Korean instant noodles, also known as ramyeon, continue to thrive overseas.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), Korea’s exports of instant noodles in 2016 were worth USD 290.41 million, 32.7 percent higher than in 2015 when exports hit USD 218.80 million. Compared to 2006, when exports were USD 102.64 million, the number has almost tripled.
The MAFRA said that the main reasons for the rise have been increased interest in Asian foods, the Korean Wave, or Hallyu, and the expansion of corporate distribution channels.
The biggest importer of Korean instant noodles was China.
In 2016, mainland Chinese diners consumed USD 75.4 million worth of Korean instant noodles, 94.4 percent higher than the value of Korean instant noodles consumed there in 2015 (USD 38.8 million). An expansion in online stores has made it possible for people in China to buy Korean products online, and this has resulted in a boost in instant noodle sales. The MAFRA also said that hot and spicy stir-fry noodles and jjajang black bean sauce noodles were popular among Chinese customers.
Korean instant noodle exports jumped the most in Vietnam and Thailand.
The MAFRA said that in Thailand, the popularity of budaejjigae -- a type of hot and spicy stew with kimchi, sausage, ham and instant noodles -- has led to a rise in instant noodle exports.
In Vietnam, like in other Southeast Asian markets, stir-fried spicy instant noodles from Korea have become something of a trend.
In both Thailand and Vietnam, imports of Korean instant noodles reached USD 6.3 million and USD 7 million in 2016, which are 155.8 percent and 90.4 percent higher compared to 2015 numbers.
By Kim Young Shin
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: Nongshim
ysk1111@korea.kr
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), Korea’s exports of instant noodles in 2016 were worth USD 290.41 million, 32.7 percent higher than in 2015 when exports hit USD 218.80 million. Compared to 2006, when exports were USD 102.64 million, the number has almost tripled.
The MAFRA said that the main reasons for the rise have been increased interest in Asian foods, the Korean Wave, or Hallyu, and the expansion of corporate distribution channels.
Customers examine a selection of Korean instant noodles on the shelves in a supermarket in Shanghai.
The biggest importer of Korean instant noodles was China.
In 2016, mainland Chinese diners consumed USD 75.4 million worth of Korean instant noodles, 94.4 percent higher than the value of Korean instant noodles consumed there in 2015 (USD 38.8 million). An expansion in online stores has made it possible for people in China to buy Korean products online, and this has resulted in a boost in instant noodle sales. The MAFRA also said that hot and spicy stir-fry noodles and jjajang black bean sauce noodles were popular among Chinese customers.
Korean instant noodle exports jumped the most in Vietnam and Thailand.
The MAFRA said that in Thailand, the popularity of budaejjigae -- a type of hot and spicy stew with kimchi, sausage, ham and instant noodles -- has led to a rise in instant noodle exports.
In Vietnam, like in other Southeast Asian markets, stir-fried spicy instant noodles from Korea have become something of a trend.
In both Thailand and Vietnam, imports of Korean instant noodles reached USD 6.3 million and USD 7 million in 2016, which are 155.8 percent and 90.4 percent higher compared to 2015 numbers.
By Kim Young Shin
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: Nongshim
ysk1111@korea.kr
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