The Ramen Riot: When Coupang Sold 36 Bowls for $5
Coupang accidentally listed 36 instant noodles for 5,040 KRW, triggering a viral buying frenzy. Discover what happened during Korea’s unexpected midnight ramen riot. Introduction – A Midnight Madness Begins On May 21, 2025, Coupang—the largest e-commerce platform in South Korea—accidentally listed a bulk package of 36 Nongshim Yukgaejang instant noodle bowls for just 5,040 KRW (about $3.70). The actual retail price? Over 27,000 KRW. Within moments, social media platforms exploded with screenshots, order confirmations, and disbelief. Thousands rushed to place orders, resulting in what many dubbed the "Ramen Riot." This wasn’t a publicity stunt. It was a pricing error that revealed much about consumer psychology, online virality, and how quickly digital trust can be tested. Table of Contents What Happened Coupang's Response Why Did It Go Viral? The Aftermath FAQ Conclusion 1. What Happened The listing went live late at night, showing a...