By Hong Angie

Ramyeon (instant noodle) exports last month jumped nearly 40% from January last year, marking a record high for the month.

The Korea Customs Service (KCS) on Feb. 29 in a report on such exports said shipments last month reached USD 86 million, up 39.4% year on year.

In addition to setting the January mark, last month's performance was one of the top five for the item. The monthly record is USD 91 million in November last year.

Ramyeon exports last year rose 24.4% from 2022 to USD 952 million, their ninth straight record-breaking year. The number of countries to which they were shipped was also a record-high 132.

"Ramyeon is gaining attention as a leading 'K-culture food' and convenient single meal," the KCS said. "We expect ramyeon exports this year to reach USD 1 billion to set an all-time record for the 10th consecutive year."

shong9412@korea.kr