Robots and ramyeon: Inside South Korea’s largest instant noodle factory

Nongshim’s 42,266-square-meter factory in Gumi, South Korea, is the country’s largest instant noodle production site, churning out 6 million packs of ramyeon daily. Automation and AI-enhanced systems—developed in-house—monitor production, ensuring quality and safety with only 600 employees. The facility accounts for 80% of Shin Ramyun and 90% of Chapagetti output, generating 1.23 billion units worth $598 million in 2024. The factory’s efficiency has turned Gumi into a cultural landmark, supported by the city’s annual ramyeon festival, which grew from 10,000 visitors in 2022 to 350,000 in 2025. The three-day event features a 475-meter pedestrian strip with vendors serving noodle dishes, supplied by Nongshim’s fresh noodles. Train tickets to Gumi sell out during festival weekends, boosting local tourism and vendor sales. Gumi’s transformation from an industrial city to a culinary destination began with the festival’s launch, aiming to shift its image from "boring" to "fun." City officials partnered with Nongshim to promote the event, now a key driver of economic activity beyond festival weekends. Factory manager Sang Hoon Kim noted the festival’s success has brought pride to the community. The factory’s roots trace back to the 1960s, when instant noodles emerged as a solution to food shortages post-Korean War. Government promotion of wheat-based noodles, distributed by the US military, laid the foundation for South Korea’s instant noodle industry. Today, Gumi’s automated production and cultural initiatives reflect the blend of technology and tradition shaping the sector.