Nongshim announced on Wednesday that its flagship instant noodle brand, Shin Ramyun, achieved an unprecedented milestone in 2025: cumulative sales exceeding 20 trillion won ($13.4 billion). This marks the first time any Korean ramyeon brand has reached such a significant sales figure globally.
Since its inaugural launch in 1986, the iconic Shin Ramyun has sold an astonishing 42.5 billion units worldwide. Nongshim highlighted the incredible scale of this achievement, noting that the combined length of all Shin Ramyun noodles sold could stretch to the sun and back six times.
“Surpassing 20 trillion won in sales represents far more than just a financial landmark for us. It powerfully demonstrates how Shin Ramyun has successfully resonated with diverse consumers across the globe for nearly four decades,” stated Nongshim CEO Jo Yong-chul.
First introduced as Korea’s pioneering spicy ramyeon, Shin Ramyun has maintained its position as the nation’s top-selling instant noodle brand consistently since 1991. The brand has also solidified its status as one of Korea’s most recognized food exports, prominently featuring in international hotspots like New York’s Times Square and London’s Piccadilly Circus.
Remarkably, approximately 40 percent of Shin Ramyun’s total cumulative sales originate from international markets. Last year, key regions such as North America, China, and Japan collectively contributed over half of these overseas sales, while Nongshim actively expands its ramyeon exports to new markets across Europe and Australia.
To further bolster its global presence, Nongshim has innovatively promoted the Shin Ramyun brand through experiential “Shin Ramyun Bunsik” stores. These popular outlets are successfully operating in various countries, including Peru, Japan, Vietnam, and the United States.
Nongshim also attributes significant growth to consumer-driven culinary trends and product innovations. “Shin Ramyun Toomba,” a unique offering launched in 2024 based on the popular “modisumer” trend of customized recipes, has already surpassed 100 million cumulative sales this year, showcasing successful adaptation to consumer preferences.
Another successful product, “Shin Ramyun Gold,” initially developed exclusively for export, was later introduced to the Korean domestic market. It rapidly exceeded 10 million sales within just one month of its domestic release, proving its broad appeal.
In celebration of the brand’s upcoming 40th anniversary, Nongshim is set to launch “Shin Ramyun Rose” on May 18 in both Korea and Japan, with broader overseas shipments planned for June. This highly anticipated new product aims to expand the Shin Ramyun line-up.
This innovative “Shin Ramyun Rose” flavor skillfully blends Shin Ramyun’s iconic spicy gochujang base with delightful tomato and cream notes, crafting what Nongshim describes as a unique and trending “K-rose” taste experience for instant noodle enthusiasts.
“With its globally recognized iconic spicy flavor, Shin Ramyun is poised to continue leading global food culture and proudly represent the expanding K-food brand phenomenon worldwide,” affirmed CEO Jo Yong-chul.
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