Koreans love ramyeon (라면). There is no argument about it. According to the World Instant Noodles Association (yes, such an international association exists), Koreans top the charts for instant noodle consumption worldwide, with an average of 73 servings per person per year! It’s no surprise that you would see at least one ramyeon scene in K-dramas.
To help your choice of Korean ramyeon, here I have a list of the 10 best Korean Ramyeon based on their sales figures. These are the ten best-selling Korean Ramyeon in South Korea according to Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, a branch of the Korean government. So this provides you with a credible reference for your next Korean ramyeon choice.
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Try any of these (or all of them) and share your reviews in the comment section.
10 Best Korean Ramyeon in Korea
No. 10 Paldo Bibim Men (Paldo Bibimmyeon / 팔도 비빔면)
Bibimmyeon is the signature ramyeon of Paldo. While Paldo may lag behind Nongshim, Samyang, and Ottogi in the ramen market, it firmly maintains its top position in the bibim ramen market. Despite other ramyeon brands continuously releasing new products, it seems very hard to surpass the dominance of Paldo’s bibim noodles.
Although Bibimmyeon has very simple content, only noodles and bibim sauce, the popularity is solidified by the tangy-sweet bibim sauce, appropriately thin noodles, just the right amount to leave you wanting more, and its ability to rejuvenate lost appetites during the summer.
No. 9 Samyang Ramen (Samyang Ramyeon / 삼양라면)
This is the first Korean instant ramyeon. It has been on the market for 60 years. Even though its sales numbers may not quite match those of Shin Ramyeon, its name is just as recognizable.
No. 8 Paldo Jumbo Bowl Noodle (Paldo Wangttukkeong / 왕뚜껑)
Paldo introduced Jumbo Bowl Noodle in 1990. The Korean name, 왕뚜껑 (Wangttukkeong), means a king-sized lid, and you can see that the packaging of this cup noodle lives up to its name. However, the content inside is just the same amount as other larger-sized cup noodles.
No.7 Nonghsim Noeguri (농심 너구리)
Neoguri has got famous thanks to the Oscar-winning movie, “Parasite.” In the movie, it was called “Ramdon,” which means a mixture of ramyeon and udon. The original name is “짜파구리 (Jjapaguri),” which comes from Jjapagetti and Neoguri.
Nongshim introduced Neoguri with the aim of creating an Udon-style ramyeon. As a result, it features slightly thicker noodles and a piece of dried kelp.
No. 6 Nongshim Ansungtangmyun (안성탕면)
Since 1983, Nongshim have produced Ansungtangmyun. Along with Shin Ramyeon, Jjapaghetti, Saewookkang, and Neoguri, it has been a key contributor to Nongshim’s success.
Its popularity was further enhanced by Korean TV star Kang Ho-dong, and eventually, he starred in a commercial for Ansungtangmyun.
No. 5 Nongshim Bowl Noodle Soup (Nongshim Yukgaejang / 농심 육개장)
Since its release in 1982, it has maintained its position as the best-selling cup noodle for 42 consecutive years in the market. Its noodles are very thin, resulting in a short cooking time.
Believe it or not, Nongshim created a Yukgaejang Cup Noodle flavored potato chip. My verdict is “not so much”.
No. 4 Samyang Buldak Ramen (Samyang Buldakbokkeummyeon / 삼양 불닭볶음면)
Since its launch in 2012, it has been Samyang’s most beloved ramyeon. It’s the one that has ushered in a new heyday for Samyang.
Its spiciness is so intense that even Koreans may have mixed opinions. Thanks to its cult status as an extremely spicy ramen and the Hallyu wave, it has also gained immense popularity overseas.
If you want to try, be aware. I warned you.
No. 3 Ottogi Jin Ramen (Ottugi Jin Ramyeon / 오뚜기 진라면)
Jin Ramen is a signature ramyeon from Ottogi. Although the sales of Jin Ramen are lower than Nongshim’s Shin Noodle, this ramen has strong followers.
It comes in two flavors: regular (순한맛) and spicy (매운맛). Its spicy version is not as hot as other spicy Korean ramen, though.
No. 2 Nongshim Chapagetti (or Jjapagetti) (농심 짜파게티)
The other part of Parasite’s Jjapaguri (Ramdon), remember Neoguri? It is technically the Korean instant Jjajangmyeon (black noodle). Since its introduction in 1984, it has been consistently popular.
No. 1 Nongshim Shin Noodle Soup (Nongshim Shin Ramyeon / 농심 신라면)
It wouldn’t be too much exaggeration that Shin Ramyun (or Shin Ramen) is a kind of symbol of Korean instant noodles.
Since its introduction, it has rarely lost its top-selling spot. At its peak, it took a 25% market share of Korean instant noodle markets. Nongshim says it sells 3 million Shin Ramyeon a day globally.
5 More Korean Ramyeon You May Not Have Tried Yet
Nongshim Mupama Tangmyun (무파마 탕면)
The name Mupama (무파마) is formed by shortening and combining “무 /moo/ (radish),” “파 /pa/ (green onion),” and “마늘 /ma-neul/ (garlic).” Since its first introduction in 2001, it has been a steady seller.
Nongshim Dungji Bibim Naengmyeon (둥지냉면 비빔냉면)
Dungji Naengmyeon is an instant cold noodle (naengmyeon), as the name suggests. It offers a flavor distinct from other Korean ramyeon, resembling traditional naengmyeon more closely. It also has a version resembling 물냉면 (mulnaengmyeon, cold noodle soup).
The name originates from the noodle’s shape, resembling a bird’s nest, called ‘둥지 /dung-ji/’ in Korean.
Nongshim Ramyun King Kim Tong Kkae (라면왕 김통깨)
Ramyun King Kim Tong Kkae is a recent addition to the roster of Korean ramyeon by Nongshim. Its seasoning includes seaweed and sesame. Another distinctive feature of this ramyeon is that the noodles are not fried.
Nongshim Tuigim Udongmyun (농심 튀김우동면)
This Korean ramyeon is based on the cup noodle of the same name. It features thicker noodles compared to other ramyeon and has a soup base with a flavor reminiscent of udon.
Nongshim Sacheon Baek Jjamppong (사천 백짬뽕)
The characteristic feature of this Korean ramyeon is the spicy broth brewed with seafood such as oysters, accompanied by dried noodles. Don’t get fooled by its white appearance. It’s a spicy ramen.
5 Best Korean Cup Ramen
If you consider making ramen “cooking,” cup noodles are an even better choice for you. Here is a list of the 5 Best Korean Cup Ramen.
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FYI, World Instant Noodles Association & Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation
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Wow, this list of the top 10 best-selling Korean ramyeon is absolutely mouthwatering! As a ramyeon lover, I truly appreciate the effort that has gone into compiling this informative and enticing article. It’s always exciting to see the variety of flavors and brands available, making it difficult to choose a favorite. The descriptions and recommendations provided here are extremely helpful in narrowing down my next ramyeon adventure. Thank you for putting this fantastic list together, it’s a true gem for ramyeon enthusiasts like myself! Keep up the great work! 😊 – CinemaHDV2
Thank you for your kind words, and I am so glad that this list could help your next choice of Korean ramyeon. Do you have your favorite?