Koreans love ramyeon (라면). There is no argument about it. According to World Instant Noodles Association (WINA) – yes, there is an international association for instant noodles – Koreans consume instant noodles the most in the world: one person eats 73 ramyeon a year! No doubt that you would see at least one ramyeon scene in Korean dramas.
So, what I can do to help with your choice is to show a list of the most sold Korean ramyeon in South Korea. These are the ten best-selling Korean Ramyeon in South Korea according to Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation. Although sales number doesn’t always guarantee better taste, sometimes the consensus of a group can help to choose.
Try any of these (or all of them) and share your reviews in the comment.
No. 10. Paldo Jumbo Bowl Noodle (Paldo Wangttukkeong / 왕뚜껑)
No. 9 Samyang Ramen (Samyang Ramyeon / 삼양라면)
This is the first Korean instant ramyeon. It has been on the market for 59 years.
No. 8 Paldo Bibim Men (Paldo Bibimmyeon / 팔도 비빔면)
No. 7 Nongshim Bowl Noodle Soup (Nongshim Yukgaejang / 농심 육개장)
The best-selling Korean cup noodle in South Korea.
No. 6 Samyang Buldak Ramen (Samyang Buldakbokkeummyeon / 삼양 불닭볶음면)
Be aware. Most Korean instant noodles are spicy, but this one has got a reputation for being “spicy” among Korean ramyeon.
No. 5 Nongshim Ansungtangmyun (안성탕면)
No.4 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 “Jjapaguri,” which comes from Jjapagetti and Neoguri.
Nongshim pursued an Udon-style ramyeon. Thus, this one has a bit thicker noodles and a piece of dried kelp in it.
No. 3 Nongshim Chapagetti (or Jjapagetti) (농심 짜파게티)
The other part of Parasite’s Jjapaguri (Ramdon). It is technically the Korean instant Jjajangmyeon (black noodle). Since its introduction in 1984, it has been consistently popular.
No. 2 Ottogi Jin Ramen (Ottugi Jin Ramyeon / 오뚜기 진라면)
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 kinda symbol of Korean instant noodles. Since its introduction, it has rarely lost its top-selling spot. Once it took a 25% market share of Korean instant noodle markets. Nongshim says it sells 3 million Shin Ramyeon a day globally.
Are you a fan of Korean noodles? Read my post about various types of Korean noodles.
Are you a meat lover rather than noodles? Find more about Korean pork dishes here.
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