Even if you haven't tasted it yourself, chances are you've seen someone try it online. The Buldak Ramen, released in 2012, has become one of the most famous instant noodles worldwide over the past decade. Let's delve into this fiercely spicy ramen today.
롯데온
Inspired by the spicy stir-fried chicken dish, Buldak Ramen literally translates to "fire chicken ramen" in Korean. "Bul" stands for "fire", and "Dak" means "chicken." While it features seasoning like sesame seeds and seaweed flakes, its primary appeal lies in experiencing extreme spiciness rather than savoring its flavors.
People refer to it by various names such as Korean Spicy Noodle, Buldak Ramen (Ramyun), Hot Chicken Flavor Ramen, or simply by the manufacturer's name, Samyang Noodle. Speaking of which, let's briefly explore the company behind it.
BizWatch
Buldak Ramen is a product of Samyang Food, a major ramen company in South Korea. If you're a fan of Korean noodles, you might have heard of "Samyang Ramen" before. Established in 1961, this long-standing company saw a resurgence in its popularity thanks to Buldak Ramen, indicating its immense success.
(Check out our blog about Korean Ramyun)
Buldak Ramen is a product of Samyang Food, a major ramen company in South Korea. If you're a fan of Korean noodles, you might have heard of "Samyang Ramen" before. Established in 1961, this long-standing company saw a resurgence in its popularity thanks to Buldak Ramen, indicating its immense success.
(Check out our blog about Korean Ramyun)
삼양식품
"Right now, we have the opportunity to relive past glory," said Jung Tae-woon, the CEO of Samyang Food, regarding Buldak Ramen. Indeed, the "Buldak Series" seems to have surpassed 1 trillion won in cumulative sales (735 million in dollars), showcasing its popularity.
삼양식품
Samyang Food attributes the success of the Buldak Series to three factors: firstly, obtaining KMF Halal certification from the early stages of export to target the Southeast Asian region, where over 60% of the Muslim population resides, showcasing a model case of thorough research and localization of Islamic culture. Secondly, developing a diverse product lineup following the original Buldak Ramen.
삼양식품
Thirdly, expanding and strengthening overseas operations in marketing, logistics, and distribution. Some speculate that during the rise of Korean content (K-content), the "Korean-made" premium factor might have played a significant role.
Thirdly, expanding and strengthening overseas operations in marketing, logistics, and distribution. Some speculate that during the rise of Korean content (K-content), the "Korean-made" premium factor might have played a significant role.
삼양식품
The Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) of regular Buldak Ramen is 4,404 SHU. While this might not seem exceptionally high, Buldak Ramen has no soup, so the seasoning is not diluted, making it intensely spicy.
The Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) of regular Buldak Ramen is 4,404 SHU. While this might not seem exceptionally high, Buldak Ramen has no soup, so the seasoning is not diluted, making it intensely spicy.
In foreign countries, it's often enjoyed as a "challenge." Many YouTubers and even celebrities post videos of themselves eating Buldak Ramen as a challenge. The content featuring Buldak Ramen varies from mukbangs (eating shows) to vlogs to simple challenges. Not only the Buldak Ramen product but also related products like Buldak sauce are successfully marketed.
삼양식품
The famous American rapper Cardi B posted a TikTok video of herself eating Carbonara Buldak Ramen, describing it as a fun product.
Cardi B TikTok
There were concerns that its trendiness might fizzle out quickly. However, it has firmly established itself as a consistently popular ramen both domestically and internationally, rightfully becoming one of Korea's representative food items.
There were concerns that its trendiness might fizzle out quickly. However, it has firmly established itself as a consistently popular ramen both domestically and internationally, rightfully becoming one of Korea's representative food items.
Youtube "Korean Englishman"
Youtube "10k Recipe"
Of course, consuming excessively spicy food isn't necessarily good for your health. A TikTok video of a woman claiming to have developed kidney stones after eating Buldak Ramen every week for six months has garnered attention. Each serving of Buldak Ramen contains 1,280mg of sodium. The USDA(United States Department of Agriculture) recommends consuming less than 2,300mg of sodium per day, so keep that in mind.
매일경제
The reason why Koreans are so enthusiastic about spicy food remains somewhat of a mystery. Many speculate that Koreans, who face high levels of stress, enjoy spicy food as a way to relieve stress. However, as mentioned earlier, excessive consumption isn't good for your health. Be sure to check your body's condition and enjoy spicy food in moderation.