Korea’s overall ramen market is on a declining path, in contrast to the steady growth of bibim-myeon (noodle mixed with spicy paste) sales.
According to market research firm AC Nielsen on June 26, the size of the nation’s ramen market amounted to 764.9 billion won in the January-May period of this year, down 4.9 percent from a year ago.
The nation’s ramen market has been on a downward trend, with its size falling to 2.01 trillion won in 2013 and 1.97 trillion won in 2014.
In contrast, the sales of bibim-myeon rose 10.4 percent to 26.3 billion won in the first five months of this year. The bibim-myeon sales also grew 13.9 percent last year.
Other types of ramen reported mixed results. Jajang (black soybean paste) ramen chalked up sales of 83.9 billion won, up 0.3 percent year on year, while the sales of general soup ramen, stir-fried ramen, and seafood ramen fell 4.9 percent, 22.3 percent and 9.6 percent, respectively.
Considering that the peak demand season for bibim-myeon is July to August, its strong performance in May is worth noting.
저작권자 © Korea IT Times 무단전재 및 재배포 금지