Preserving Halla Mountain
South Korea’s highest mountain, Halla Mountain, at an altitude of 1,947 meters, is located on the popular Jeju Island and is a prominent tourist destination. Recently, a campaign has been started to preserve this mountain, and the reason is unusual: instant noodles. The Mount Halla National Park Office has launched this campaign to ask hikers not to use instant noodles on the mountain, with the aim of maintaining a clean environment and preserving its natural beauty.
The Noodle Broth Problem
Hikers usually bring ramyun, a type of instant noodle, to consume during their routes. However, the use of these noodles has caused concern, since their broth can negatively affect the natural environment of the mountain. Signs around the mountain urge hikers to use only half of the instant soup and water, with the goal of reducing environmental impact.
Consequences of using Caldo dels Fideus
The National Park Office has pointed out that ramen broth contains a lot of salt, which can negatively affect aquatic insects if it is thrown into the valley’s watercourse, causing pollution. This could have a significant impact on the mountain ecosystem.
Global Trend of Instant Noodles
The popularity of instant noodles is not limited to South Korea, as this trend is spreading to other places, such as Cervino in Switzerland. According to the World Association of Instant Noodles (AMFI), the global consumption of this product increased by 2.6% last year, driven by the pandemic and economic inflation.
Growth of the Instant Noodles Market
The instant noodle market has experienced significant growth globally, with a 2.6% increase in consumption. This has also been reflected in South Korean exports of this product, which have exceeded $100 million for the first time, according to recent data. This increase is attributed to the growing popularity of South Korean culture and food on a global scale.
