Top Korean Snacks to Buy: A Must-Try List for Snack Lovers
Korean snacks are delicious, diverse, and often come with unique flavors that reflect the country’s culinary culture. Whether you’re visiting Korea or simply looking to try something new, here’s a list of popular Korean snacks that you should definitely pick up!
1. Pepero (빼빼로)
Pepero is one of the most iconic Korean snacks. These are thin biscuit sticks coated in chocolate or other flavors like strawberry, almond, and cookies & cream. It’s similar to Pocky, but many Koreans associate Pepero with a special day — Pepero Day (November 11), where people exchange them as gifts.
- Where to buy: Available in most supermarkets and convenience stores across Korea.
2. Honey Butter Chips (허니버터칩)
These crispy potato chips are coated with a sweet and savory honey butter flavor. The combination of sweetness and saltiness made this snack a massive craze in Korea and it’s still a top choice for many.
- Where to buy: Available in convenience stores and large grocery chains.
3. Choco Pie (초코파이)
Choco Pie is a beloved snack that consists of two soft biscuits with a marshmallow filling, all coated in a layer of chocolate. It’s a perfect balance of chewy, crunchy, and creamy textures, making it a favorite treat for all ages.
- Where to buy: Easily found in supermarkets, convenience stores, and online.
4. Tteokbokki Snacks (떡볶이 스낵)
These snacks capture the flavor of Korea’s popular street food, tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes). The crunchy snack has a spicy-sweet flavor that mimics the taste of the famous dish, offering a unique Korean snack experience in a portable form.
- Where to buy: Available in most supermarkets and convenience stores.
5. Korean Seaweed Snacks (김)
Korean seaweed snacks are thin sheets of roasted seaweed seasoned with sesame oil and salt. They're light, crispy, and full of umami flavor. This snack is not only healthy but also a great side dish to accompany rice.
- Where to buy: Available at grocery stores and international supermarkets.
6. Banana Kick (바나나킥)
Banana Kick is a sweet and crunchy puffed corn snack flavored like banana. Despite the name, it’s more of a sweet, airy treat rather than something overly fruity. The unique flavor makes it a nostalgic favorite for many Koreans.
- Where to buy: Commonly found in convenience stores and major supermarkets.
7. Jolly Pong (졸리퐁)
Jolly Pong is a crunchy puffed rice snack coated with a sweet glaze. It has a light, crispy texture, and is often compared to sugary breakfast cereals like cornflakes, but with a distinctly Korean twist. Some variations come in chocolate or honey flavors.
- Where to buy: Supermarkets and convenience stores.
8. Shrimp Chips (새우깡)
Shrimp chips are crispy and savory chips flavored with shrimp. They have a delicious seafood taste that’s salty, crunchy, and satisfying. This is a snack that you can’t miss if you're into savory treats.
- Where to buy: Available in most Korean supermarkets.
9. Instant Rice Cake (라면 떡볶이)
Instant rice cakes, often sold in small packages, give you the flavor of tteokbokki but in a more convenient and quick-to-eat form. Some come with a spicy sauce, while others are lightly sweetened. It’s a great option for those who crave a quick fix of Korean comfort food.
- Where to buy: Available in supermarkets and online stores.
10. Lotte Matdongsan (맛동산)
Matdongsan is a type of savory, crispy corn snack that’s coated with a tangy, spicy sauce, giving it a unique, addictive flavor. It’s one of the more interesting and bold-flavored snacks you can try in Korea.
- Where to buy: Find it in most Korean supermarkets and convenience stores.