The 2026 Korea Ramen Expo, unfolding in Songdo, Incheon, the birthplace of ramen
The vision of the “Ramen Silk Road”, as told by Hong Hwiseon, CEO of MICEFUL Co., Ltd.
“Korean ramen is not just food, but a cultural platform that connects the world.”
Text by Editor K / Photos & Materials Courtesy of the Korea Ramen Expo Secretariat.
No matter where you go in the world, it is no longer difficult to find Korea’s signature spicy flavor.
From Jjapaguri in the film Parasite, which swept the Academy Awards, to the fiery Buldak challenge popularized by BTS’s Jimin and taken over by TikTok, we are living in an era where Korean ramen dominates global pop culture. Today, K-Ramyun has evolved beyond a simple instant food to become a cultural icon that embodies the dynamism of Korea itself.
If you want to experience the peak of this red hot phenomenon, be sure to add one destination to your spring 2026 travel list. This March, the world’s largest noodle festival showcasing the present and future of K-food, the 2026 Korea International Ramyun Fair, returns with an entirely new look.
We sat down with Hong Hwiseon, CEO of MICEFUL Co., Ltd., the driving force behind this massive celebration, to hear his vision for opening the Songdo era in 2026, the journey of the Ramyun Fair so far, and the special stories woven into its remarkable growth.
■ VISION: A Revelation at Japan’s Ramen Show, The Birth of the K-Ramyun Platform
The origins of the Korea Ramyun Fair date back more than 20 years. It was then that Hong Hwiseon, CEO of MICEFUL Co., Ltd., experienced a moment of revelation during an unexpected visit to Japan’s Ramen Show.
“I was struck by the idea that an entire festival could be built and promoted around a single national dish, ramen. Even more shocking was the sight of people filling the city not only from across Japan, but from all over the world, just to enjoy that festival.”
It was there that Hong fully realized the power of well-crafted cultural content. Inspired, he set a bold goal: to create an iconic platform centered on ramyun, Korea’s ultimate soul food.
“Once we established a solid exhibition framework around ramyun, and gradually expanded into related food industries, I began to envision exporting the Korea Ramyun Fair itself as a global platform.”
Despite numerous constraints at the time, including his role at a media company, perseverance paid off. Against all odds, Korea’s first ever ramyun specialized exhibition was born.
Today, with over a decade of history, the Korea Ramyun Fair stands proudly as a mecca of K Food.
■ NEW ERA: Songdo, The New Global Hub of K-Ramyun
The most significant change for the 2026 edition is its new location. The Organizing Committee officially announced that the fair will take place from March 26 (Thu) to March 29 (Sun), 2026, at Incheon Songdo Convensia.
Hong emphasized that the move to Songdo is a strategic step toward full globalization.
“Songdo is just 20 minutes by car from Incheon International Airport, one of the world’s top aviation hubs. It is the most accessible location for international tourists and global buyers, whether they are arriving in Korea or preparing to depart.”
Through a joint hosting agreement with Incheon Metropolitan City, the fair has evolved beyond a food exhibition into a full scale city wide MICE festival. The harmony of Songdo’s futuristic skyline, Central Park’s night view, and a steaming bowl of ramyun promises unforgettable memories for visitors.
■ IDENTITY: More Than a Festival, A Business Marketplace
As ramyun’s popularity soars, similar festivals are emerging rapidly. However, Hong identifies the Korea Ramyun Fair’s defining edge as its B2B business connectivity.
“This is not merely a tasting festival. It is a marketplace where industry trends are identified, market size is assessed, and new distribution channels are created.”
Each edition generates tangible outcomes, including exports by SMEs, private label product development, retail supply contracts, and franchise agreements.
“An average of 60,000 visitors over three days creates massive buzz, which then evolves into secondary business models. This proves ramyun’s market power across the entire industry.”
In 2026, in collaboration with KOTRA(Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency) and other institutions, the fair will host large scale international export consultations, reinforcing its position as a global B2B exhibition.
■ SUCCESS STORY: Creating Miracles for SMEs
During early market research, Hong discovered a surprisingly diverse ecosystem of regional and private brand ramyun manufacturers. Visiting production sites personally, he gained deep insights into their operations and witnessed remarkable success stories.
One example is “Maek Soban”, a company devoted to developing healthy ramyun. Through the fair, it expanded its domestic presence and secured multiple overseas contracts.
Another is “INCUM”, a ramyun cooker specialist that has participated since the first edition. Most recently, it launched RAMONY, Korea’s first PET bottle type ramyun cooker, enabling consumers to enjoy “Han River ramyun” anywhere, from homes to campsites, backed by continuous patent development.
“Watching these companies grow is the most rewarding part of this journey.”
■ REVIEW 2025: Numbers That Prove the ‘Ramyun Syndrome’
The 2025 Korea Ramyun Fair, held in Seoul this April, demonstrated the results of these efforts.
In just three days, 60,493 visitors, including repeat visitors, attended, nearly 5,000 of them international guests.
The fair earned official International Certified Exhibition status from the Korea Exhibition Industry Promotion Association, and preparations are already underway for a prologue event in Thailand later this year.
[EXHIBITION PREVIEW]
A First Look at the 2026 Korea Ramyun Fair
From History to Future Technology, The Complete World of K-Ramyun
“This is not just about tasting ramyun. It is a cultural platform that connects the past, present, and future of noodle cuisine.”
1.Ramyun Museum, Walking Through the History of Korea’s Soul Food
A fan favorite theme returns on a grander scale, tracing ramyun’s journey from the 1960s survival food to a global cultural icon through archives, packaging evolution, and lifestyle exhibits.
2. My Own Cup Noodle, Create Your One and Only Recipe
A signature DIY experience since 2015. Visitors design cups, customize soup ratios, choose toppings, and watch their personalized ramyun sealed and packaged on site, the ultimate travel souvenir.
3. Food Tech and Innovation, Technology Brings Han River Ramyun to Life
Experience cutting edge ramyun cookers and food tech solutions, including automated machines and space free innovations like RAMONY.
4. Hidden Gems, Rediscovering Local and SME Ramyun
From wellness focused noodles using rice and barley to chef developed specialty recipes, this zone challenges the stereotype of ramyun as mere junk food.
5. Perfect Pairing, Foods That Complete Ramyun
Kimchi, beverages, desserts, and convenience foods that elevate ramyun into a complete meal are showcased through hands on tasting experiences.
■ BEHIND THE SCENES: Turning Crisis into Opportunity
The journey was not without hardship.
“With so few companies compared to the industry size, ramyun was considered the worst possible exhibition theme. Early reactions were cold, even laughter from the industry.”
Financial struggles followed the transition to a private organizer, pushing the fair to the brink. Yet success with audiences and businesses eventually led to recognition and support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
“When it was finally acknowledged as a cultural asset contributing to industry growth, every hardship felt worthwhile. With ramyun, even the impossible became possible.”
■ EPILOGUE: Toward the Infinite Potential of Ramyun
In closing, Hong expressed gratitude to industry partners and supporters.
“I am thankful that ramyun, a deeply emotional food for Koreans, allows us to come together. I hope the Korea Ramyun Fair will continue to serve as a bridge, presenting Korea’s globally respected ramyun industry to the world.”
Looking beyond 2026 Songdo, his vision remains global. “There is still a long road ahead, but with continued encouragement, we will keep growing. Ramyun has no limits, and neither does this fair.”
March 2026, Songdo, Incheon.
Chewy noodles, spicy broth, and the passion of countless people await you.
Are you ready to pick up your chopsticks?
■ TRAVEL INFO: Tips for Travelers
“Welcome to K-Ramyun World!”
Planning a trip to Korea in spring 2026? Your first taste of Korea may be waiting right after landing.
- Event: 2026 Korea International Ramyun Fair
- Dates: March 26 (Thu) – March 29 (Sun), 2026
- Venue: Incheon Songdo Convensia
- Access: 20–30 minutes by limousine bus or taxi from Incheon International Airport
- Pre-registration: Free admission via official website
(Special gifts for international visitors / English website available) - Nearby Attractions: Songdo Central Park, Hyundai Premium Outlet, Triple Street
- Hosts: Incheon Metropolitan City, MICEFUL Co., Ltd., Incheon Tourism Organization
- Certification: International Certified Exhibition
- Contact: Korea Ramyun Fair Secretariat (+82-1577-3284)
- Website: https://ramyunfair.com/
