From popular Korean music to drama to food and snacks, Korea has extended its global influence to all corners of the world. It hasn’t spared any country from its vibrant and unique culture and products. So, do you have that one particular Korean snack you love very much?
South Korea is believed to have some of the world’s best snacks; They are universally appealing. To cater to your mood, the popular Korean snacks are served in sweet and savory flavors. Their variety, along with their creative shapes, colors, and sizes, makes them stand out.
Where to buy Popular Korean Food Snacks?
If you happen to be in Korea, you can easily find most of these items at the local convenience store, known as “편의점” (pyeonuijeom).
For those residing outside of Korea, you may have better luck finding these popular Korean snacks at a local Korean supermarket. Alternatively, you can explore online options where you can order Korean snacks and have them conveniently delivered to your doorstep. Some online platforms even provide links to specific snacks, making it easier to find and purchase the ones you desire.
Must-Try Korean Popular Snacks While in Korean Convenience Stores
The well-known Korean honey butter and salty-and-sweet chips have so much demand that they rarely stay in stock with the sellers online and at local convenience stores!
However, more snacks are on the list that are worth trying out. Read on to the list of the five best classic popular Korean Snacks you must try on your trip to South Korea!
#1 Butter waffles Korean Snacks
Thick, buttery, and crunchy. Crown butter waffles are exactly how you would imagine a perfect waffle to be. This treat is a waffle sheet precisely topped with hints of butter. It is crunchy at first, but it starts to melt in your mouth after a few bites of crisps. Your palates will be savored with the perfect proportion of butter, vanilla, and white bread. These quintessential Korean snacks are the perfect solutions to your post-meal dessert craving. You can also have bits of it paired with coffee, tea, or milk. Butter waffles are a must-have if you are giving a chance to explore Korean snacks.
#2 Goraebap
Without exaggeration, Goraebap represents the pinnacle of Korean snack innovation. Its flavor, unparalleled elsewhere, stems from a distinctive blend of saltiness and umami. Each piece, molded into the shape of a fish tube, takes on the forms of minnows, squids, and starfish, leading to its name “Goraebap,” or “whale food.” This savory, umami-rich snack has become a popular delight in Korea, capable of enhancing anyone’s day. The tubes’ thin layer contributes to their crunchiness, further enhanced by Korea’s irresistibly addictive seasoning.
#3 Shinjjang
The name ‘Shinjjang’ derives from the mischievous animated character, Jjanggu. The reason behind this absurd name is that this snack is as mischievous as the character called Jjanggu.
This snack stands out for its super-crunchiness, elevated by the addition of Korean acacia honey, harvested from the unpolluted DMZ, and black sesame seeds. This combination imparts a rich, sweet flavor with a hint of nuttiness.
You can preferably have it with a cup of hot tea or coffee. It has acquired the shape of a wide hollow cut into small tubes. As described on the backside of the package itself, you can be creative with how you eat this! Wear them like rings and eat them off your finger, fill it with ice cream to savor your desert nerd, or even throw it in the air and catch it with your mouth. All the options are at your discretion when you get hold of one of these Shinjjang packages.
#4 Pepero – Ultimate Korean Food Snacks!
Koreans are well-acquainted with these particular snacks. Pepero, known in English as “chocolate-covered pretzel sticks,” bears a resemblance to Pocky sticks but is noted for being thicker and richer. In South Korea, there is a special day dedicated to exchanging this beloved snack. November 11, known as Pepero Day, is a time when lovers and friends gift Pepero to one another, inspired by the date 11/11, which mirrors the snack’s long, slender form. This tradition underscores the significant impact Pepero has had on South Korean society, highlighting its cultural importance. While it’s possible that Pepero Day was conceived by the manufacturer as a strategic move to boost sales, the day has nevertheless become a deserved celebration of these snacks.
Don’t confuse yourself with its name. Pepero comes in dozens of flavors, from plain chocolate, nude and almond chocolate to strawberry, cream and cookies, cheese, cacao, coconut, and even green tea, and more discoverable flavors.
#5 Sunchips
Sunchips are named so for having a “taste of the sun,” these snacks in Korea are made from whole grains. Spicy and crunchy enough to leave you craving some more after each bite. It is said that once you start eating them, you can’t stop. It is difficult to distinguish the flavors and what they are exactly made of, but you can find a mix of hot pepper, tomato sauce, and MSG. They are shaped into flat, thin, wavy, and curtainlike pieces of fried chips that fit perfectly in your mouth. The pieces of grains add a nice texture to each bite, tricking you into thinking they are healthy for you.
#6 Haitai Calbee Honey Butter Chips
To truly experience the vibrant convenience stores of Seoul, you must indulge in the delectable Honey Butter Chips. Combining the delightful flavors of acacia honey and French butter, these crispy potato chips strike a perfect balance between sweet and savory. The unique blend of sweetness and saltiness is a cherished combination in Korean cuisin. You often found them in dishes ranging from Korean pizza and tteokbokki to kimchi and japchae. The distinct umami taste is a hallmark of many beloved Korean delicacies.
The craze surrounding Honey Butter Chips has sparked a phenomenon known as the “Honey Butter Craze” in South Korea. These chips have gained international recognition, appearing in food blogs and even making cameo appearances in popular K-dramas. The irresistible allure of Honey Butter Chips has captured the hearts and taste buds of people worldwide, making it a must-try snack for any adventurous food enthusiast.
#7 Orion Kkobuk Turtle Corn Chips
Orion Kkobuk Turtle Corn Chips uniquely shaped like adorable tortoise shells, offering a delightful snacking experience. These crispy and puffy chips feature the sweet and creamy essence of corn soup, reminiscent of the flavors found in traditional Korean cuisine. Their distinctive packaging features a charming turtle wearing a top hat, making them easily recognizable.
In addition to the original Corn Soup flavor, Orion offers an array of tempting options for their turtle chips. The Injeolmi variant captures the essence of the popular Korean rice cake, known for its nutty and slightly sweet taste. For those with a penchant for indulgence, the Chocolate Churros flavor presents a delightful blend of rich chocolate and the nostalgic aroma of freshly baked churros.
#8 Crab Chips Korean Food Snacks
Indulge yourself in the captivating world of crab, where its versatility shines in various culinary forms. Crab chips are a delectable Korean snack that combines the irresistible crunch of a chip with the harmonious blend of savory saltiness and subtle sweetness that characterizes the taste of crab.
Distinct from their shrimp counterparts, crab chips offer a flavor profile that leans towards the allure of Old Bay seasoning rather than a purely salty seafood essence. Each bite introduces intriguing flavor notes that are sure to captivate your taste buds and leave you yearning for more. However, fair warning: once you sample one of these delectable chips, resistance becomes futile. The allure is simply too strong, and you’ll find yourself inexorably drawn to the rest of the bag.
#9 Tom’s Farm Wasabi Almonds – Best Korean Food Snacks!
This Korean snack is an absolute must-try for all spice enthusiasts. Combining the fiery allure of a spicy green condiment with a delightful hint of sweetness, it offers a truly exceptional flavor experience. But hold on; it’s not just your ordinary almonds that you’ll find in this delectable treat. Prepare yourself for a delightful medley of soft and crunchy kernels, each handful a harmonious blend of textures.
What makes this snack truly special is the perfect marriage of toasty almonds and a shell-like coating bursting with mouth-watering flavors. And let’s not forget the element of surprise, as you encounter a range of unexpected tastes like wasabi, yogurt, and injeolmi (rice cake) in every bite. This delightful combination of flavors has made it one of the most popular snacks in Korea.
#10 Nongshim Shrimp Crackers – Must-Buy Snacks in Korea!
Nongshim’s Shrimp Crackers are a delightfully crunchy snack that offers a burst of savory flavor. Shaped like French fries with narrow ridges, this Korean snack is sure to satisfy your craving for a salty treat. Their unique origin sets these shrimp-flavored crackers apart, as they feature shrimps from the North Jeolla Province.
Unlike most other snacks in Korea, Nongshim’s Shrimp Crackers stand out because they are baked rather than fried. This healthier cooking method allows you to enjoy the crispiness and deliciousness of the crackers without the excess oil. It’s a guilt-free way to indulge in a flavorful snack. When it comes to flavors, Nongshim offers a variety of options to suit your preferences. You can choose the original Shrimp Crackers, which provide the authentic and savory taste of shrimp. If you’re a fan of spiciness, the Spicy Shrimp Crackers will deliver a fiery kick that adds excitement to every bite. And for those who enjoy a unique twist, the Rice Shrimp Crackers offer a delightful combination of rice and shrimp flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Korean Snacks and Food
Koreans love snacks! They have a wide variety of snacks to choose from, both traditional and modern. Some of the most popular Korean snacks include: Kimbap, Tteokbokki, honey butter chips, and more.
That’s a tough question, as there are so many great Korean snacks to choose from! But if we had to pick one, we would say that the most famous Korean snack is honey butter chips. These sweet and salty potato chips are a recent craze in Korea and have been featured in many social media posts.
Korean snacks are generally healthier than Western snacks. They’re often made with fresh ingredients, and they’re not as processed as many Western snacks. For example, many Korean snacks are made with whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. They are also often lower in sugar and fat than other snacks.
Of course, there are also some unhealthy Korean snacks out there. But overall, Korean snacks are a good choice if you’re looking for a healthy and delicious snack.
Gmarket Global is a Korean e-commerce website that ships internationally. They have various Korean snacks, including traditional and modern ones. K-Foodie Mart is a US-based website selling Korean snacks and other food products. They have a wide selection of snacks and offer free shipping on orders over $50. Amazon also sells a variety of Korean snacks. You can find various snacks on Amazon, but the prices may be higher than on other websites.
Coupang is another popular Korean e-commerce website with a significant selection of Korean snacks. Coupang is known for its fast shipping, so you can get your snacks delivered to your door in no time.Indulge Yourself in the Savory of Korean Snacks!
Finally, if you ever get a chance to try these Korean snacks, you should not miss any of them, and be sure you won’t regret them. These unique flavors will draw you and get into the zone of it,. They are extremely addictive! From savory, umami flavors to sweet chocolatey ones, these Korean snacks can’t be beaten! Go on and visit these popular e-commerce and get yourself one of these heavenly treats!
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