Nongshim announced on May 13 that cumulative sales of Shin Ramyun, which marks its 40th anniversary this year, surpassed 20 trillion won as of 2025.
This is an achievement that is unprecedented, not only in the Korean ramen industry, but among all Korean food brands.
Shin Ramyun’s cumulative sales volume over the past 40 years amounts to approximately 42.5 billion units.
The cumulative noodle length (about 40 meters per bag)is about equal to the distance between the Earth and the Moon about 2,200 times, or between the Earth and the Sun about six times.
Shin Ramyun was first released in 1986 as Korea’s first spicy ramen.
This spicy instant noodle has maintained its undisputed number one position for 35 years since rising to the top of the market in 1991.
Recently, it has established itself as a vanguard of K-Food, spreading Korean food cultures at global landmarks such as Times Square in New York and Piccadilly Circus in London.
40% of Shin Ramyun’s Cumulative Sales in Overseas Countries
Nongshim recorded approximately 40% of its 20 trillion won in cumulative sales in overseas markets.
The company took its first step into the global market by exporting ramen to Los Angeles in 1971.
In 1981, it laid a foundation for its global expansion by opening its Tokyo office, its first overseas base.
Subsequently, starting with Shanghai in 1996, Nongshim completed its local production system in China by successively constructing production bases in Qingdao (1998) and Shenyang, China (2000). Entering the 2000s, the Korean instant noodle giant further solidified Shin Ramyun’s position in key markets by establishing a Japanese subsidiary in 2002 and began operating its first factory in Los Angeles and its second factory in 2005 and 2022, respectively.
Additionally, it is actively expanding its global network by launching a new subsidiary in Russia this year, following its subsidiaries in Australia, Vietnam, and Europe.
Two American boys enjoying Shin Ramyun Cup Noodle.
Launch of Full-Scale On/Offline Marketing for Shin Ramyun’s 40th Anniversary
Recently, Shin Ramyun is emerging as a cultural icon that blends into the daily lives of people around the world, leveraging a two-way product strategy that blurs the boundaries between the domestic and foreign markets and differentiated brand experiences.
Nongshim introduced “Shin Ramyun Toomba” to the global market in 2024.
It received favorable reviews from global consumers and surpassed 100 million cumulative sales by the end of 2025.
“Shin Ramyun Gold,” which was introduced earlier this year by reinterpreting the taste of an export-only product’ proven overseas for the domestic market, also sold 10 million units within a month of its launch, demonstrating its product quality.
By utilizing the elements of Shin Ramyun’s success proven in domestic and international markets, the company has created a series of hit products.
Moreover, Nongshim has expanded online and offline marketing activities for Shin Ramyun that incorporates K-culture is also active.
In 2025, Nongshim became the first in the food industry to sign a partnership with the Netflix animated film “K-Pop Demon Hunters” which features K-pop and released special products with the film’s characters, drawing much attention from movie fans around the world.
Nongshim established a young and trendy image for Shin Ramyun by appointing the K-pop girl group aespa as a global product ambassador.
The company will launch the second global campaign for Shin Ramyun in earnest with aespa, targeting the second half of this year.
Nongshim has also expanded its offline presence by running “Shin Ramyun Bunsik,” Shin Ramyun experience stores located at major landmarks in Peru, Japan, Vietnam, and the United States, allowing global consumers to experience Korean food cultures firsthand.
These stores are gaining a positive response from local consumers by providing visitors with the experience of enjoying Shin Ramyun in the most authentically Korean way.
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