Nongshim’s new kimchi-flavored Shin Ramyun / Yonhap
Nongshim, the nation’s main prompt noodle maker, mentioned Sunday it is going to launch a brand new kimchi-flavored Shin Ramyun product in international markets subsequent month, constructing on sturdy client response to earlier variations that includes characters from the Netflix animated movie “KPop Demon Hunters.”
The corporate plans to introduce a restricted run of Shin Ramyun Kimchi Stir Fry within the home market on Nov. 24 via Emart low cost shops earlier than rolling it out initially in Australia and Taiwan.
“With Shin Ramyun Kimchi Stir Fry, we’re concentrating on 60 to 70 markets and contemplating an prompt cup noodle model for international enlargement,” Shim Gou-chul, government vp of Nongshim’s international advertising and marketing division, mentioned in a press convention on the firm’s predominant manufacturing facility in Gumi, some 200 kilometers southeast of Seoul.
The brand new product follows Shin Ramyun Toomba, which has bought about 60 million items worldwide since its debut in October. Nongshim hopes the kimchi-flavored selection will match that success, Shim mentioned.
Nongshim’s international model recognition has risen sharply, helped by two limited-edition batches of prompt cup noodles that includes members of the “KPop Demon Hunters” digital woman group Huntrix — Rumi, Mira and Zoey — on the packaging.
The film vividly portrays Korean meals, together with cup noodles and snacks resembling Nongshim’s merchandise. The corporate markets its flagship traces — Shin Ramyun, Chapagetti and Neoguri — in markets all over the world.
To satisfy rising abroad demand, Nongshim is increasing manufacturing at residence. The corporate operates 5 “ramyeon,” or prompt noodles, vegetation in South Korea, together with two within the southern port metropolis of Busan, with a 3rd Busan plant devoted solely to exports now below building. It additionally runs three factories in China and two in the USA.
With its expanded community, Nongshim goals to spice up abroad gross sales, which at present make up 38 % of its whole gross sales.
Within the first half of this 12 months, the corporate reported gross sales of 1.76 trillion gained ($1.2 billion). Third-quarter outcomes are anticipated subsequent week.
Holding roughly 60 % of South Korea’s 2 trillion-won prompt noodle market, Nongshim lately adopted a brand new international slogan, “Spicy Happiness in Noodles,” as a part of efforts to carry Korean flavors to extra worldwide customers.
“To assist individuals all over the world expertise the spicy pleasure of Shin Ramyun with all 5 senses, Nongshim is constructing a worldwide advertising and marketing technique round three key pillars: See, Style and Get pleasure from,” Shim mentioned.
The “See” initiative facilities on international content material collaborations. Nongshim mentioned its partnership with the Netflix movie generated sturdy buzz overseas.
“Beginning with its U.S. launch in September, the collaboration merchandise are increasing to extra international markets this 12 months. Via this partnership, Nongshim goals to strengthen the worldwide picture of Ok-ramyeon by linking it with Korean cultural content material and deepening engagement with youthful customers,” Shim mentioned.
The corporate can also be broadening its direct-to-consumer experiences. It has opened Shin Ramyun Bunsik eating places in Machu Picchu, Peru; Harajuku, Japan; and Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, Vietnam, and plans to increase to China and Russia subsequent 12 months via its Shin Ramyun Expertise Retailer venture.
At residence, Nongshim has partnered with the Gumi municipal authorities to host the 2025 Gumi Ramyun Competition, now in its fourth 12 months, working from Friday via Sunday in Gumi.
This 12 months’s competition remodeled the realm across the Gumi practice station into the 475-meter-long World’s Longest Ramyun Restaurant, that includes interactive zones that embrace the Gumi Ramyun Lab, the place guests can create their very own personalised noodles, and the World Ramyun Chef contest, the place worldwide individuals showcased inventive recipes.
“In a U.S. client recognition survey, Shin Ramyun ranked the very best amongst prompt noodle manufacturers,” mentioned Gumi Mayor Kim Jang-ho. “Gumi, as soon as a significant manufacturing hub, wants new initiatives to revitalize its financial system. This ramyun competition is a part of these efforts.”
