As Korea’s spicy flavors gain global popularity, Samyang Foods’ Buldak Ramen is experiencing rapid growth at the center of this trend. Recently, Buldak Ramen has gone viral across various social media platforms including YouTube and TikTok, earning global recognition. Especially with the recent news about the stock price surge of Samyang, Buldak Ramen is now seen not just as a spicy noodle but as a form of Hallyu (Korean Wave) content. This post explores the popularity of Buldak Ramen, Samyang’s global growth strategy, and the economic background and cooking methods behind its success.
Samyang Stock Surge and Economic Background
Samyang Foods has gained major attention in the stock market as its stock sharply rose due to the global popularity of Buldak Ramen. Since its release in 2012, Buldak Ramen has become a symbol of Korea’s spicy ramen. In 2024, its market expanded beyond North America, Europe, and Asia into the Middle East, contributing to a reported 20% increase in stock value.
The stock price continued to soar from the second half of 2024 into early 2025, rising from around 60,000 KRW to over 90,000 KRW—an increase of more than 50% within a year. Analysts attribute this to the rising global demand and a 30%+ increase in operating profit compared to the previous year.
Securities analysts commented, “Expanded exports of the Buldak series are positively impacting the company’s performance, with a solid customer base forming especially in North America and Europe.” As of 2024, more than 70% of Samyang’s revenue comes from exports. The company is also expected to grow further by establishing overseas factories and logistics infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Trump-era trade war had a significant impact on exports from Korea and other Asian countries. Despite the U.S.-China trade conflict imposing tariffs, Samyang Foods minimized the damage thanks to a favorable KRW-USD exchange rate. With the Korean won weakening, Samyang remained competitive in the U.S. market and continued its strong performance in exports to the U.S.
Additionally, Samyang is actively participating in U.S. festivals to strengthen local marketing. Events like the LA K-Food Festival and KCON USA featured Buldak Ramen tasting booths, winning over the American MZ generation. This shows how Buldak Ramen has evolved from food to a recognized Hallyu content item.
How to Cook Buldak Ramen & Best Toppings
Known for its spicy flavor, Buldak Ramen can be enjoyed in various ways depending on how it’s prepared. The basic recipe is simple: boil the noodles in 550ml of water, then when most of the water evaporates, add the seasoning sauce and stir-fry. Finish with sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds to enhance the flavor.
To reduce the spiciness, you can add soft-boiled eggs, cheese, or seaweed flakes for a milder, smoother taste. Other great combinations include chicken breast or vegetables for a richer, more balanced dish.
When It’s Too Spicy: Try Instant Rabokki
If Buldak Ramen is too spicy, try rabokki from Samyang or Ottogi. Rabokki is a spicy dish with rice cakes and fish cakes, but it’s less spicy than Buldak and offers a nutty and sweet flavor. Samyang’s Buldak Rabokki balances out the spice while keeping its signature umami taste.
Other brands like Ottogi and Nongshim also offer a variety of instant rabokki options, giving consumers more choices. Rabokki is a great option not just for spicy food lovers but also for those who prefer a milder experience.
The History and Global Expansion of Buldak Ramen
Samyang Foods first launched Buldak Ramen in 2012. It became popular for its intense spiciness, leading to the release of various Buldak series flavors. Variants like Carbo Buldak, Rose Buldak, and Mala Buldak were introduced and gained popularity in global markets.
Buldak Ramen went viral on social media, especially with YouTubers posting spicy ramen challenge videos. On TikTok, content featuring people eating Buldak became representative of K-Food. As a result, Buldak Ramen has become highly popular in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Southeast Asia, and even the Middle East.
Why We Created These Images & How to Use Them
We used AI-generated images to visually represent Korean food culture in a more engaging way for global consumers. By showcasing the many ways to enjoy Buldak Ramen, we aim to attract more interest in Korean cuisine and strengthen the K-Food image. These images can be effectively used in blogs, social media posts, and marketing materials.
Conclusion: Buldak Ramen as ‘Content-Driven Food’
Samyang’s Buldak Ramen is more than just a delicious instant noodle—it has become a global K-Food sensation. Despite challenges like the Trump-era trade war and currency fluctuations, Samyang has built a strong presence in overseas markets, including the U.S..
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