Subject
- #Hongdae
- #Korean Ramen
- #Seoul
- #Ramen Library
- #Myeongdong
K-Ramen's popularity is undeniable. In 2023 alone, South Korea's ramen exports reportedly exceeded 1.2 trillion won. Capitalizing on this K-Ramen craze, places where you can experience Korean ramen are gaining popularity.
1. Ramen Library (CU Hongdae Sangsang Store)
BGF Retail
The CU convenience store in Hongdae is special compared to other locations. As you can see from the photo, it boasts an impressive variety of ramen. It's said that they sell over 230 different types of Korean ramen. Apparently, the number of foreign visitors surpasses Korean customers. The biggest advantage of this place seems to be the ability to find various Korean ramen all in one place. The store even has a simple ramen cooker installed where you can cook your purchased ramen right away, and tables shaped like cup ramen, making it truly feel like a ‘Ramen Library.’ Also, being a corner within a convenience store, it's perfect for experiencing other Korean convenience store foods. I wonder if this won't become an essential tourist destination for foreign visitors in the future.
The Ramen Library is located in Mapo-gu, Seoul, approximately 480m from Exit 3 of Hapjeong Station on Seoul Subway Line 2.
Google Maps
2. Myeongdong Nongshim Brand Zone (Lifework Megastore Myeongdong Branch)
Nongshim
Nongshim, the leading Korean ramen company and the creator of Shin Ramyun, has established a Nongshim ramen brand zone in Myeongdong, a popular area for foreign tourists. Given that it's established by the brands that have spearheaded the overseas export of Korean ramen, like Shin Ramyun, Neoguri, and Chapagetti, you can expect a wide variety of ramen to try. Located within a shopping mall in Myeongdong, this brand zone, like the Ramen Library, has a ramen cooker installed, allowing you to enjoy Nongshim's ramen to your heart's content. While it's a drawback that only Nongshim ramen is available, it's the top ramen brand in Korea, so you can explore a diverse range of ramen. If you've always been interested in or a fan of Nongshim ramen, I recommend giving it a visit.
The Myeongdong Nongshim Brand Zone is located in the ‘Dokkaebi Mart’ on the basement floor of Lifework Megastore Myeongdong Branch, about 50m from Exit 6 of Myeongdong Station.
Google Maps
3. The Ramen Library (USA)
theramyunlibrary official Instagram screenshot
If you can't visit South Korea, you can still experience Korean ramen in the US. In Dallas, Texas, there's a ‘Ramen Library’ that showcases Korean ramen. Here too, you can cook and enjoy a variety of ramen.
theramyunlibrary website screenshot
Since it's located in the US, it's the ideal place for foreigners to gain information about Korean ramen. If you visit their website, you can find information on various Korean ramen, including their spiciness level and allergy details. So, it's a good idea to decide which ramen you want to try before visiting.
Website: https://www.theramyunlibrary.com/menu#ramyunsWithsoup
Google Maps
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