Korea's Largest Ramen Show, the Korea Ramen Expo, Returns Next Year

"Han River Ramen" Now a Global Craze - $8.5 Million in Exports

Considering the price of a single packet of ramen, one might think, "Why pay \"4,000 won\" for this?" However, the so-called "Han River Ramen," which became popular at Han River Park convenience stores, has gained surprising popularity. This ramen, enjoyed using instant cooking machines, is loved by many despite its 4,000 won price tag. Its popularity is now spreading beyond Korea to overseas markets.

Celebrities Sandara Park and Hwasa Fall for the Charm of "Han River Ramen"

Celebrity Sandara Park's influence significantly boosted the popularity of Han River Ramen. It became a hot topic when it was revealed that Sandara Park had an instant ramen cooker at home and used it herself. This cooker, which makes enjoying ramen more convenient, is also sold for home use and costs 620,000 won based on the official online shopping mall price. Singer Hwasa also once ate ramen on a bench at the Han River on the show "I Live Alone (MBC 나혼자산다)."

"HouseCook" Goes Global, Signs $8.5 Million Export Contract

Recently, this instant ramen cooker, "HouseCook," signed an export contract worth $8 million (approximately 11 billion won) with a US food distributor. The manufacturer, Beomil Industrial, based in Incheon, was established in 1980 and has accumulated technology by manufacturing hot plates used in electric pressure cookers and medical devices, as well as IH ranges. Later, they expanded into the B2C market and created "HouseCook," a commercial cooker brand based on IH technology, and are now receiving global attention due to this export contract.

HouseCook holds an overwhelming 95% market share in the Han River Ramen cooker market in Korea. Recently, the demand for instant ramen cookers has also surged in Southeast Asia, and specialty stores using these cookers are increasing in countries like Vietnam and the Philippines. This export contract demonstrates the demand for instant ramen cookers not only in Southeast Asia but also in the US.

House Cook's Online Shopping Mall

Enthusiastic Response in the US and Southeast Asia

This export contract was signed at the "Korean Products Expo" hosted by the World Federation of Overseas Korean Traders Associations (World-OKTA) in Vienna, Austria. Park Hyung-kwon, the president of World-OKTA's Southeast US region, stated, "This is a product we have been searching for since last year, and we happened to encounter it at this expo and signed the contract. The market response is positive, so we plan to gradually expand the import scale." Amidst the growing local interest in K-Food, instant ramen cookers are also expected to ride this wave and gain traction in the market.

Multi-purpose Cooker for Various Dishes

HouseCook is not just for cooking ramen; it has been developed as a multi-purpose product capable of cooking various dishes. Due to this, they are signing additional export contracts with various countries, including Bulgaria and China, in addition to the US, and demand is continuously increasing. CEO Shin Young-seok stated, "Since it has been developed as a product that can cook other dishes as well as instant ramen, it has great potential for growth not only in the domestic market but also in the global market."

Han River Ramen, A New Korean Culture Spreading Globally

Han River Ramen is now establishing itself as a globally popular product, going beyond a Korean trend. It is scheduled to be supplied to the US market, focusing on gas stations with rest areas, and the local response is very positive. It appears highly likely that Han River Ramen and instant ramen cookers will establish themselves as a new Korean food culture around the world.

Korea Ramen Expo Returns After 7 Years - To be Held in April 2025

Also, "Korea Ramen Expo," Korea's first offline platform specializing in ramen, will be held again next year (2025). The Korea Ramen Expo was suspended due to various reasons, including COVID-19, but it will return in April next year after seven years, generating high expectations from domestic and international ramen enthusiasts.

The Return of Korea's Largest Ramen Show

The Korea Ramen Expo was designed to promote ramen, which has become a "soul food" not only for Koreans but also for people around the world. This expo plans to gather ramen from major Korean companies as well as small and medium-sized enterprises in one place, contributing to the revitalization of the domestic distribution market. The participation of overseas ramen companies is also expected to be a major attraction and a new business opportunity.

Ramen from Around the World in One Place

Global ramen brand companies from various countries are expected to participate in this fifth expo. Therefore, it is expected to be an attractive event where people can taste unique ramen from different countries in one place. Recently, the Korea Ramen Expo was selected as the 5th "Expo We Want to See Again" by COEX, demonstrating the high expectations for this event.

Themed Exhibits and Exchange Opportunities

Hong Hwi-sun, the general planner of the Korea Ramen Expo, stated, "Themed exhibits have been created with differentiated planning every year, and we plan to incorporate special issues into this expo as well. Based on years of planning know-how, we will not only provide various enjoyable experiences for the public but also serve as a bridgehead for exports and exchanges related to ramen."