Pasta and gochujang butter: Korean instant noodle makers chase global tastes
For years, heat reigned supreme in the Korean instant noodle market. But in recent years, pasta-inspired varieties have begun to challenge that dominance. Korean food companies are targeting overseas consumers by combining the familiar appeal of pasta with instant noodles, already Korea’s top food export, and distinctive Korean flavors such as gochujang (red pepper paste) and bulgogi. Korean…
For years, spicy flavors dominated the Korean instant noodle market. However, in recent years, pasta-inspired varieties have begun to challenge that trend. Korean food companies are targeting international consumers by blending the familiar allure of pasta with instant noodles, which are already Korea's leading food export, and unique Korean flavors like gochujang (red pepper paste) and bulgogi.
Over the past few years, Korean noodle manufacturers have released numerous pasta-inspired products tailored for overseas markets, according to industry officials.
Notable examples include Nongshim's Shin Ramyun Toomba, launched in 2024 as a spicy cream pasta version of its flagship noodles. Samyang Foods is banking on its protein pasta brand Tangle to become its next big success, following the popularity of Buldak. Paldo and Hy have also joined the trend with ARIH's Modern Noodle range, a collaboration with BTS released this year.
These products combine pasta shapes and creamy sauces that appeal to overseas consumers with Korean heat and traditional ingredients such as gochujang and soy sauce. For instance, ARIH's Modern Noodle range merges pasta and stir-fry elements.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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