• Company name: Nongshim Co., Ltd.
• Native name: 농심 (Nongshim)
• Founded: 18 September 1965 (originally as Lotte Food Industrial Company)
• Renamed: 1978
• Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
• Industry: Food processing
• Products: Instant noodles, snacks, beverages, rice products, frozen foods, sauces, and food ingredients
• Markets served: Over 100 countries across Asia, North America, Europe, Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa
• Parent company: Nongshim Holdings
• Official slogan: “Lovely Life, Lovely Food” (used internationally)3

The name “Nongshim” (농심) translates literally to “Farmer’s Heart” or “Heart of Agriculture”. The company states that its philosophy is grounded in the belief that food originates from agriculture and that providing safe, high-quality products is central to its mission. This agricultural heritage is symbolised by the company’s seed-shaped logo.1

Foundation (1965–1977)

Nongshim was established on 18 September 1965 under the name Lotte Food Industrial Company. In its early years, the firm concentrated on manufacturing instant noodles to serve the expanding Korean market.

Key milestones during this period include:

• 1965 – Company established.
• 1967 – Opened its first manufacturing plant in Busan.
• 1970 – Introduced Korea’s first instant black bean sauce noodles.
• 1971 – Released Shrimp Crackers (Saeukkang), which became one of Korea’s most iconic snack foods.
• 1975 – Introduced Nongshim Ramyun.
• 1976 – Listed on the Korean stock exchange and expanded manufacturing facilities.1

Becoming Nongshim (1978)

In 1978, the company officially changed its name from Lotte Food Industrial Company to Nongshim, establishing an independent corporate identity focused exclusively on the food industry.

Growth during the 1980s

The 1980s were characterised by rapid product innovation. Major launches included:

• 1980 – Potato Chips
• 1981 – Bowl Noodle Soup
• 1982 – Neoguri
• 1983 – Ansungtangmyun
• 1984 – Chapagetti
• 1986 – Shin Ramyun

By the mid-1980s, Nongshim had become the market leader in South Korea’s instant noodle sector.

International expansion

From the 1990s onwards, Nongshim pursued aggressive overseas expansion. Significant developments included:

• Construction of manufacturing facilities in China and later the United States.
• Entry into North American and European retail markets.
• Membership in the World Instant Noodles Association.
• Partnerships with major international retailers.

Today, Nongshim products are distributed globally and are widely available in supermarkets, Asian grocery stores, and mainstream retail outlets.2

Instant noodles

Nongshim is best known for its extensive range of instant noodles. Popular products include:

• Shin Ramyun
• Shin Ramyun Black
• Neoguri
• Chapagetti
• Ansungtangmyun
• Bowl Noodle Soup
• Kimchi Ramyun
• Soon Veggie Noodle
• Chapaguri (a combination of Chapagetti and Neoguri popularised by the film Parasite)1

Snacks

Nongshim is also a major manufacturer of snack foods. Well-known brands include:

• Shrimp Crackers (Saeukkang)
• Potato Chips
• Banana Kick
• Sweet Potato Snack
• Onion Rings
• Honey Twist Snack

These products are sold extensively throughout Asia and are increasingly available in international markets.

Other food products

Beyond noodles and snacks, Nongshim produces:

• Rice products
• Frozen foods
• Sauces
• Beverages
• Korean pantry staples
• Premium meal kits1

Launched in 1986, Shin Ramyun is Nongshim’s signature product and one of the world’s best-selling premium instant noodle brands. It is recognised for:

• Spicy beef-based broth
• Thick, chewy noodles
• Distinctive red packaging
• Global recognition as a representative Korean instant noodle

In many international markets, the product has become synonymous with Korean instant noodles.1

Nongshim exports to more than 100 countries and operates manufacturing and distribution facilities in several regions, including:

• South Korea
• China
• United States
• Japan
• Australia

The company continues to expand internationally, driven by the growing global popularity of Korean cuisine and culture.2

Nongshim prioritises food quality and safety through:

• HACCP-certified production systems
• International quality management standards
• Sustainable manufacturing initiatives
• Green factory certifications in South Korea

The company also supports social responsibility programmes, including food donations and child nutrition initiatives.

Nongshim’s corporate philosophy is centred on the belief that “Food is Life”. The company aims to provide safe, nutritious, and enjoyable food while maintaining consumer trust and supporting sustainable growth. Its management principles emphasise customer satisfaction, product quality, innovation, and social responsibility.13

Over six decades, Nongshim has evolved from a domestic noodle manufacturer into one of South Korea’s most recognisable food brands. Innovations such as Shin Ramyun, Neoguri, Chapagetti, and Shrimp Crackers have played a significant role in popularising Korean food worldwide. As global interest in Korean cuisine continues to grow, Nongshim remains a leading ambassador for Korean packaged foods in international markets.2

1. GLOBAL NONGSHIM
2. Story
3. 농심 : 인생을 맛있게 (Lovely Life Lovely Food)