Korean ramen, also known as “ramyun” or “ramyeon,” has long been a favorite comfort food for many people both inside and outside of Korea. With Korean culture’s growing global appeal, these savory, spicy delicacies are more popular than ever. You’re in luck if you’ve ever wondered which ones are the most popular. We’ve produced a list of the top 15 best-selling Korean instant noodles of 2022 based on thorough research by Nielsen IQ Korea.
We’ve also included some cook Korean ramyeon hacks for the culinary adventurers among you to enhance your ramyeon experience.
No.1 Nongshim Gourmet Spicy Shin Instant Ramen Noodle(신라면)
Spiciness 🌶🌶🌶
Nongshim Shin Ramyun is a classic, customizable ramyun to your preference by adding ingredients you think are the best fit for you. This is a dish that’s there for you any time of day or night.
Cook Shin Ramen Hack Add an egg and let it simmer until it’s soft-boiled. Then, slice some green onions and mix them in for added flavor. Enjoy with it Kimchi.
No.2 Nongshim Chapagetti Chajang Noodle(짜파게티)
No Spiciness
Have you ever tried Jjajangmyeon? This Jjajang ramyeon is a stir-fry type that captures the flavor of Jjajangmyeon. The advertising slogan ‘On Sundays, it’s Jjapagetti’ was quite popular.
Cook Korean Ramen Hack Once your Chapagetti is ready, top it with a fried egg and a slice of cheddar cheese for a delightful twist. This delicious combination is affectionately called ‘Chagechi’ (a blend of Chapagetti, egg, and cheese). Enjoy with it Kimchi.
No.3 Nongshim Ansungtangmyun Noodle Soup (안성탕면)
Spiciness 🌶🌶
Ansungtangmyun has a deep flavor due to the addition of doenjang (fermented soybean paste) in its broth. It’s especially popular in the Gyeongsangnam-do region of South Korea.
Cook Korean Ramyeon Hack Add an egg and let it simmer until it’s soft-boiled. Then, slice some perilla leafs and mix them in for added flavor. Enjoy with it Kimchi.
No.4 NongShim Yukgaejang Ramen (육개장 사발면)
Spiciness 🌶🌶
The product that has transformed Korea’s Yukgaejang soup(육개장) into a cup ramen is undeniably the top classic in the cup noodle category.
Cook Korean Ramen Hack (Bibim Yukgaejang)
- Cook the noodles from the Yukgaejang bowl noodle by pouring hot water, but exclude the powdered soup.
- While waiting, make a fried egg.
- After draining the water from the Yukgaejang noodles, add only half of the powdered soup and mix with 1 tsp of sesame oil.
- Top with the fried egg and mix well.
This Yukgaejang ramen hack has a flavor reminiscent of Mi Goreng.
No.5 Ottogi Hot Jin Ramen Noodles (진라면 매운맛)
Spiciness 🌶🌶🌶
Alongside Shin Ramyun and Samyang Ramyun, it can be said to be one of the nation’s steady-seller instant noodles with a very solid standing, and it also represents the Ottogi brand.
Cook Korean Ramyeon Hack Add an egg and let it simmer until it’s soft-boiled. Then, slice some green onions and mix them in for added flavor. Enjoy with it Kimchi.
No.6 Nongshim Neoguri Spicy Seafood Udon Noodles (너구리 얼큰한맛)
Spiciness 🌶🌶🌶
A noodle product released by Nongshim since 1982. It carries a concept that combines udon and ramen, and in fact, its official product name was ‘Neoguri Udon’ until the mid-2000s. In Director Bong Joon-ho’s film ‘Parasite’, one of the components of the Jjapaguri (Ram-don, a combination of Chapagetti and Neoguri) has an added seafood flavor due to the kelp (dasima).
Cook Korean Ramyeon Hack Add an egg and let it simmer until it’s soft-boiled.
No.7 Paldo Bibim men (팔도비빔면)
Spiciness 🌶🌶
It’s a cold noodle-style spicy seasoned bibimmyeon. The inclusion of concentrated apple juice gives it a memorable spicy-sweet flavor.
Cook Korean Ramyeon Hack Enjoy it with crispy grilled pork belly or similar meats.
No 8. Samyang Samyang-Ramyeon (삼양라면)
Spiciness 🌶🌶
It was launched as Korea’s first instant ramen on September 15, 1963. After some trial and error, it was loved as South Korea’s number one market share representative ramen. Currently, it is steadily sold alongside Shin Ramyun and Jin Ramyun.
Cook Korean Ramyeon Hack Add rice cake slices(tteokguk tteok), ham, dumplings, or others according to your preference. Enjoy with it Kimchi.
No.9 Nongshim Shin Instant Ramen Noodle Cup (농심 신라면컵)
Spiciness 🌶🌶🌶
It’s a smaller-sized version of Shin Ramyun in a cup noodle format, allowing for a more convenient enjoyment.
Cook Korean Ramyeon Hack Pour boiling water into the cup ramen and ensure you wait the recommended time so the noodles don’t get overcooked.
No. 10 Ottogi Mild Jin Ramen Noodles (진라면 순한맛)
Spiciness 🌶
It’s a milder version of Hot Jin Ramyun, affectionately nicknamed “Jinsun.” If you find Shin Ramyun or the spicy version of Jin Ramyun too spicy, this is recommended.
Cook Korean Ramyeon Hack Add an egg and let it simmer until it’s soft-boiled. Then, slice some green onions and mix them in for added flavor. Enjoy with it Kimchi.
No. 11 Paldo Jumbo Noodles Hot&Spicy (팔도 왕뚜껑)
Spiciness 🌶🌶
As the product name ‘Wangttukkeong(King lid)’ suggests, its large container and plastic lid are distinctive features. You can scoop out the noodles onto the plastic lid to cool them down before eating. The standout characteristic of Wangtdukkong is undoubtedly its thin noodle strands. Just like Nongshim’s Yukgaejang ramen, it’s at the forefront when it comes to thin noodles, making it suitable for those who prefer to slurp their noodles quickly.
Cook Korean Ramyeon Hack Pour boiling water into the cup ramen and ensure you wait the recommended time so the noodles don’t get overcooked.
No.12 Nongshim Kimchi Instant Ramen Noodle Soup Bowl (김치사발면)
Spiciness 🌶🌶
It’s a cup noodle with a broth that has a kimchi flavor. Like the Yukgaejang ramen, its distinctive feature is the thin noodles.
Cook Korean Ramyeon Hack Pour boiling water into the cup ramen and ensure you wait the recommended time so the noodles don’t get overcooked.
No.13 Samyang Spicy Chicken Stir Fried Noodle Cup, Original (불닭볶음면 큰컵)
Spiciness 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
It is a popular South Korean instant noodle product recognized for its high spiciness. Since its introduction, it has gained immense popularity not only in Korea but worldwide. The fire noodle challenge, where individuals film themselves trying the noodles for the first time, went viral on various social media platforms, further boosting its fame.
Cook Korean Ramyeon Hack Sprinkle some mozzarella shreds or place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of the noodles to mellow out the spiciness. Some even mix the remaining sauce with rice after finishing the noodles. For an added burst of flavor, mix in a crumbled tuna mayo triangle kimbap(참치마요삼각김밥), just like you would with rice.
No.14 Ottogi Yeol Ramen (열라면)
Spiciness 🌶🌶🌶🌶
It’s characterized by its spicy flavor and is reminiscent of Shin Ramen, but with a slightly spicier kick. It’s the star of the popular ‘instant ramyeon with soft tofu recipe’ trend.
Cook Korean Ramyeon Hack Add an egg and let it simmer until it’s soft-boiled. Then, slice some green onions and mix them in for added flavor.
Alternatively, you can make Sundubu Yeol Ramyeon(instant ramyeon with soft tofu). While it requires a few ingredients, it’s easier to prepare than a traditional Sundubu Jjigae (soft tofu stew).
No.15 Samyang Hot Chicken Flavor Ramen, Buldak Bokkeum Myeon (불닭볶음면)
Spiciness 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
It is a popular South Korean instant noodle product recognized for its high spiciness.It’s a stir-fried noodle dish that’s cooked with seasoning and without broth.
Cook Korean Ramyeon Hack Sprinkle some mozzarella shreds or place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of the noodles to mellow out the spiciness. Some even mix the remaining sauce with rice after finishing the noodles. For an added burst of flavor, mix in a crumbled tuna mayo triangle kimbap(참치마요삼각김밥), just like you would with rice.
What is korean ramyeon?(ramyeon vs ramen)
Korean ramyeon(ramyun) refers to the Korean version of instant noodles. While the concept of instant noodles originated in Japan (where it is known as “ramen”), each Asian country has subsequently evolved its own variations, with Korea’s version being known as “ramyeon” (라면 in Korean).
How to Make Korean Ramen Like a Pro
- Water: Always use the water measurement recommended on the packet. The difference between over and under can make a big impact in taste and texture.
- When the water is boiling, add the ramyeon and soup base. When adding an egg, crack it and put it in at the same time as the ramyeon.
- Green onions, soft-boiled eggs, and veggies are all delicious complements to any bowl.
- Experiment: Don’t be frightened to be original. Korean ramen can be made with anything from kimchi to tofu.
When you’re still hungry
When you’re still hungry after finishing your ramen, add cold rice to the broth. (It’s best to use cold rice so the broth doesn’t become too starchy.)
What is the meaning of ‘Ramyeon meokgo gallae’?
The meaning of ‘Ramyeon meokgo gallae(Do you want to eat ramyeon and then go?)’ is similar to the meaning of ‘Netflix and chill’
In Conclusion
To summarize, the Korean ramen world is vast and flavorful. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned ramyun fan, there’s always something new to try or a new technique to prepare Korean ramen. Dive in, experiment with the flavors, and let your taste buds jive!
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