• Brand Name: Samyang (삼양)
• Country: South Korea
• Founded:
• Samyang Group – 19241
• Samyang Foods – 24 August 19612
• Industry: Food manufacturing (Samyang Foods); chemicals, food ingredients, biopharmaceuticals, and advanced materials (Samyang Group)12
• Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
• Known For: Instant noodles, especially the Buldak series and Korea’s first instant ramen2
• Global Presence: Products sold in over 100 countries through subsidiaries and distributors2

Origins of Samyang Group (1924)

Samyang Group was established in 1924, making it one of South Korea’s oldest corporations. The company initially focused on agriculture and food-related businesses before expanding into chemicals, engineering materials, pharmaceuticals, and packaging. Throughout its history, Samyang Group has emphasised innovation, research and development, sustainable growth, advanced materials, and health and wellness. Today, the group operates globally across several industries beyond food.1

Birth of Samyang Foods (1961)

Samyang Foods was founded by Chun Joong-yoon in 1961 with the goal of improving food availability in post-war Korea. At that time, South Korea faced significant food shortages, and instant noodles were viewed as an affordable solution to address this issue.2

Korea’s First Instant Ramen

In 1963, Samyang Foods introduced Samyang Ramen, the first instant ramen produced in South Korea. The company adapted the Japanese instant noodle concept to suit Korean tastes by incorporating beef-based broth, Korean spices, and red chilli. The product quickly gained popularity and helped establish ramen as a staple convenience food in Korea.2

Over the following decades, Samyang expanded its portfolio into instant noodles, sauces, snacks, frozen foods, dairy-related products, and export businesses. Major milestones in this expansion included the construction of modern production plants, the acquisition of international food safety certifications, and market entry into North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. This growth was supported by the establishment of overseas subsidiaries such as Samyang America and Samyang China.2

The company’s most significant international success came with the launch of Buldak Hot Chicken Flavor Ramen in 2012. The name “Buldak” is derived from the Korean words Bul (불), meaning fire, and Dak (닭), meaning chicken. The noodles became famous globally for their extremely spicy flavour profile.

Popular varieties in the range include:

• Original
• 2× Spicy
• 3× Spicy
• Carbonara
• Cheese
• Curry
• Jjajang
• Quattro Cheese
• Kimchi
• Habanero Lime
• Rosé

The Buldak line has since expanded beyond noodles to include sauces, dumplings, snacks, and other related products.2

Samyang experienced explosive international growth driven by social media phenomena, including the YouTube “Fire Noodle Challenge”, mukbang videos, TikTok food trends, and the broader popularity of K-food and K-culture. Millions of consumers worldwide shared videos attempting to eat the extremely spicy noodles. This viral exposure transformed Buldak into one of the most recognisable Korean food brands globally. In recent years, overseas sales have accounted for the majority of Samyang Foods’ revenue, with particularly strong growth in markets such as the United States.2

Samyang Foods produces a wide variety of food products across multiple categories.2

Instant Noodles

• Samyang Ramen
• Buldak series
• Jjajang noodles
• Seafood noodles
• Kimchi noodles

Sauces

• Buldak Hot Sauce
• Carbonara Sauce
• Extra Spicy Sauce

Snacks

• Chips
• Crackers
• Corn snacks

Frozen Foods

• Dumplings
• Ready-to-cook meals

Other Foods

• Beverages
• Seasonings
• Processed food products

Samyang Foods operates several major manufacturing plants in South Korea, including facilities in Wonju, Iksan, and Miryang. These sites are certified under international food safety standards such as HACCP, ISO 22000, and Halal certification. The plants employ advanced automation and quality-control systems to ensure product consistency and safety.2

Samyang Foods emphasises honesty, integrity, customer trust, food safety, innovation, and the use of high-quality ingredients. The broader corporate purpose of Samyang Group is stated as: “We unlock the potential of life. We change the future of humanity.” Its long-term strategic focus includes health, wellness, advanced materials, and research-driven innovation.12

Samyang products are exported throughout Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Australia, the Middle East, and Africa. To support this global reach, the company established dedicated subsidiaries, including Samyang America and Samyang China, which oversee regional sales and distribution networks.2

Samyang is widely associated with Korean food culture, premium instant noodles, extreme spiciness, viral internet challenges, and innovation in the instant ramen category. The brand continues to introduce new flavours and formats while expanding its international presence.2

Throughout its history, Samyang Foods has received recognition for export achievements, food safety certifications, ESG initiatives, and adherence to international quality standards. Its export performance has been a primary driver of the company’s recent growth trajectory.2

Samyang occupies a significant place in South Korean food history. By launching Korea’s first instant ramen in 1963 and later building the globally successful Buldak brand, the company has shaped both domestic eating habits and the international popularity of Korean cuisine. While the “Samyang” name also belongs to the century-old Samyang Group, Samyang Foods has become the most internationally recognised business under the brand, particularly through its instant noodle products.12

1. HistoryㅣAbout UsㅣSamyang Group
2. Samyangfoods | COMPANY | SAMYANG FOOD