Gong Cha Korea has introduced a new limited-time menu item in collaboration with Nongshim, bringing the flavor identity of Shin Ramyun Toomba (신라면툼바) into a bubble tea format.
The product, commonly referred to as Shin Ramyun Toomba Pearl-Bokki (신라면툼바 펄볶이), combines a spicy, savory “bokki-style” pearl topping with a chilled beverage base. It is positioned as a mix-and-match concept, allowing customers to pair the spicy pearl component with Gong cha drinks such as milk tea, brown sugar milk tea, or yogurt-based beverages, depending on store offerings.
Rather than reworking the drink itself, the menu focuses on contrast. The heat and umami associated with Shin Ramyun Toomba are translated into a chewy topping, while the drink remains sweet and cold. The consumption experience alternates between chewing and sipping, creating a deliberate contrast between familiar bubble tea behavior and instant-noodle flavor cues.
According to Korean media coverage, the collaboration first appeared in Gong cha Korea’s company-operated stores before expanding to franchise locations nationwide. The launch has been widely shared on social platforms, where the two-layer visual and unexpected flavor pairing have driven short-form reaction content.
The collaboration reflects a broader pattern in South Korea’s food and beverage market, where established packaged-food flavors are extended into new categories through limited-time partnerships. In this case, Nongshim’s Shin Ramyun Toomba brand acts as a recognizable flavor signal, while Gong cha provides the format and retail platform for experimentation.
As with most seasonal collaboration menus, availability, pairing options, and rollout timing may vary by location, based on official store announcements.
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