Business trendsKorean noodle makers ride K-pop boom to grow global share
Nongshim, Samyang build more factories and expand into new markets
The global success of "KPop Demon Hunters" has been a boon for instant noodle makers like Nongshim. (Photo by Nami Matsuura)
NAMI MATSUURA and HIROYASU ODA
November 23, 2025 14:10 JST
SEOUL/TOKYO -- South Korean instant noodle makers are making a bid for greater market share, with Nongshim building a export-dedicated plant and Samyang Foods setting up its first factory in China, all to serve markets like the U.S., Europe and China.