Nongshim's new instant noodles, "Ramyun King Kim Tong Kkae" / Courtesy of Nongshim

By Kim Jae-heun

The country's largest instant noodle maker, Nongshim, has sold over 16 million packs of its new instant noodles, "Ramyun King Kim Tong Kkae," in just 100 days since its launch in August. The noodles are the most-sold new product released this year, the company said, Wednesday.

The secret to Ramyun King Kim Tong Kkae's popularity is its distinct savory flavor. The instant noodles have secured a large fan base with their taste of roasted seaweed flakes, roasted sesame seeds and red pepper oil seasoning.

Many of the consumers' online reviews praised the product's healthy-tasting soup and chewy dried noodles.

Ramyun King Kim Tong Kkae is a prosumer product that involved consumers in the design, manufacture and development of the instant noodle.

"Reflecting the opinions of instant noodle enthusiasts, we have introduced our new product, Ramyun King Kim Tong Kkae, made with seaweed, which everyone likes regardless of gender or age," a Nongshim official said.

Nongshim invited 18 consumers who enjoy eating instant noodles on a daily basis to develop Ramyun King Kim Tong Kkae, believing that the best products are ones that consumers want.

As a result, many of the participants suggested basing the noodle soup on a vegetable broth, seaweed and seafood. The company also tested its new product samples on some 500 consumers before reflecting their opinions and releasing the final product.

The noodle maker put extra emphasis on the product's concept as an instant noodle that is made with seaweed. It developed a special seaweed extract power to mix into the broth, so that the noodle soup does not lose the unique flavor of seaweed.

"The popularity of Ramyun King Kim Tong KKae comes from giving a new flavor experience of instant noodles that people have never tried before. The good combination of the soup and dried noodles also captivated consumers' taste buds," a Nongshim official said.