Korean noodles: ramen is one of the representative Korean noodles.
Ramen, often considered synonymous with Korean noodles, has become an iconic Korean dish that is synonymous with Korean noodles. Korea offers various other types of noodles, including kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) and japchae (stir-fried glass noodles), which are also popular choices. However, when it comes to Korean cuisine that is easily accessible outside of Korea, ramen undoubtedly takes the spotlight.
What kind of ramen do you like?
While ramen is often famous for its spicy flavors, it’s perfectly fine if you don’t prefer spicy ones. There are various types of ramen available, after all. So, do you ever wonder if the ramen you like is also popular in Korea?
You can check the list below.
korean noodles(ramen) top 7
These are the ramen that Koreans loved during 2023, starting from 7th place.
7th Place: Buldak Bokkeum Myeon (Fire Chicken Stir-Fried Noodles)
Buldak Bokkeum Myeon is a representative among spicy ramen. It is a ramen without broth, known for its intense spiciness even among Korean ramen. There is even a spicier version called “Haek Buldak (Extreme Fire Chicken),” which comes with a warning label prohibiting consumption by the elderly and pregnant women. Of course, even the regular version’s strong spiciness leads to varying preferences among Koreans, depending on their taste.
- Manufacturer: Samyang
- Release Date: April 16, 2012
6th Place: Samyang Ramen
Samyang Ramen is one of the early ramen varieties in Korea. It has a unique flavor reminiscent of army stew (budae jjigae) in its broth, which can be divisive among consumers. In Korea, it used to be the undisputed number one ramen until about 40 years ago. However, as a variety of ramen options have been introduced over the years, it has gradually slipped down the rankings. It still maintains its popularity, especially among the older generation, and serves as one of the representative ramen products from its manufacturer.
- Manufacturer: Samyang
- Release Date: September 15, 1963
5th Place: Paldo Bibim Myeon
Paldo Bibim Myeon is a representative product among bibim (mixed) ramen varieties and also a flagship product of Paldo. It has a long-standing tradition and was originally manufactured by a place known for Korean yogurt. Since 2012, it has been produced by Paldo after a subsidiary company separation. It is available for sale in Japan and China as well, and it continues to have a steady demand in other countries as well.
- Manufacturer: Paldo
- Release Date: 1984
4th Place: Neoguri (Neoguri Ramen)
Neoguri Ramen is a udon-style ramen, and that’s why it was initially called ‘Neoguri Udon’ when it was first released. It is known for its thicker noodles and a dashi (seaweed broth) soup base. In some countries, the seaweed component is excluded in its formulation. While it was more expensive than other ramen when it was first introduced, it now comes at an average price. Its spiciness is not very strong, and people’s preferences often depend on the texture of the noodles.
- Manufacturer: Nongshim
- Release Date: February 19, 1983
3rd Place: Jjapaghetti
Among Korean noodles, there’s jjajangmyeon (black bean sauce noodles), and among ramen, there’s Jjapaghetti. While they share some similarities in taste, Jjapaghetti has a stronger instant appeal.
Even though there are now various options for jjajang ramen, Jjapaghetti remains the original and is still considered the standard-bearer for this category. Its widespread popularity and high recognition make it the representative product among numerous jjajang ramen options available.
While there are spicier alternatives and products offering a wider range of seasonings and soup bases, Jjapaghetti continues to maintain its position as a leader in the world of jjajang ramen. It’s a ramen without broth and generally has a relatively mild salty flavor. Additionally, there’s a lesser-known feature: the meat found in the seasoning powder is actually a vegetarian substitute, making it suitable for vegetarians as well.
- Manufacturer: Nongshim
- Release Date: March 19, 1984
2nd Place: Jin Ramen
What sets Jin Ramen apart, above all, is its affordability. It falls into a lower price range compared to other ramen products. However, it’s worth noting that some people dislike it due to its less chewy texture and a sensation of dispersion in the noodles. Both the spicy and mild versions of Jin Ramen are popular, and it’s essential to understand that the noodle texture is different rather than lacking in taste.
Moreover, its manufacturer, Ottogi, is a well-known company in Korea that is praised for offering good taste and generous portions at a reasonable price. Finding ramen with a similar noodle texture is challenging, and even if they exist, they cannot quite match up to Jin Ramen. This high level of customer loyalty is the result.
- Manufacturer: Ottogi
- Release Date: March 1988
1st Place: Shin Ramyun
When it comes to Korean noodles, Shin Ramyun stands at the top. If you were to ask 10 people, 9 of them would likely think of this ramen first. It’s the most iconic instant ramen in Korea, widely enjoyed by most people. To be precise, while it may not be everyone’s absolute favorite, it’s also rare to find someone who dislikes it. Its popularity stems from being a safe and reliable choice, consistently selling well both within Korea and internationally.
When it was first released, there weren’t many spicy ramen options, which helped establish its dominant position. To this day, it remains a representative spicy ramen with a strong and lasting reputation.
However, in recent times, some have noticed changes in its flavor and reduced portion sizes, possibly due to cost-cutting measures. Nevertheless, it still holds an overwhelming top position.
If you’ve ever tried Korean ramen, your first experience is likely to have been with Shin Ramyun.
- Manufacturer: Nongshim
- Release Date: October 1986
Korean noodles (Ramen) ranking. Did you enjoy it?
It might be the same or different from what you think. If you enjoy Korean ramen, the ramen listed in this ranking is definitely worth trying. At least, that’s what I think.
