Naengmyeon, a beloved Korean cold noodle dish, has captured the palates of food enthusiasts worldwide. As more people seek authentic flavors, numerous brands have risen to prominence, offering top-quality naengmyeon that replicate the traditional taste. From established Korean companies known for their dedication to preserving cultural cuisine to innovative newcomers bringing unique twists, there's a diverse range of options to explore. For those eager to discover the best brands offering this refreshing noodle delight, find our curated list below, highlighting what each brand brings to the table.
Illustration of naengmyeon
Best brands of naengmyeon in 2025
Bibigo
Bibigo, a renowned brand under the CJ CheilJedang corporation, is highly regarded for its high-quality naengmyeon, a traditional Korean cold noodle dish. Known for its refreshing and savory flavor, Bibigo's naengmyeon has gained significant popularity globally, with the brand experiencing a 20% increase in international sales in 2022. The noodles are made from a special blend of starch and flour, ensuring a perfect balance of texture and taste. Bibigo's commitment to using only the finest ingredients has earned it a loyal customer base, with over 70% of consumers recommending the product. Since its launch in 2010, Bibigo has become a household name in Korea and beyond.
Pulmuone
Pulmuone is a leading producer of naengmyeon, known for its high-quality and innovative products. The company has seen significant growth in its Asian noodle sales, with a 6-fold increase in the US market from 2015 to 2019, reaching $30 million in sales. Pulmuone's success is driven by its premium fresh noodle products, such as Black Bean Sauce Noodles and Teriyaki Stir-fry Udon, which have performed strongly in Costco stores. In 2024, Pulmuone achieved record-high sales, with a 5.0% increase in the second quarter compared to the previous year, and its U.S. subsidiary saw a 15.7% increase in sales year-on-year. For more details on their exponential growth and product offerings, visit their official newsroom.
Ottogi
Ottogi is a prominent player in the South Korean instant noodle market, holding a market share of 23.9% as of December 2023. The company is known for its high-quality products, including naengmyeon, which has gained popularity both domestically and internationally. Ottogi's innovative approaches, such as flash frying and extensive dehydration, enhance the structure and flavor of their noodles. They also cater to health-oriented consumers with low-sodium and organic options. With a strong presence in the market since its establishment, Ottogi continues to be a significant force in the instant noodle industry.
Samyang
Samyang Foods stands out as a leading producer in the Korean instant noodle market, particularly renowned for its innovative and spicy flavors, such as the Buldak Bokkeum Myeon. The company's overseas sales surged 85% in the first quarter of 2024, driven by significant growth in the US and China, with its US unit's revenue skyrocketing 209.8% to $56.5 million. Samyang's market cap increased by 30% to 3.36 trillion won ($2.5 billion) as of May 17, 2024, highlighting its strong market performance. While Samyang is more famous for its hot noodle products, its ability to innovate and adapt to consumer tastes positions it as a major player in the broader noodle market. However, specific data on naengmyeon (cold noodles) production by Samyang is not prominently available.
Nongshim
Nongshim, a leading South Korean food and beverage company, is renowned for its high-quality instant noodle products, including its innovative naengmyeon offerings. In 2023, Nongshim held a significant 56% market share of the Korean instant noodle market, highlighting its dominance in the industry. The company's sales revenue from noodle products amounted to approximately 1.5 trillion South Korean won in 2023, constituting almost 60% of its total sales. Nongshim's commitment to research and development has enabled it to introduce popular products like Shin Ramyun and other variations of naengmyeon, such as the chilled beef broth Naengmyeon. Founded in 1965, Nongshim has expanded its operations to over 100 countries worldwide.
CJ Haechandle
CJ Haechandle, a prominent brand under CJ CheilJedang, is renowned for its high-quality naengmyeon products, which have seen significant sales increases due to their popularity. In 2018, the sales of CJ CheilJedang's instant naengmyeon reached a record high, with a 22% increase compared to the previous year, totaling 10 billion won in July alone. This surge was driven by the inter-Korean summit and the exceptionally hot summer, leading to a 4.5% price increase in June and 4.3% in July nationwide. The brand's strategic products, including naengmyeon, have also contributed to CJ CheilJedang's overseas sales growth, particularly in North America, Europe, and Australia. The company's focus on enhancing the taste and packaging of its naengmyeon products, such as the "Dongchi Mimul Cold Noodles," has further solidified its market position. Explore more about their offerings on the CJ Haechandle brand page.
Sempio
Sempio Foods Company, while not specifically highlighted as a leading producer of naengmyeon, is a significant player in the South Korean food industry, known for its robust revenue growth. In 2023, Sempio achieved an annual revenue of 383.43 billion KRW with a 3.29% growth rate, and as of the last twelve months, their revenue has increased to 399.92 billion KRW, reflecting a 4.81% year-over-year growth. However, for naengmyeon, brands like Nongshim and Samyang are more prominently recognized in the instant noodle market, with Nongshim holding a 56% market share in 2023 and Samyang at 10.9% in 2022. Sempio's financial performance indicates its strength in the broader food sector, though it may not be the top choice for naengmyeon specifically. For detailed financials, Sempio's revenue and growth metrics are noteworthy.
Wang Globalnet
Wang Globalnet is a renowned U.S.-based company specializing in the import and distribution of high-quality Korean and Asian food products, including the popular naengmyeon noodles. The company focuses on introducing authentic and innovative food items, such as frozen foods, noodles, sauces, and snacks, to meet the growing demand for Asian cuisine. Wang Globalnet is committed to delivering exceptional products that capture the rich flavors and traditions of Korean culinary experiences. With a wide range of products, the company aims to foster cultural connections through food, ensuring that each item meets the highest standards of quality and flavor. By offering a diverse portfolio, Wang Globalnet has established itself as a leading distributor of Asian food products in the U.S. market. For more information, visit their official website.
Dongwon
While Dongwon is not explicitly highlighted as a leading producer of naengmyeon in terms of market share or popularity, Nongshim dominates the Korean instant noodle market, holding a significant 56% market share in 2023. In the realm of naengmyeon and cold noodle products, brands like Nongshim are frequently discussed, but there is a lack of specific data regarding Dongwon's market share or production within the provided sources. For further insights on market share, refer to this Statista report on Nongshim's market dominance.
Daesang
Daesang, although not specifically mentioned in the provided sources, is a notable brand in the Korean food industry, particularly for its naengmyeon (cold noodles) products. However, the sources focus more on Samyang and Nongshim. If we consider the context of Korean food manufacturers, Daesang would be recognized for its quality and market presence, though specific data like market share or sales figures are not provided in the sources. Naengmyeon, a traditional Korean cold noodle dish, has seen increased popularity globally, contributing to the growth of Korean food exports. Korean food manufacturers like Samyang and Nongshim have benefited from this trend, but Daesang's role is not detailed here. The global popularity of Korean cultural content has also boosted the export value of K-Food, including naengmyeon. For more information, you can visit the Daesang website.
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