Seoul: Samyang Foods Inc., renowned for its globally popular Buldak spicy ramyeon, announced plans to intensify efforts to expand overseas sales, particularly targeting the United States and Europe. The company's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kim Dong-chan, expressed this strategy during a shareholders meeting, highlighting the company's performance in these crucial markets as "unsatisfactory."
According to Yonhap News Agency, in addition to focusing on the U.S. and Europe, Samyang Foods intends to implement region-specific strategies to enhance sales in China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. CEO Kim emphasized the importance of strengthening the production base by upgrading manufacturing processes and facilities, while also responding flexibly to global demand and investing in strategic products to ensure long-term growth.
Kim also addressed potential disruptions in the supply of naphtha-based packaging materials due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. He assured shareholders that there has been no significant impact thus far, although he cautioned that shortages could occur if the situation persists.
Since its launch in 2012, the cumulative sales of Buldak ramyeon have surpassed 9 billion units, generating over 5 trillion won (US$3.3 billion) in revenue. The product gained global fame after its extreme spiciness became a viral sensation through online food challenges in 2014.
In 2025, the company's annual sales exceeded 2 trillion won for the first time since its founding in 1961. To accommodate growing global demand, Samyang Foods has diversified its export markets and expanded distribution channels in Europe and the U.S., while also increasing domestic production capacity to support strong earnings.
In July of the previous year, Samyang Foods commenced construction of its first overseas production facility in China, with operations expected to start in January 2027.