A guide to Korean Instant Noodles (Ramyun)

신라면 (Shin Ramyun)

Nongshim’s (농심) Shin Ramyun is the iconic spicy ramyun that has consolidated its place as the bestseller in the ramyun industry.

Although it is written '신라면' (shin-ra-myun), it is pronounced '실라면' (shil-ra-myun). Want to know why? Learn all about Korean pronunciation rules with your tutors!

진라면 (Jin Ramyun)

Ottogi’s (오뚜기) Jin Ramyun is the biggest contender and the other big player in the ramyun industry. So much so, that in Korea there is 신라면파 (team Shin) and 진라면파 (team Jin). 

Just like 신라면, the pronunciation for '진라면' (jin-ra-myun) is '질라면' (jil-ra-myun).

너구리 (Neoguri)

Neoguri is another Nongshim (농심) longrunner, being a household favourite since its release in 1982. Outside of Korea, people mistakenly read the packaging upside down, giving 너구리 it’s other name of ‘RtA’.

너구리 also is the word for 'racoon'. Now you know the word for the ramyun and the animal!

짜파게티 (Jjapagetti)

Jjajang (짜장, black bean paste) + Spaghetti = Jjapagetti. Jjajangmyun (짜장면) is a favourite Korean-Chinese food that everyone loves in Korea. Unlike the other ramyun above, jjapagetti has no soup!

짜파구리 (Jjapaguri)

What happens if you mix 2 different types of ramyun? What?! Crazy, right? Well, Jjapagetti (짜파게티) + Neoguri (너구리) = Jjapaguri (짜파구리). There are other popular combinations in Korea, but this one became mainstream even in the West after it was shown on the Oscar winning film ‘Parasite’ (기생충).

(Instagram account of New York Korean Steak House, ‘꽃 (COTE)’)

불닭볶음면 (Buldak Bokkeum Myun)

This ramyun became popular in the West due to the ‘Fire Noodle Challenge’. This insanely spicy ramyun is not for the weak hearted! There are other flavours of this popular ramyun, including the 핵불닭볶음면 (Haek Buldak Bokkeum Myun, ‘Nuclear Fried Fire Noodles’), 까르보불닭 (Carbo Buldak, a play on the Carbonara spaghetti), 짜장불닭 (Jjajang Buldak) and 치즈불닭 (Cheese Buldak). Try at your own risk!