S. Korean exports of instant noodles hit over US$1bln through Oct.

South Korea's exports of instant noodle products reached a new high through October, data showed Friday, driven by the growing popularity of Korean entertainment content overseas, Yonhap reports.

Exports of instant noodle products surged 30 percent on-year in the January-October period, reaching US$1.02 billion, according to data compiled by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

The 10-month tally already surpasses the annual record of $952 million for 2023.

By destination, exports to China rose 18.6 percent on-year over the first 10 months of 2024 to $206.8 million.

Shipments to the United States increased 65 percent to $176.5 million, and exports to the Netherlands grew 57.7 percent to $76.7 million.

"Korean instant noodle products are now part of the everyday lives of people around the world and their popularity is not a short-term phenomenon," Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryung said.

"This success was made possible through companies' development of customized products and marketing strategies, along with the government's support by easing regulations and finding new buyer," she added.