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. In July 1997, Nongshim began sponsoring the national Baduk Championship: Shin Ramyun Cup Baduk Championship. 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. Advertising Nongshim has been carrying out marketing and advertising that informs the characteristics of its products based on individual product brands rather than corporate brands. It also sets the criteria that Chairman Shin Chun-ho suggested: 'Advanced ads should not precede products. Operation 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. Global operations Nongshim's headquarters is located in Seoul, South Korea. Nongshim products are now exported to over 100 countries around the world. 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). There are 7 sales distribution offices in 6 countries outside of South Korea: the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, China and Vietnam. Products Nongshim products include ramyun (instant noodles), snacks, and bottled water. There are more than 40 brands of ramyuns, produced by Nongshim, including South Korea's most popular ramyun brand, Shin Ramyun (1986). Nongshim has recently introduced new noodle brands in 2015: Jjawang (Hangul: 짜왕; Etymology: Portmanteau of Jjajangmyun (Black bean noodle) and Wang (Hangul: 왕; Hanja: 王; Translation: King); Translation: King of Jjajangmyun) and Matchampong (Hangul: 맛짬뽕; Etymology: Portmanteau of a Korean adjective mat (taste) and Champong (spicy seafood noodle soup); Translation: tasty champong noodle soup). There are varieties of snack products including Shrimp Cracker (Hangul: 새우깡; Romanization: Saewookkang; 1971), the first commercialized snack in South Korea and Onion Rings (Hangul: 양파링; Romanization: Yangpa Ring; 1983), which is famous for its sliced-onion-ring shape. Since 2012, Nongshim is producing