Namdofood Co., Ltd., headquartered in Incheon, Republic of Korea, is a distinguished food manufacturing company specializing in premium ready-made Korean meals. Established in 2016 by renowned chef Mija Jeong, a certified master of Korean royal court cuisine with over 30 years of culinary expertise, Namdofood is committed to preserving and globalizing authentic Korean flavors. The company’s flagship brand, “Cupchelin,” delivers high-quality, frozen cup meals designed for modern consumers seeking convenience without compromising traditional taste.
Company Overview
Namdofood Co., Ltd. was founded with the goal of making Korea's deep culinary heritage accessible to global audiences through ready-to-eat meals that reflect the techniques and balance of royal cuisine. By blending traditional recipes with modern food technology, Namdofood has positioned itself as a premium supplier in the Korean frozen food sector.
The company operates from a HACCP-certified facility in Bupyeong-gu, Incheon, with a team of 26 employees and an estimated production capacity of approximately 7,000 cup meals per month.
Core Business and Product Lines
Namdofood’s product innovation revolves around two key categories:
- Frozen Cup Meals – "Cupchelin" Series:
- Traditional Japchae Cup: Stir-fried sweet potato noodles with vegetables and soy-based seasoning.
- Miso Bibimbap Cup: Rice bowl with miso-infused vegetables and soy protein.
- Gochujang Bibimbap Cup: Spicy mixed rice with gochujang-based sauce and assorted vegetables.
These meals are flash-frozen to retain flavor and nutritional value and are prepared using traditional Korean techniques with chef-curated ingredients.
- Ready-to-Eat Side Dishes:
- Korean Jeon Pancakes: Vegetable and seafood pancakes.
- Seasoned Meat & Seafood Dishes: Bulgogi, spicy pork, stir-fried anchovies, and more.
- Vegetarian Banchan: Seasoned spinach, bean sprouts, and braised tofu.
All dishes are developed in-house and maintain authentic flavor profiles using minimal preservatives and additives.
Unique Selling Propositions
- Royal Court Cuisine Expertise: Founder Mija Jeong brings decades of mastery in royal cuisine, enhancing product differentiation and quality.
- Authentic Taste: Traditional recipes adapted for modern quick-prep formats.
- Premium Branding: "Cupchelin" blends the idea of “Michelin-level in a cup,” targeting upscale convenience food consumers.
- Portability and Shelf Life: Flash-frozen, microwave-ready, and ideal for export due to packaging and stability.
Financial and Market Insights
- Establishment Year: 2016
- Staff Size: 26 employees
- Production Capacity: ~7,000 frozen cup meals/month
- Domestic Distribution: Premium grocery chains, specialty food shops, online marketplaces like Coupang and Gmarket
- International Presence: Early-stage exports to the United States, Japan, and Southeast Asia
Namdofood is recognized among emerging SME exporters through Korean government trade support initiatives, including KOTRA and aT Center programs.
Shipment and Export Records
While limited in volume due to its boutique-scale operations, Namdofood has begun supplying to international specialty distributors and Korean cuisine retailers:
- Top Export Destinations: USA (Korean supermarkets), Japan (ethnic food stores), Malaysia
- Key Export Products: Japchae cup, Gochujang bibimbap cup
- Logistics: Cold-chain compatible packaging for both B2B and retail units
(Data drawn from KOTRA and TradeKorea SME directories)
Target Market
- Health-Conscious Professionals: Consumers aged 25–45 seeking nutritious and convenient meals
- Korean Food Enthusiasts: Domestically and globally, including Hallyu (K-wave) fans
- Retailers and Importers: Asian grocery stores, premium frozen food distributors, convenience stores
- Catering & Meal Kit Services: Collaborates on customized meal kits and private label services
Capabilities
- In-House Product Development: Proprietary recipes with consistent flavor quality
- Packaging Innovation: Microwave-safe, recyclable cup containers
- Private Label and OEM Services: Available upon request for international clients
- Cold Chain Logistics: Ensures product freshness across export routes
Certifications and Compliance
- HACCP Certified: Adheres to Korea’s highest food safety standards
- FDA Registered (U.S. Export Compliant): Eligible for U.S. import clearance
- Halal-Friendly Options: Non-pork and vegetarian SKUs available for broader market appeal
Customer Testimonials
- “The Cupchelin japchae tastes like a home-cooked meal—clean ingredients and authentic flavor.” – Online customer review, Korea
- “A brilliant idea for a quick lunch; I keep one in the office freezer. The gochujang bibimbap is delicious.” – Korean expat in California
- “Quality frozen food that doesn’t taste mass-produced. You can tell it’s made by a chef.” – Buyer from premium grocery chain, Japan
Achievements and Recognition
- Selected for KOTRA’s Food Export Incubation Program – 2022
- Finalist at Korea Food Innovation Awards – 2023
- Cupchelin Brand Trademarked in Multiple Countries
- E-Catalogue Featured by aT Center in Global Buyer Programs
Namdofood Co., Ltd. continues to bring Korean culinary traditions to the global stage through its commitment to authenticity, quality, and innovation. With a growing footprint and chef-led product integrity, Namdofood is redefining what premium ready meals can offer in terms of culture, convenience, and taste.
