10 Types of Korean Ramyuns You Have To Try 2023 | Mouth Watering Ramyeon Recipes!

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We tasted over 10 Korean ramyuns and found the best Korean ramyuns you have to try! Check out the detailed reviews of our top 5 Korean ramyuns below!

Korean ramyun is an instant noodle meal. It is originally reported to be a Japanese dish and is similar to Japanese ramen noodles. However, some Koreans believe that ramyun is slightly different from Japanese ramen noodles. 

Korean ramyun can come in an instant noodle pack or as cup noodles. The instant ramyun noodles pack consists of dried noodle cake, seasoning powder, some spices, and other solid ingredients like dried vegetables and meat. 

Cup noodles consist of the same contents but it is much more convenient to make because you only need to add hot water and all the ingredients in the cup and wait for 5 minutes for it to cook.

Ramyun is my favorite Korean dish of all time. It is easier to make, economical, and tastes absolutely delicious. Most people around the globe are fascinated by ramyun for its mouth-watering taste and its cheap price. 

In fact, KoreaHerald reported that amidst the pandemic Korean ramyeon brands like Nongshim, Samyang Foods Co, Ottogi Co. saw a rise in the sales of Korean ramyeons. Nongshim’s sales of Korean ramyeon increased by 26.5% in the US and Samyang Foods Co saw an increase of 20.9% in sales due to its instant ramyeon. 

Korean Ramyuns — Quick Summary

Best Korean Ramyuns	Spice level	Check latest price
Nongshim Shin Ramyun	3/5	Check latest price on Amazon
Ottogi Jin Ramyun (mild)	2/5	Check latest price on Amazon
Nongshim Neoguri Noodles- Spicy Seafood Flavor	3/5	Check latest price on Amazon
Ottogi Cheese Ramyun	2/5	Check latest price on Amazon
Samyang 2x Spicy Hot Chicken Flavor Ramyun	5/5	Check latest price on Amazon

Types of Korean Ramyeon 2023

In this article, you will find the best Korean ramyun with different flavors, and ingredients and also a spice level to help you choose a ramyun accordingly.

Craving my girl’s Korean fried chicken ramyun and sushi. 😫🤌🏼 pic.twitter.com/ABncpDWACn

— N 🇵🇸 (@el_qxmr) October 13, 2022

Is Korean Ramyeon same as ramen?

Korean Ramyeon and Japanese Ramen are similar dishes, but they have some differences in terms of flavor, preparation, and ingredients.

1. Flavor: Korean Ramyeon typically has a spicier and stronger flavor compared to Japanese Ramen. It often includes a spicy broth, chili paste, or spicy seasoning to give it a distinct kick.
2. Broth Base: Korean Ramyeon commonly uses a beef or seafood-based broth, which contributes to its rich and savory taste. Japanese Ramen, on the other hand, offers a variety of broth bases, such as tonkotsu (pork bone), shoyu (soy sauce), shio (salt), and miso.
3. Noodles: Both Korean Ramyeon and Japanese Ramen use wheat noodles. However, Korean Ramyeon noodles are usually thicker and chewier compared to the thinner and smoother noodles commonly found in Japanese Ramen.
4. Toppings: While both dishes can have various toppings, Korean Ramyeon often includes ingredients like sliced green onions, eggs, and sometimes cheese, while Japanese Ramen might feature toppings like sliced pork, bamboo shoots, seaweed, and soft-boiled eggs.
5. Brands and Varieties: Korean Ramyeon is typically produced by Korean brands, and there is a wide range of instant Ramyeon varieties available. In contrast, Japanese Ramen is produced by Japanese brands, and there is also a diverse selection of instant ramen options.

Overall, while there are similarities between Korean Ramyeon and Japanese Ramen, the differences in flavor profiles, broth bases, noodles, and toppings contribute to distinct and unique culinary experiences. Both dishes are popular and beloved in their respective cultures and have become widely enjoyed around the world.

Japanese Ramen vs. Korean Ramen

Japanese Ramen and Korean Ramen are both delicious noodle dishes, but they have several key differences that set them apart:

1. Broth Base:

• Japanese Ramen: Japanese Ramen offers a variety of broth bases, such as tonkotsu (pork bone), shoyu (soy sauce), shio (salt), and miso. Tonkotsu Ramen, known for its creamy and rich pork bone broth, is particularly popular.
• Korean Ramen: Korean Ramen commonly uses a beef or seafood-based broth, which contributes to its rich and savory taste. It often includes a spicy element, and the broth can be quite spicy and flavorful.

2. Flavor Profile:

• Japanese Ramen: Japanese Ramen emphasizes the harmony of flavors and the umami taste. Each type of Ramen has its distinct taste profile, with tonkotsu being rich and creamy, shoyu offering a balanced soy sauce flavor, shio featuring a delicate saltiness, and miso being bold and savory.
• Korean Ramen: Korean Ramen, known as Ramyeon, is often spicier and has a stronger flavor compared to Japanese Ramen. It commonly includes a spicy broth, chili paste, or spicy seasoning, providing a distinct kick.

3. Noodle Type:

• Japanese Ramen: The noodles in Japanese Ramen are typically thin and smooth, made from wheat flour, and are often cooked to an al dente texture.
• Korean Ramen: Korean Ramen noodles are usually thicker and chewier compared to Japanese Ramen. They are made from wheat flour and provide a heartier bite.

4. Toppings:

• Japanese Ramen: Common toppings for Japanese Ramen include sliced pork (chashu), bamboo shoots (menma), seaweed (nori), soft-boiled eggs (ajitsuke tamago), green onions, and sometimes butter or corn, depending on the variety.
• Korean Ramen: Korean Ramen, or Ramyeon, often features toppings such as sliced green onions, eggs, and sometimes cheese. Additional toppings like vegetables, fish cakes, and kimchi may be included as well.

While both Japanese Ramen and Korean Ramen are beloved noodle dishes, these differences in broth base, flavor profile, noodle type, and toppings give each its unique and distinct character, providing a diverse and delightful culinary experience for noodle enthusiasts around the world.

Nongshim Shin Ramyun – Best Korean Ramyuns

Nongshim Shin Ramyun is the most popular instant Korean ramyun in the market. It is popular not only in Korea but around the whole globe as well, especially in America and Europe. 

It is a quite delicious ramyun with bursts of flavors. Due to its worldwide popularity, this ramyun is widely available in most stores. You can find this on Amazon as the best seller in the Korean ramyun section.  

It comes in an instant noodle pack and also as cup noodles. Shin Ramyun is moderately spicy compared to the rest of the ramyuns on the list above.

I have tried the Nongshim Shin Ramyun and it was way spicier for me, and I could not tolerate the spiciness. However, you can try this if you adore spicy food. The texture of the noodles was soft and chewy and the overall flavor was amazing. It has a beef stock base which is not quite usual for ramyun noodles. 

However, the beef stock base is what gives the noodles a sweet and savory flavor and is loved by many people worldwide. You can sip the broth while eating the noodles. 

Inside the instant noodle pack, you will find dried vegetables and small chunks of meat. You can cook these noodles in a pot by adding water and the seasoning powder and let them boil for a few minutes. 

This will be instantly ready in 5 minutes. You can also add vegetables and toppings of your own choice to make it more appetizing.

• Related: Best Korean Instant Jajangmyeon
• Related: Best Korean Instant Ramen Noodles
• Related: Best Korean Kimchi Brands

Ottogi Jin Ramyun (Mild)

Jin Ramyun is another instant Korean noodles brand that is very popular in Korea. This Korean noodle also has a beef stock base similar to Shin Ramyun but the flavor of the beef stock is relatively less in Jin Ramyun. 

This instant Korean noodle has a more peppery flavor to it. This is due to the taste of kimchi which is a spicy fermented vegetable pickle.

Kimchi usually comes in the form of spicy fermented cabbage. Although it has a kimchi flavor to it, you will not find fermented vegetable pickles in this ramyun pack.

You can find this Korean ramyun in packages and in cup noodles as well. Since this is the mild version of Jin ramyun the spiciness is balanced. If you want to try the spicier versions of Jin ramyun, they come in a red-colored pack. 

This Korean ramyun comes with a pack of freeze-dried vegetables. The noodles are long and the texture of it is quite firm which means you can slurp the noodles while eating without breaking them.

You can add vegetables like mushrooms and carrots after cooking them and also a soft boiled egg which will add more flavor to them.

Nongshim Neoguri Noodles- Spicy Seafood Flavor

Another Nongshim brand ramyun noodles that are very popular globally. It is quite distinguished compared to the previous ramyun flavors due to its seafood flavor. This is a must-try ramyun noodle because it is filled with various flavors. 

It is also on Amazon’s choice for Neoguri noodles. The Neoguri noodles are personally one of my favorite noodles on this list. The seafood flavor makes you want to eat more. However, the seafood flavor is not very overwhelming. 

These noodles come in both packs and cup noodles form. The cup noodles packaging is much cuter and more widely available in Korea than in other countries.

Nongshim Neoguri Noodles comes in an Udon-type noodle. Udon noodles are thick Japanese-style noodles made from wheat flour. Hence, this noodle is quite thicker and bigger compared to other Korean ramyun on the list. 

The thick texture complements well with the seafood flavored stock, and the spiciness is balanced very well.

Inside the Neoguri Noodles pack, you will find a sachet of dried vegetables and chunky pieces of squid. This noodle can be cooked instantly but make sure not to overcook them. 

This is because they will remain in the hot broth while you are eating. It is also best to ensure there is enough broth for you to sip while eating because the noodles have a thick texture. You can add dried seaweed as a topping which will add oceany goodness to your ramyun bowl.

Ottogi Cheese Ramyun

This is another Ottogi brand Korean ramyun you will find in this article. Ottogi branded ramyun noodles have the number 1 customer satisfaction reviews in Korea. This Korean instant noodle is packed with a lot of flavors. It is tangy, savory, sweet, and has the perfect balance of spiciness.

Out of all the ramyun in this article, the Ottogi Cheese Ramyun is the only Korean ramyun to have a cheese flavor. If you are someone who is not a fan of overly spicy ramyun then this is your go-to ramyun. 

The cheesy flavor gives the noodles a milkier and creamy flavor which balances the spiciness in them. In addition, this is the most ideal ramyun for vegetarians and cheese lovers as well.

This Korean ramyun only comes as packed instant noodles and not as cup noodles. It has 0% trans fat and cholesterol. Hence, this ramyun can also be given to kids. The noodles are long, chewy, and springy. 

The ramyun noodles easily soak up the creamy flavored soup and give you a bite full of cheesy goodness.

The Ottogi Cheese Ramyun comes in a pack of instant noodles and 3 sachets that consist of dried vegetables, cheese powder, and a soup mix. You can make this instantly by adding the noodles, dried vegetables, and soup mix to a pot of boiling water, and once cooked you can top it with the cheese powder. 

You can eat it as it is or you can add more flavor to it by adding crab meat and cheese tofu to give you a filling meal.

Samyang 2x Spicy Hot Chicken Flavor Ramen

This Korean ramyun noodle has received more fame than any other Korean ramyuns in this article or any ramyun in general. The Samyang 2x spicy ramyun has been trending in social media for quite a long while and is most commonly known as ‘’ The Nuclear Fire Noodle’’. 

Influencers in social media started a nuclear fire noodle challenge which made several other people try these extremely spicy ramyun noodles. The challenge is to finish these 2x spicy ramyun noodles without drinking water in between. 

Most people succeeded in completing the challenge. However, it must be noted that this noodle is extremely spicy and anyone should be cautious before trying this out.

This noodle comes only in a packaged form. The package itself depicts that the noodles are exceedingly spicy. These noodles do not have a soup base and hence should be eaten without any broth. 

Inside this packet of ramyun, you will find a spice packet and a seasoning packet that contains seaweed and sesame seeds. However, this ramyun is not eaten as a usual meal but rather as a challenge.

FAQs about the Best Korean Ramyeon

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Korean Ramyeons have captivated the taste buds and hearts of millions worldwide with their bold flavors, convenience, and versatility. These instant noodle delights, born from the streets of Korea, have evolved into a culinary sensation, becoming a beloved comfort food for people of all ages.

With a wide range of flavors and heat levels to choose from, Korean Ramyeons cater to various palates and preferences. From the fiery spiciness of “Buldak Ramyeon” to the rich umami taste of “Shin Ramyun,” each variety offers a unique and delightful eating experience.

Beyond their mouthwatering flavors, Korean Ramyeons have also earned their popularity for their quick preparation and affordability, making them a go-to option for a satisfying meal on busy days or late nights.

From college dorms to households around the globe, Korean Ramyeons have found a special place in the hearts of people seeking a comforting and flavorful meal.

Their cultural impact and widespread popularity have solidified Korean Ramyeons as more than just instant noodles; they are a culinary sensation, representing the fusion of convenience and delectable taste that appeals to people from all walks of life.

So, whether you are a Ramyeon aficionado or are yet to experience the joy of these savory noodles, there’s no doubt that Korean Ramyeons will continue to reign as a beloved global favorite for years to come.

Why You Should Trust BestKoreanProducts?

All our editors including the author of this article, Jih Yun do extensive research on the products reviewed and recommended in the article. We also use these products ourself to give you accurate, first hand information without any prejudice or bias. BestKoreanproducts has also got a team of medical reviewers and skincare experts to help give accurate advice and provide research-based facts concerning a product, its formulation or ingredients.

Why You Should Trust BestKoreanProducts?

All our editors including the author of this article, Jih Yun do extensive research on the products reviewed and recommended in the article. We also use these products ourself to give you accurate, first hand information without any prejudice or bias. BestKoreanproducts has also got a team of medical reviewers and skincare experts to help give accurate advice and provide research-based facts concerning a product, its formulation or ingredients.

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