The Global Popularity of Korean Cuisine

 The Global Popularity of Korean Cuisine

Increasing Export Requests for Korean Food

Recently, there has been a surge in export requests for Korean food from countries like the United States, Australia, and Canada. This growing interest reflects the worldwide popularity of Korean cuisine.

The Rising Popularity of Tteokbokki

Among various Korean dishes, tteokbokki has garnered significant attention. This trend highlights the increasing desire of international consumers to experience Korean flavors.

Consumer Response

The enthusiasm of overseas consumers wanting to try Korean food is becoming more apparent, showcasing the global appeal of these dishes.

Global Trends

The recognition of Korean cuisine on the international stage is closely tied to the spread of Korean culture worldwide.

Growth of Tteokbokki Factories

Location

A tteokbokki factory located in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, is gaining attention for its products.

Meal Kit Products

The tteokbokki meal kits produced at this factory are so popular that customers often have to wait 2 to 3 months to receive their orders.

Expansion into Overseas Markets

Recently, the factory exported over 4,000 tteokbokki meal kits to Canada. They are also ramping up production to enter the U.S. market next year.

Increase in Orders

Due to the rising demand, the factory is working hard to increase production capacity.

Current Export Status

Media Exposure

The factory has been featured in various media outlets, attracting a lot of interest.

Sales Performance

The shipment sent to Canada sold out within a week.

Exporting Countries

Exports are currently focused on Canada, Australia, and Japan.

Expected Revenue

The expected revenue for this year is projected to reach approximately 3.5 billion KRW.

Characteristics of the Manufacturing Process

Start of Production

The factory's operations begin early in the morning.

Traditional Methods

They produce traditional-style tteok without any additives, using time-honored techniques.

Challenges in Production

The process is labor-intensive, requiring workers to manually separate the tteok, making it a demanding job.

Processing Volume

On average, the factory processes 550 kg of tteok daily, with workers enduring repetitive tasks.

Secrets of the Sauce and Broth

Importance of Sauce and Broth

The key to tteokbokki lies in its sauce and broth, made under strict guidelines.

Use of Natural Ingredients

They avoid artificial seasonings and rely solely on natural ingredients to enhance flavor.

Special Ingredients

The use of glutinous rice fermentation liquid adds depth to the taste, maximizing flavor without any additives.

Sauce Ingredients

The sauce is crafted from 100% natural ingredients, incorporating 13 different components.

Founder’s Story

Background of the Business

The factory's inception stemmed from a simple love for tteokbokki.

Collaboration with Colleagues

The two founders, who were former colleagues, started a tteokbokki food stall and developed their unique sauce.

Business Expansion

They later fully entered the tteokbokki manufacturing industry, leading to significant growth.

Global Recognition

Today, they receive calls for collaboration from countries around the world.

Position in the Global Market

Utilizing Social Media

They continue to promote their brand through social media, becoming a familiar name among domestic and international consumers.

Premium Products

Once considered a street food, tteokbokki has now established itself as a premium product made with care and quality.

Global Attention

The recognition of Korean cuisine in the global market is indicative of the widespread influence of Korean culture.

Changing Consumer Perception

Consumers increasingly view tteokbokki not just as a snack but as a gourmet dish.

The Global Spread of Tteokbokki

Oxford English Dictionary Inclusion

In December of last year, the word "tteokbokki" was officially included in the Oxford English Dictionary.

Definition

The dictionary describes it as "a Korean dish consisting of cylindrical rice cakes coated in a spicy sauce made with gochujang, typically served as a snack (often as street food)."

Growing Global Interest

This inclusion serves as evidence of the increasing global interest in Korean food.

Cultural Influence

The spread of tteokbokki is a significant indicator of the global influence of Korean culture.