Korean Snacks to Buy: Must-Try Treats from Korea
Korean snacks have taken the world by storm thanks to the global popularity of K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean cuisine. From sweet to savory, crunchy to chewy, Korean snacks are not only delicious but also make great gifts or cultural souvenirs.
In this post, we’ll introduce the most popular Korean snacks to buy, their prices, where to get them, and share some real-life persona reviews.
Must-Try Korean Snacks
1. Pepero (빼빼로)
- A stick-shaped biscuit coated with chocolate, almond, or cookies & cream.
- Price: 1,500–2,000 KRW (around $1–1.50)
- Why it’s popular: Pepero Day (Nov 11th) makes this snack a cultural icon. Great for gifts and sharing.
2. Choco Pie (초코파이)
- Soft chocolate-covered cake with marshmallow filling.
- Price: About 3,000–4,000 KRW for a box of 6
- Why it’s popular: Sweet and nostalgic. A staple in Korean households since the 1970s.
3. Honey Butter Chips (허니버터칩)
- Crispy potato chips coated in honey and butter seasoning.
- Price: Around 1,500 KRW per bag
- Why it’s popular: Went viral for its sweet-savory combo. Often sold out during peak hype.
4. Banana Kick (바나나킥)
- Puff snack with artificial banana flavor.
- Price: 1,200–1,500 KRW
- Why it’s popular: Kids love it, but adults are also fans. Unique texture and sweet taste.
5. Shrimp Crackers (새우깡)
- Savory, shrimp-flavored rice crackers.
- Price: Around 1,500 KRW
- Why it’s popular: Korea’s classic go-to beer snack.
Where to Buy Korean Snacks
- In Korea
- Convenience Stores: CU, GS25, 7-Eleven
- Supermarkets: E-Mart, Homeplus, Lotte Mart
- Daiso: Budget-friendly options available
- Outside Korea
- Korean marts: H Mart, Lotte Plaza
- Online: Amazon, YesStyle, Kooding, SnackFever
Korean Snack Price Range
| Pepero | 1,500 – 2,000 | $1 – $1.50 |
| Choco Pie (box) | 3,000 – 4,000 | $2.20 – $3 |
| Honey Butter Chip | 1,500 | $1.10 |
| Shrimp Crackers | 1,500 | $1.10 |
Korean Snacks Reviews
1. Emily (20s, college student from LA)
“I bought a variety pack of Korean snacks on Amazon, and I’m now obsessed with Choco Pies. They’re like little cakes of happiness. Also, the shrimp crackers were unexpectedly addictive!”
2. Hiroshi (30s, office worker in Tokyo)
“I always pick up Honey Butter Chips when I visit Seoul. It’s such a uniquely Korean flavor – sweet, buttery, but still crunchy like a chip. My coworkers ask me to bring some back every time.”
3. Sara (40s, mom in London)
“My kids love Banana Kick! It’s sweet and soft, perfect for their lunchbox snacks. I like that Korean snacks are fun and often come in cute packaging.”
Final Tips for Buying Korean Snacks
- Buy in bulk at supermarkets for better deals.
- If you're traveling, stock up at duty-free stores for exclusive flavors.
- Watch out for limited editions or K-pop collaboration packs—they make great gifts!