K-Ramen and K-Ice Cream Lead South Korea’s Historic K-Food Export Boom

 

In the first half of 2025, South Korea’s K-Food exports have reached a historic high of $6.67 billion, driven by soaring global demand for ramen and ice cream. Major Korean food companies are now expanding aggressively overseas, building factories and launching plant-based innovations to meet global tastes. Here's how K-Food is conquering the world, one bowl and bite at a time.

Table of Contents

• 1. 2025 Export Overview
• 2. Ramen: The Hottest Export
• 3. Ice Cream: Korea’s Cool Cultural Icon
• 4. Korean Food Giants Go Global
• 5. Industry Insight & Outlook
• 6. FAQ

1. 2025 Export Overview

According to South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the total export value of K-Food Plus — including fresh and processed food, smart farming, and agri-biotech — reached $6.67 billion (approx. 9 trillion KRW) in the first half of 2025, a 7.1% increase year-over-year.

Among processed food items, ramen and ice cream each surpassed $50 million in exports, marking them as flagship products of the K-Food wave.

2. Ramen: The Hottest Export

Korean instant noodles are setting new records:

• Export Value: $731.7 million (~₩995.3 billion), the highest ever recorded in a half-year period.
• Growth Trend: Monthly export growth ranged from 18.1% to over 30% in early 2025.
• Top Brands: Nongshim’s Shin Ramyun, Samyang’s Buldak series, and Ottogi’s Jin Ramyun are leading exports.
• PB Product Success: The kimchi stew ramen “Omori” sold over 41 million units in markets like Hong Kong and Vietnam.

3. Ice Cream: Korea’s Cool Cultural Icon

Korean ice cream exports grew by 23.1% in H1 2025, totaling $65.5 million (~₩900 billion). Key highlights include:

• Binggrae’s Melona: Out of 380 million total exported Korean ice creams in 2024, 180 million were Melona.
• Plant-Based Innovations: Binggrae introduced plant-based Melona for dairy-restricted markets in Europe and Australia.
• Global Presence: Products sold in 60 countries, including via Costco (U.S.), and Asian supermarkets.

                                      

4. Korean Food Giants Go Global

Samyang Foods – China Production Hub

Samyang Foods is building its first overseas production plant in Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, China, investing ₩201.4 billion. With 6 production lines, it will produce up to 840 million Buldak Ramen units annually, entirely for the Chinese domestic market. Completion is expected by January 2027.

Nongshim – Export-Only Factory in Busan

Nongshim is constructing a dedicated export factory in Busan’s Green Industrial Complex. Slated for completion in late 2026, the facility will increase Nongshim’s ramen export production capacity to 1.1 billion packs annually.

Binggrae – Global Expansion via Melona

With a U.S. office opened in 2016 and entry into Costco in 2018, Binggrae has expanded Melona sales to Mexico, Vietnam, China, and Europe. In 2023, it restructured to form a new Global Business Division, signaling a full-scale push into overseas markets. Global sales rose from ₩907.5 billion in 2020 to ₩1.258 trillion in 2024.

Lotte Wellfood – Targeting India

Lotte merged its Indian subsidiaries to unify operations across North, South, and West India. It launched a new ice cream plant in Pune in February 2025 with a ₩70 billion investment. The facility is central to Lotte’s Indian market expansion.

                                        

5. Industry Insight & Outlook

Industry experts believe global enthusiasm for K-Food reflects not only rising Hallyu interest but also the increasing appeal of Korean brands' quality, innovation, and adaptability.

As domestic consumption slows, export diversification is seen as the key to maintaining revenue and profitability. Companies are urged to avoid over-reliance on specific countries and focus on broader global market penetration.

“As domestic demand slows, expanding ramen and ice cream exports is a golden opportunity. Market diversification is now essential.” — Industry official

6. FAQ

1. Q. Which country is the biggest importer of Korean ramen?
   A. China, the United States, and Japan are currently top markets for Korean ramen.


2. Q. Are Korean food companies building factories overseas?
   A. Yes. Samyang is building a factory in China, Nongshim in Busan, and Lotte in India.


3. Q. Is Korean ice cream available in Europe?
   A. Yes, including plant-based Melona products for dairy-restricted markets.


4. Q. Why are K-Foods so popular abroad?
   A. Strong branding, unique flavors, Hallyu influence, and growing demand for global snacks contribute to K-Food’s appeal.

Conclusion

In 2025, K-Food has firmly established itself as a major player in global food exports. Ramen and ice cream are not just cultural icons — they’re economic powerhouses. With continued innovation, strategic investment, and global branding, South Korean food companies are set to reshape the future of international food culture.