1965–1979

On 18 September 1965, Nongshim was established under the name Lotte Food Industrial Company in Seoul, South Korea by Shin Choon-ho, brother of Lotte Corporation founder Shin Kyuk-ho.^[9] When Nongshim introduced its first ramyun, Lotte Ramyun, in 1965, there were 7 other companies in the market.^[4][10]

As a second mover in the ramyun industry, Nongshim focused on research and development. Along with South Korea's first commercialized snack, Shrimp Cracker (Hangul: 새우깡; Romanization: Saewookang; 1971), Beef Ramyun (Hangul: 소고기라면; 1970), and Nongshim Ramyun (1975), Nongshim achieved 35% market share in the mid-1970s. On 6 March 1978, Nongshim changed its name from Lotte Food Industrial Company to Nongshim Co., Ltd.^[10]

1980–1989

During the 1980s, Nongshim invested highly on machinery, equipment, and systems. The Anseong factory was built in 1981 to specialize in powder soup, used to flavor the ramyun.

Many of Nongshim's famous ramyun products were introduced during the 1980s: Neoguri in 1982, Ansungtangmyun in 1983, Jjapagetti in 1984, and Shin Ramyun in 1986. Cup- and bowl-type noodles were also introduced during this period.

Nongshim's market share reached 40% in 1984, and became a leading company of the market in March 1985. With Shin Ramyun (1986), the most beloved instant noodle brand in South Korea, Nongshim reached 46.2% of the ramyun market share in 1987, 53.2% in 1988, and 58% in 1989.^[11]

1990–present

On 1 January 1991, Nongshim introduced its new corporate identity (CI): Nongshim Seed.^[12] The Gumi factory was built in September 1991. Since 1994, Nongshim has used computer-integrated manufacturing for production.

The Asan factory was built in April 1993, and it specializes in potato and rice snacks. In April 1994, Nongshim introduced aseptic production system for cold noodles. In 2007, The Noksan factory was built to specialize in non-frying noodles and well-being (health) products.

During the 1990s, Nongshim focused on exporting and expanded their business in the global market.^[13] In July 1997, Nongshim began sponsoring the national Baduk Championship: Shin Ramyun Cup Baduk Championship.^[14]

Nongshim built factories in China in the late 1990s and early 2000s: Shanghai (1996), Qingdao (1998), Shenyang (2000), a second factory at Qingdao (2002), and Yanbian (2015). Originally there was difficulty entering the Chinese market until a male-themed advertising campaign for the very spicy Shin ramyun implied virility from eating such a peppery product. In the U.S, Nongshim built a factory in Los Angeles in 2005.^[15]

Affiliates

Nongshim has 10 affiliates: Nongshim Holdings, Taekyung Nongsan, Youlchon Chemistry, Mega Mart, Nongshim Communication, NDS (Nongshim Data System), Nongshim Engineering, Youlchol Foundation, Hotel Nongshim, and Nongshim Development.^[17]

Global operations

Nongshim's headquarters is located in Seoul, South Korea. Nongshim products are now exported to over 100 countries around the world.^[18] As of 2016, Nongshim has 11 manufacturing plants around the world: Korea (Anyang, Ansung, Asan, Gumi, Busan, Noksan), United States (Rancho Cucamonga, CA), China (Shanghai, Qingdao, Shenyang, Yanbian).^[19][20] There are 7 sales distribution offices in 6 countries outside of South Korea: the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, China and Vietnam.