Exports of ramyeon (instant noodles) in the first quarter jumped 34.4% year on year. Shown is ramyeon paired with gimbap (seaweed rice rolls). (iclickart) *[Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution of the above photo is strictly prohibited under copyright laws and regulations.]

By Koh Hyunjeong

Domestic foods gaining popularity abroad have been led by ramyeon (instant noodles), gimbap (seaweed rice rolls), tteokbokki (spicy rice cake) and instant rice.

Surging demand for ramyeon has stood out.

The Korea Customs Service on June 4 released export and import data saying overseas shipments of ramyeon in the first quarter reached USD 378.86 million, up 34.4% from USD 281.81 million in the same quarter last year. Sales of the item by overseas subsidiaries also continued to rise.

The global rage over ramyeon was apparently thanks to wider recognition and higher reputation of Korean food propelled by the worldwide popularity of Korean content.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in May last year launched the Asia-Pacific Food Regulatory Authority Summit to build the foundation for food exports and promote the easing of European Union regulations on Korean ramyeon imports.

hjkoh@korea.kr