Best-Selling Korean Ramen of All Time: Top 5 Classics

Open a Korean pantry and five familiar packs stare back. One bold red that reset the standard. One glossy black-bean classic with no broth. One everyday Korean soups grew up with. One viral heat test the internet dared us to finish. And one quiet, cozy bowl that tastes like weekends at home. You already know the names; the fun part is how they got here—and how many billions of times they’ve been cooked.

TL;DR:

Discover the best selling Korean ramen of all time with five classic favorites so you can quickly pick the top bowls to try at home

1. Shin Ramyun (신라면) — the red pack that rewired weeknights

It started in 1986 as a confident, chili-forward soup and ended up a global habit. By the end of 2023, Shin had sold about 38.6 billion packs worldwide—numbers you only hit when a flavor turns into a ritual. Success abroad opened the door to a full family: Shin Black (deeper broth), Shin Red (extra heat), Shin Gold (comforting chicken-broth warmth), and Shin Green (plant-based).

What you taste: full, beefy broth; clean chili kick; noodles with real chew.

Nongshim Shin Ramyun – 4.23 oz (120 g)

Buy Now

2. Chapagetti (짜파게티) — jjajang, instant, irresistible

Launched in 1984, Chapagetti made saucy black-bean noodles a weeknight staple and quietly piled up 9.1 billion+ units by 2023. No soup—just glossy jjajang that loves quick add-ins (scallions, a pat of butter, leftover veg).

What you taste: savory-sweet depth, silky sauce, satisfying slurp.

Chapagetti Chajang Noodle 4.5oz(127g) 4 Packs

Buy Now

3. Jin Ramen (진라면) — the everyday bowl

1988 brought Jin in two moods from day one: Mild and Hot. No flashy lifetime counter needed; this is the one many Korean households keep around because it behaves—rounded broth, friendly spice, friendly price.

What you taste: gentle beef-bone vibe that plays well with egg and scallions.

OTOKI Jin Ramen Multi (Bundle) Hot – 4.23 oz (120 g)

Buy Now

OTOKI Jin Ramen Multi (Bundle) Mild – 4.23 oz (120 g)

Buy Now

Affiliate Link: Wine Express

4. Buldak (불닭볶음면) — the internet’s spice gauntlet

Then came 2012 and a dare in a bowl. Buldak’s dry, sauce-tossed heat leapt from local curiosity to global challenge culture—and the brand roared past 7 billion cumulative units by mid-2025. Variants kept the momentum: Carbonara, Cheese, Stew-type, Rosé, Jjajang, and the infamous 2x/3x spicy.

What you taste: sweet-spicy punch first, then the climb.

Samyang Hot Chicken Flavor Ramen 4.94oz (140g) 5 Packs

Buy Now

5. Ansungtangmyun (안성탕면) — the cozy classic

Before the viral era, 1983’s Ansungtangmyun was already doing numbers—16 billion+ bowls by 2023—one comforting soup at a time. It’s mellow, savory, and built for add-ins. If Shin is Friday-night energy, Ansung is Sunday afternoon.

What you taste: gentle, miso-leaning warmth; low-key spice; easy comfort.

Nongshim Ansung Tang Myun – 4.4 oz (125 g), 4‑Pack

Buy Now

Why Shin Ramyun & Buldak spawned so many flavors

Both became international blockbusters, so their makers rolled out spin-off lines tailored to global tastes—from vegan (Shin Green) to creamy (Buldak Carbonara) to extra-hot (Shin Red, Buldak 2x/3x). This variety keeps shelves exciting and helps them win new markets from Los Angeles to Seattle and NYC.

How to choose your Korean ramen (quick guide)

• Want the #1 global classic? Pick Shin Ramyun, add mushrooms & a slice of cheddar for richness.

• Craving jjajang (black-bean) noodles? Chapagetti—stir-fried, saucy, kid-friendly.

• Prefer gentler broth? Jin Ramen Mild; go Hot if you want a step up.

• Chasing heat & hype? Buldak (start with Carbonara/Cheese before 2x).

• Soup-first comfort? Ansungtangmyun with egg and scallions hits the spot.

  
  

FAQs

Q: Which one is the spiciest?

Buldak. Start with regular before trying 2x or 3x.

Q: Which has the most confirmed sales?

Shin Ramyun leads with ≈38.6 B cumulative (to 2023). Buldak crossed 7 B by mid-2025.

Q: Launch years at a glance?

Shin 1986; Chapagetti 1984; Jin 1988; Buldak 2012; Ansungtangmyun 1983.

Ready to stock your pantry? Discover all these classics and more in our full Korean ramen collection—fresh stock, fast shipping, and flavors that fit every craving.

Recommended from MyFreshDash

• Spicy Spam Bomb Ramen (5 minutes) — crispy spam + noodles; the ultimate instant upgrade.

• Chapagetti with Egg & Cheese (10 minutes) — jjajang ramen, extra creamy and comforting.

• Mayak Eggs (Soy Sauce Eggs) — jammy, no-simmer topper that’s perfect on ramen.

Affiliate link: Wine Express