is more than a domestic favorite-it is a global phenomenon. Ramyeon is seen as comfort food and quick meal for all ages. Used in Korean relief kits and made for space travel. The rise of the Korean Wave (Hallyu), powered by K-pop, K-dramas, and YouTube mukbang videos, has turned Korean ramyeon into a sought-after product worldwide. South Korea remains one of the world’s top instant noodle consumer per capita, averaging over 70 packets per person annually. Ramyeon is also an essential item in Korean emergency food kits – and in 2007, a special space-friendly ramyeon was even developed for astronauts. Over 70 packets per person per year.
South Korea is among the world’s top instant noodle consumers. Kimchi ramyeon, seafood ramyeon, and cheese ramyeon joined the market, presenting how Koreans adapted a foreign invention into something distinctly their own. Developed in 2007 for astronaut Yi So-yeon. Koreans often add eggs, vegetables, kimchi, or even rice after finishing the noodles.
From humble beginnings in a time of scarcity to its role as a global comfort food, ramyeon’s story reflects resilience, creativity, and cultural pride. Whether eaten during a study-break, on a rainy night, or while watching a drama, each steaming ramyeon bowl with soup holds more than just noodles- it carries decades of history and the heart of Korean food culture.
Korean favorite dish ramyeon has grown from local side to an international sensation. Today, it is sold in over 130 countries, with major markets in the US (United Status), China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and Europe etc. Spicy noodle challenges, especially featuring Buldak Bokkeum Myun, have gone viral on social media, introducing ramyeon to millions of new fans. Korean cuisine is not just a food, it’s a identity and history of Korea. Export sales continue to rise annually, proving that this once-humble bow of noodles has become a global ambassador of Korean food culture.
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