Korean Instant Noodle Exports Reach Record High

A unique dining phenomenon in Seoul is capturing global attention, where a restaurant offers an extensive, interactive experience centered entirely on Korean instant ramyeon—the very same noodles featured prominently in the Netflix blockbuster “K-pop Demon Hunters.”

Customers flock to cook and customize their own bowls, turning a simple meal into a social media trend that extends the film’s cultural influence far beyond the screen.

This viral culinary attraction is a powerful microcosm of a much larger economic story: South Korea’s instant noodle export industry has reached an unprecedented zenith, officially surpassing 1.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2025 according to data from the Korean Customs Service.

The synergy between pop culture, innovative retail hospitality, and surging international demand illustrates how a humble comfort food can transform into a record-shattering export commodity and a significant driver of soft power.