Samyang Foods Inc., the pioneer of the globally popular Buldak spicy ramyeon, on Monday it has unveiled a new ramyeon product made with beef tallow for the first time in 36 years. This initiative is a part of its growth strategy centered on its flagship spicy noodle line.
The company introduced a new premium product called “Samyang 1963,” which it said is a modern take on the original ramyeon it launched over 60 years ago.
In 1989, Samyang Foods’ market share dropped sharply after rumours spread that it had used industrial‑grade beef tallow in its noodles. Although the health ministry later said the ingredient was safe, the so‑called ‘tallow incident’ seriously damaged the company’s brand image.
From January to June, Samyang Foods’ net profit jumped 34% year‑on‑year to 183.03 billion won (≈USD 132 million), driven by strong overseas sales.
Since its introduction in 2012, the Buldak Ramyeon line from Samyang Foods has sold over 8 billion units, making it a global sensation. The brand also generated more than 4 trillion won in revenue, thanks to its “extreme spice” appeal. Its rise was powered by the viral “Fire Noodle Challenge” in 2014, which helped spread its fame far beyond Korea. With availability in over 100 countries and a reputation for serious heat, Buldak Ramyeon has turned from a bold idea into a staple phenomenon in the global instant‑noodle market.
Executive Statement
According to Samyang Foods Vice Chairman Kim Jung-soo, Beef tallow was the ingredient that completed the authentic flavor of Samyang Ramen. Samyang 1963 is not a restoration of the past but a foundation for the future. Samyang has grown into a global food company promoting Korean culinary culture worldwide but will not stop here, noting the launch marks the beginning of another chapter of innovation.