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Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Seoul, October 9 – South Koreans consumed an average of 79 instant noodle servings per person last year, ranking second in the world behind Vietnam, according to data released by the World Instant Noodles Association (WINA).
Rising Domestic Demand
WINA reported that South Korea’s total instant noodle consumption reached 4.1 billion servings in 2023, up 1.4% from the previous year and marking the eighth-largest market globally.
Based on the country’s total population of 51.75 million, this equates to 79.2 servings per person — up from 73 servings in 2021.
Despite the steady rise, total consumption remains slightly below the pandemic-driven peak of 4.13 billion servings in 2020, when lockdowns boosted demand for affordable comfort foods.
Vietnam Still No. 1 in Per Capita Consumption
Vietnam retained its position as the world’s top instant noodle consumer per capita, eating an average of 81 servings per person in 2023. However, the figure is down from 88 servings in 2021, indicating a mild decline in domestic demand.
Following Vietnam and South Korea, other high per capita consumers included Thailand (57 servings), Nepal (54), Indonesia (52), Japan (47), Malaysia (47), Taiwan (40), the Philippines (39), and China including Hong Kong (31).
Global Noodle Market Hits Record High
Worldwide instant noodle consumption reached a record 123.07 billion servings in 2023, up 2.4% year-on-year.
Industry analysts attribute the increase to rising global food prices, which have driven demand for low-cost, shelf-stable foods like instant noodles.
China, including Hong Kong, remained the world’s largest market, consuming 43.8 billion servings last year, followed by Indonesia (14.37 billion) and India (8.32 billion). Consumption also continued to grow in Europe, particularly in the U.K. and Germany, albeit from a low base.
Korean Noodles Gaining Popularity Abroad
Exports of Korean instant noodles have also surged, reflecting strong global interest.
Between January and September 2023, Korea’s ramen exports rose 24.7% year-on-year to US$1.116 billion, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
Analysts say the global success of brands such as Samyang’s “Buldak Ramen” and Nongshim’s “Shin Ramyun” has helped solidify Korea’s position as both a top consumer and leading exporter in the instant noodle industry.
알파경제 Kim Jisun (stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
