Korean instant noodle exports hit record high in February

Foreign tourists eat instant noodles at the Ramyun Library in Seoul March 12 2025 Yonhap — A foreign tourist eat instant noodles at the "Ramyeon Library" in Seoul, March 12, 2025. Yonhap

SEOUL, March 12 (AJP) - South Korea’s instant noodle exports surged to a record monthly high of $121.15 million in February, a 30.4 percent increase from the same period last year, according to data released Wednesday by the Korea Customs Service.

Total exports for the first two months of the year reached $228.64 million, up 28 percent year-on-year, with export volume rising 30.2 percent to 57,190 tons. The figures highlight the growing global appetite for Korean instant noodles, fueled by the rising influence of Korean cultural content and a shift toward convenient meal options.

Industry analysts note that instant noodles have led South Korea’s food exports, averaging an annual growth rate of 20 percent since 2015.

In response to soaring demand, major producers are expanding their global reach.

Nongshim, South Korea’s leading instant noodle maker, established its European headquarters in Amsterdam this month and announced plans for a dedicated export factory in Busan’s Noksan district, increasing its supply capacity to 2.7 billion products annually.

Samyang Foods, another key player, expects to further bolster its international sales with the launch of its second Miryang plant, set to begin operations in June.

Kim Dong-young davekim0807@ajupress.com

Korean instant noodle exports hit record high in February

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