Latest news with #K-ramyeon
Korea Herald
3 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
From pools to piers, Korean food rides Han River buzz
Ramyeon, coffee, chicken brands leverage riverside crowds to build identity, test new marketing tactics The Han River, a major waterway running through South Korea's capital, greets this summer with a louder buzz than usual, as riverside pools stay packed through season's end and water taxis run trial routes ahead of their September launch. According to the city government, the river parks surged with 4.69 million visitors in the first half of the year, up 33 percent from a year earlier. As strollers, swimmers and commuters pour in, food brands follow, hoping to hook riverside appetites with new menu twists. Quick slurps Quick to seize new vantage points, three of Korea's biggest ramyeon makers are setting up kitchens at ferry terminals and poolside venues, serving up instant noodles that are fast to make yet hearty to eat. Nongshim made the first move in July with its signature Neoguri brand, opening ramyeon shops at the Hangang Bus piers in Jamsil and Yeouido. Boasting scenic river views through their floor-to-ceiling windows, the shops are themed around the Neoguri mascot, with oversized cup-noodle tables and a raccoon photo zone. The Han River offers a unique urban backdrop that helps reinforce Nongshim's K-ramyeon identity, the company explained. In August, Ottogi opened noodle houses at the Hangang Bus piers in Apgujeong and Ttukseom, spotlighting its signature Jin Ramen brand. The shops feature bright, bold graphic interiors that, according to the company, deliver a fresh reinterpretation of everyday food culture — broadening their appeal to both tourists and locals through a shared dining experience. Samyang Foods, meanwhile, targeted swimmers' hunger. Since July, it has operated food zones at six public swimming pools along the Han River, offering visitors its core lineup, including Samyang Ramen and Maptang. The company has also added photo spots and promotional games to draw more engagement. 'Beyond the joy of eating, we wanted to add playful experiences and pool-friendly giveaways to both expand our brand presence and help visitors beat the heat,' a Samyang official said. Samyang said its food zones saw sales climb by 10 percent to 20 percent each week. Slow sips and bites The noodle war is but one part of the feast along the Han River. This month, Starbucks opened two new stores at Yeouido and Ttukseom river parks, each designed to stand apart from its standard outlets: one styled after a cruise ship with panoramic windows, the other evoking a 1970s American coffeehouse. These are the chain's first Han River locations in about four years, and the company expects them to serve as prime city retreats where drinks are paired with sweeping river views. Both offer river-exclusive menus, including cocktail-inspired cold brews and craft beers. Another recent addition is Korean-style chicken. Genesis BBQ, operator of the BBQ Chicken chain, has opened full-service restaurants at the Jamsil and Yeouido piers, with plans to expand to Mangwon, Apgujeong and Ttukseom. With indoor views across the river, each location seats about 50 and offers takeaway for pool-goers. The company said its aim is to connect with 'trend-conscious consumers' by combining urban water transport and dining brands. According to industry officials, the Han River is emerging as a centerpiece of the retail landscape, where brand experiences, water traffic and leisure converge to create synergies. 'A dining experience at the Han River creates lasting memories, which in turn can help embed a positive image of the brand,' said an industry official.
Korea Herald
27-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Nongshim to double ramyeon exports with new Busan plant
South Korean food and beverage giant Nongshim has begun building a new export-only manufacturing facility in Busan, as it looks to ramp up production to meet surging global demand, the company said Tuesday. Named the Noksan Export Plant, the facility is being built on an 11,280-square-meter site with a total floor area of 48,100 square meters, located adjacent to Nongshim's existing factory. Completion is slated for the second half of 2026. The new plant will feature the company's artificial intelligence-powered smart factory technology, including deep-learning quality control systems and big-data-driven prediction and response capabilities. The facility's three production lines, with an annual capacity of 500 million instant noodle servings, will nearly double Nongshim's total export output to 1.2 billion units, combining with 600 million units from its Busan plant and 100 million units from its facility in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province. The food giant explained that the facility could expand its production lines from three to eight if demand from overseas markets continues to grow. 'Noksan Export Plant will be equipped to expand capacity up to three times the current level,' said an official from Nongshim. 'As we prepare to ride a second wave of global growth with our flagship Shin Ramyun Toomba, the increased output will cement our position as a global K-ramyeon leader.' With the anticipated production boost, Nongshim aims to quadruple its sales in Europe by 2030. As part of its broader sales strategy, it launched its Amsterdam subsidiary in March. Looking beyond Europe, the company is targeting emerging markets in South America and Southwest Asia, regions with significant growth potential for Korean noodles.
