Ultimate Travel Guide to South Korea for Ramen Lovers

If you’re a ramen enthusiast and are ready to embark on an unforgettable culinary adventure, South Korea is the perfect destination for you. The country is home to rich flavors, innovative ramen creations, and a deep culture rooted in food that will leave your taste buds craving for more. From spicy ramyeon to instant ramen served in convenience stores, South Korea is ramen heaven for any food lover. Whether you’re a seasoned ramen connoisseur or just starting to explore the world of noodles, this guide will take you on a journey through the best ramen spots, how to enjoy it, and essential travel tips for your ramen-filled adventure.

Why South Korea is a Ramen Lover’s Paradise?

South Korea has a unique relationship with ramen. The country boasts its own version of ramyeon, which is a spicy, hearty noodle soup made with a variety of broths and ingredients. Whether it’s a late-night snack, a meal to enjoy with friends, or a comforting bowl on a rainy day, ramen is woven into the very fabric of South Korean culture. Not only does South Korea have its own distinct ramen brands like Shin Ramyeon and Samyang (famous for the fire noodles challenge), but the country also offers a thriving food scene with a fusion of traditional and modern takes on ramen.

Best Ramen to Try in South Korea

1. Shin Ramyeon

• Spice Level: Medium
• Where to Try: Available everywhere — convenience stores, restaurants, and supermarkets.
• Why It’s Famous: This is South Korea’s most iconic ramen, loved for its spicy broth, thick noodles, and delicious umami flavor. It’s rich and satisfying, with a balance of heat that’s accessible to most palates.
• What to Expect: Expect a fiery broth with beef or vegetable flavor, paired with chewy noodles. Many locals add kimchi, fried egg, or vegetables to enhance the flavor.

2. Samyang Spicy Chicken Ramen

• Spice Level: Very High (Fire Noodle Challenge)
• Where to Try: Available in convenience stores, supermarkets, and ramen specialty stores.
• Why It’s Famous: Known worldwide due to the Fire Noodle Challenge, this ramen is notoriously spicy. It features a rich, fiery sauce combined with noodles, often accompanied by cheese or egg to mellow out the heat.
• What to Expect: A sweaty, tongue-burning experience for the spice-lovers out there. You’ll experience bold, savory flavors with a deep chicken broth base and explosive spice.

3. Buldak Bokkeummyeon

• Spice Level: Extremely High
• Where to Try: Samyang Foods stores and convenience stores.
• Why It’s Famous: The “fire chicken” ramen is another ultra-spicy dish, often paired with a creamy cheese sauce to soften the heat.
• What to Expect: Sweet and spicy flavors with a rich, bold sauce that is beloved for its fiery kick. Many restaurants offer it with additional toppings like cheese or fried eggs for a more indulgent experience.

4. Jjapagetti

• Spice Level: Low to Medium
• Where to Try: Available at supermarkets and convenience stores.
• Why It’s Famous: Jjapagetti is a hybrid between ramen and jjajangmyeon (Korean-Chinese black bean noodles). It’s a perfect choice for those who love savory rather than spicy.
• What to Expect: Sweet, savory flavors with a black bean paste base, complemented by chewy noodles. Great for a quick meal when you’re craving something different from the typical ramen.

5. Guksu

• Spice Level: Varies
• Where to Try: Restaurants specializing in traditional Korean dishes, particularly in Gyeongju.
• Why It’s Famous: While not ramen in the conventional sense, guksu is a noodle dish that often gets mistaken for ramen. Made with broth-based noodles, it’s lighter and less spicy than ramen but still a comforting bowl of goodness.
• What to Expect: A mild broth, with noodles that vary from thin to thick, depending on the region. You might find it served cold or hot, with vegetables and eggs as toppings.

Best Ramen Spots to Visit in South Korea

1. Banchan Ramen – Seoul

• Why Visit: Known for its customizable ramen bowls, Banchan Ramen offers a variety of broths, from rich miso to spicy kimchi-based soups. You can add your choice of toppings, from beef to seafood.
• Travel Tip: Order extra sides of kimchi or pickled radish to complement the dish.

2. Ramen Champion – Gangnam, Seoul

• Why Visit: A ramen shop in the heart of Gangnam, Ramen Champion brings together some of Japan’s best ramen chefs to create unique bowls of ramen, blending Korean flavors with traditional Japanese techniques.
• Travel Tip: Try the spicy pork ramen with a side of takoyaki (octopus balls) for a full Japanese-Korean fusion meal.

3. Jinju Ramen – Busan

• Why Visit: Located in Busan, Jinju Ramen serves up traditional Korean ramen with a unique twist. The seafood ramen here is a must-try, offering fresh prawns and clams with a rich, spicy broth.
• Travel Tip: If you love seafood, try adding extra seafood toppings to your ramen bowl.

4. Shin Ramyeon Street Food Stalls – Seoul

• Why Visit: You can’t visit South Korea without sampling some of the best street food. Many food stalls in Seoul sell instant Shin Ramyeon, often served in a quick, spicy broth with extra veggies, eggs, or kimchi.
• Travel Tip: Buy a couple of packs of Shin Ramyeon and snack while exploring the Myeongdong shopping street.

Spice Levels and Ramen Culture

Understanding the Spice

Korean ramen is known for its spicy flavors, and spice tolerance varies from person to person. If you’re not used to high spice levels, start with medium-spicy ramen like Shin Ramyeon or Jjapagetti. For those daring enough to face the heat, Samyang’s Buldak is the ultimate test of your spice limits.

What to Pair with Your Ramen?

Ramen in Korea often pairs perfectly with cold drinks, such as:

• Iced Green Tea: A refreshing balance to the heat of spicy ramen.
• Soju: For those looking to add a bit of alcoholic kick to their meal.
• Cider (Chilsung): A sweet, non-alcoholic soda that cools down the spicy broth.
• Kimchi: A classic side dish in Korea that balances the flavors of the ramen with its tangy and fermented taste.

Apps to Help You During Your Ramen Journey in Korea

1. Naver Map:

Essential for navigating Seoul, Busan, and other cities, helping you find the best ramen spots.

2. Baedal Minjok:

The go-to delivery app in Korea. You can order ramen directly to your hotel or wherever you’re staying.

3. KakaoTalk:

If you’re traveling with a group, KakaoTalk is essential for communicating with locals or your travel companions.

What to Pack for Your Ramen Adventure in South Korea?

• Comfortable Walking Shoes: You’ll be walking around cities exploring various ramen shops, so comfortable shoes are a must.
• Light Jacket: May and autumn months can get chilly in the evenings.
• Portable Charger: Keep your phone charged to use apps like Naver Map and KakaoTalk.
• Travel Tissues: A lot of ramen shops offer wet tissues, but it’s always good to have your own for extra cleanliness.

Etiquette When Eating Ramen in Korea

• Don’t be afraid to slurp: Unlike in many countries, it’s completely acceptable (and even encouraged) to slurp your noodles in Korea. It’s seen as a sign of enjoyment.
• Finishing your bowl: It’s customary to finish your entire bowl, especially when eating ramen at a restaurant. Leaving food can be seen as wasteful.
• Toppings: Feel free to customize your ramen with extra kimchi, eggs, or vegetables if the ramen shop allows.

Sample Ramen-Lovers’ Itinerary in South Korea

Day 1: Arrive in Seoul

• Morning: Start with breakfast at a ramen stall in Myeongdong. Try Shin Ramyeon with a side of kimchi.
• Afternoon: Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace and explore the streets of Insadong. Grab a bowl of Jjapagetti for lunch.
• Evening: Head to Gangnam for a ramen feast at Ramen Champion. Pair it with a glass of Soju.

Day 2: Explore Busan

• Morning: Visit the Haeundae Beach, then stop by a local ramen shop for seafood ramen.
• Afternoon: Check out Gamcheon Culture Village and enjoy a bowl of Buldak Bokkeummyeon.
• Evening: End the day at Jagalchi Market, sampling fresh seafood and local ramen dishes.

Conclusion: Your Ramen Journey Awaits in South Korea

Whether you’re a spice lover or a noodle connoisseur, South Korea is a ramen paradise. From the iconic Shin Ramyeon to the fiery Buldak Bokkeummyeon, the country offers something for every ramen lover. With Voye Global eSIM, you’ll stay connected throughout your ramen-filled adventure, ensuring you never miss a new ramen spot or a chance to share your spicy moments with friends back home.

Get your Voye Global eSIM today and start your ramen adventure in South Korea!