This Jan. 7, 2024, file photo shows various kinds of instant noodles at a major discount chain store in Seoul. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Feb. 29 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s exports of instant noodles jumped nearly 40 percent on-year to reach a record high in January on the growing popularity of Korean culture and food, data showed Thursday.
Exports of instant noodles, or “ramyeon” in Korean, amounted to US$86 million last month by rising 39.4 percent on-year, according to the Korea Customs Service (KCS).
It was the highest figure for any January, and the fifth-largest level in monthly terms, the agency said.
Ramyeon exports have been on a constant rise in recent years, in line with the popularity of Korean movies, dramas and music, as well as high demand for ready-to-eat food products, officials said.
Last year, ramyeon exports reached a record high of $952 million by rising 24.4 percent on-year. The export volume also reached the largest amount ever at 244,000 tons, or 2 billion bags, the KCS said.
Korean instant noodle products were sold to 132 nations, also a record high, last year.
The agency expects the exports to surpass $1 billion this year.
(Yonhap)
