Noodles are one of the most popular ingredients in Korean, Japanese and Chinese cuisine. Throughout Asia, noodle dishes are basic staples, each reflecting the unique culinary characteristics of its country. While wheat noodles are now the mainstay of noodles in Korea, until the early 20th century, Korean people enjoyed buckwheat noodles. Traditionally made by pressing, buckwheat noodles lacked the gluten found in wheat flour. Although it had been a popular noodle option for centuries, the low stickiness of buckwheat and the limited production volume limited its versatility in noodle varieties. The flour noodle culture began to flourish in Korea with the introduction of wheat to the Korean Peninsula four centuries ago, coinciding with the development of the flour milling industry in the 20th century. Today, noodles encompass a wide variety of products produced by different methods. According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's Food Code, noodles are made from grain flour or starch, formed, heat-treated, dried, and classified into categories such as fresh, deep-fried, dried, and fried noodles. According to FIS statistics, domestic noodle production volume reached KRW 3.9911 trillion in 2022, with an average annual growth rate of 8.5% since 2018. Noodles have long been valued as a popular food. Their continued popularity can be attributed to continuous adaptation and development to meet consumers' changing needs. Today's noodle market is characterized by various trends, including healthy options, premium varieties, unique flavors, vegan alternatives, and sustainable choices. The growing demand for noodles as a healthy and convenient meal has led to the introduction of healthy noodle alternatives that are low in calories and carbohydrates and high in protein. Pulmuone introduced "Bean Curd Noodles" made from bean curd, while Chungjungwon launched "Soy Bean Noodles" (pho, noodles in cold soybean soup) to meet low-carb preferences. Nongshim introduced "Shin Ramyun," a non-fried dried noodle, promoting it as a healthier ramen option. Among the developments in the noodles market are several interesting collaborations and unique experiences. Following the popularity of the Muktaekang snack trend, Nongshim introduced "Muktaekang Cheongyang Mayo Ramen" to meet the needs of consumers seeking exotic flavors. Paldo launched "Strawberry Paldo Bibim Ramen" for a limited time in 2024, and Samyang, known for its "Buldak Ramen," launched "Hot Chicken Habanero Lime Buldak" for the U.S. market. The noodle market is expected to see further expansion of innovative products due to evolving environmental changes and the development of new materials. Innovative noodles using food tech technology to maintain health and texture, such as those made from bananas or kernza instead of traditional grains, are expected to gain traction.

In 2022, Intake Co., Ltd. was awarded a government research project titled "Technology Development and Industrialization for Pork-Like Plant-Based Food Production", which would run for two years and nine months until 2024. Seoul National University, Kyonggi University and Ewha Womans University are collaborating on this project. As a result of this initiative, pork substitutes using plant-based proteins have been developed in the form of raw meat, such as pork belly and pork neck, with a structure that mimics the muscle and fat layers characteristic of pork. INTAKE's vision is to research and develop innovative alternative foods based on food technology to replace conventional food sources consumed by humans. Founded by food engineers from Seoul National University, the company aims to revolutionize the food industry. INTAKE is a leading alternative foodtech company that produces vegetable nuggets and meatballs using alternative meat mixed with peas and chickpeas. It aims at reducing environmental costs of food system through substituting environmentally-expensive resources such as animal protein and sugar. INTAKE's flagship product, the INNOCENT Plant-Based Chicken Breast Cube, offers consumers a 100% plant-based option to replace protein typically consumed through meat or eggs, promoting a healthier diet. It features a balanced blend of 18 amino acids, including essential amino acids that must be obtained from food as they are not naturally synthesized in the human body. As of February 2023, Intake's total sales, including egg and meat substitutes and protein-based vegan foods, reached approximately USD 16 million. The company currently exports its products to more than 20 countries worldwide, including Canada, the United States, Germany, the Czech Republic, Australia, the United Kingdom, Norway, Taiwan, Vietnam, Mongolia and China. INTAKE's ready-to-eat plant-based meal brand, INNOCENT, is dedicated to offering delicious and healthy products. The brand's primary goal is to provide consumers with enjoyable meals while encouraging a more nutritious diet. It strives to promote a sustainable food culture and consumption habits, taking into account climate change, natural resource limitations and animal welfare. The brand places a high value on health and a sustainable environment. INNOCENT has five product lines: "Sugarlolo", "Meals Bullet-Proof" for health-conscious consumers, "Dr. Nuts", "99-Calorie Chips" and "Vital Water" for nutritious snack and beverages. They also offer "MEALS", "Morning Porridge" and "Slow Restaurant" for health-conscious alternative meals, and "INTAKE Nutritio" for functional health foods. They provide "MUSE·HABIT" offerings for inner beauty health products.