Hot broth, chewy noodles, and unique flavors from each brand – ramen has always been a beloved staple in our lives! But which ramen brand captured the most love? According to the 2023 Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT)’s food industry statistics, some incredibly familiar and welcome names topped the charts. Let’s dive into the ramen brand rankings!
👑 1st Place: Shin Ramyun, Of Course! (Nongshim Shin Ramyun)
Claiming the ramen throne with an overwhelming presence is Nongshim Shin Ramyun. It recorded an astounding 383.6 billion KRW in retail sales, once again proving its status as the nation’s favorite ramen. Its spicy, deep broth and chewy noodles have captivated Korean palates for a long time – that’s its secret!
🥈 2nd Place: The Epitome of Jjajang Ramen! (Nongshim Chapagetti)
In second place is Nongshim Chapagetti, a name synonymous with jjajang ramen. With 213.1 billion KRW in sales, it maintained its unparalleled position in the jjajang ramen market. It’s a popular instant meal enjoyed by all ages, perfectly embodying the phrase, “On Sunday, I’m the Chapagetti chef!”
🥉 3rd Place: The Power of Rich Broth! (Ottogi Jin Ramen)
A strong contender in the broth ramen category, Ottogi Jin Ramen, secured the third spot. With 209.2 billion KRW in sales, it closely trailed Nongshim Chapagetti, showcasing its enduring power. Available in both mild and spicy versions, Jin Ramen continues to be widely loved, offering consumers a broader choice.
🔥 4th Place: The Pioneer of the Spicy Craze! (Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkeummyun)
Leading the K-spicy food phenomenon that has swept the globe, Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkeummyun took fourth place. It recorded 147.2 billion KRW in sales, earning absolute support from spicy food enthusiasts. Beyond just being spicy, its addictive umami flavor continues to be incredibly popular both domestically and internationally.
🍜 5th Place: The Enduring Power of a Cup Noodle Classic! (Nongshim Yukgaejang)
Standing proudly in fifth place amidst the dominance of packaged ramen is Nongshim Yukgaejang. With 125.9 billion KRW in sales, it solidified its position as a leading cup ramen. It’s a steady seller, beloved for its convenience and familiar taste.
🍲 6th Place: The Name for Savory Broth! (Nongshim Ansungtangmyun)
Nongshim Ansungtangmyun, which has long satisfied Korean palates, came in at sixth place. With 118.3 billion KRW in sales, its savory and familiar taste continues to make it a popular choice.
🌊 7th Place: Spicy and Refreshing! (Nongshim Neoguri)
The representative seafood-flavored ramen, Nongshim Neoguri, secured seventh place. With 107.0 billion KRW in sales, its unique thick noodles and refreshing seafood broth continue to enjoy consistent popularity.
🥘 8th Place: Wangtteokkeong is the Best! (Paldo Wangtteokkeong)
Another strong contender in the cup ramen market, Paldo Wangtteokkeong, ranked eighth. It recorded 72.5 billion KRW in sales, beloved for its generous portion and refreshing broth.
🌶️ 9th Place: The Original Ramen! (Samyang Foods Samyang Ramyun)
Korea’s very first ramen, Samyang Foods Samyang Ramyun, came in ninth place. With 71.3 billion KRW in sales, it reminds us of its significant place in ramen history.
🥢 10th Place: The King of Bibim Ramen! (Paldo Bibimmyun)
A summer essential and year-round favorite, Paldo Bibimmyun, entered the top 10. With 70.6 billion KRW in sales, its spicy and tangy flavor has garnered a dedicated fanbase, leading the bibim ramen market.
The ramen market clearly showed Nongshim’s strong performance. However, other brands like Ottogi, Samyang Foods, and Paldo also fiercely competed, highlighting their unique strengths. It’s clear that ramen is more than just a meal; it’s a “soul food” deeply embedded in Korean life.