Unraveling the World of Korean Snacks
Koreans absolutely love snacks. When I taught English in South Korea, all my elementary students lived for the late morning milk & snack break, usually opting for chips of some kind.
Every summer camp I taught was full of choco pie rewards and strawberry milks in the afternoon, and I want to lend some of the delicious nostalgia to you.
Understanding the Korean Snack Culture
Because from honey butter to wasabi, your local H-mart’s shelves are just a fraction of what’s found in authentic snack stores in Korea (yes, they exist).
Local kids like my students are usually the ones emptying the shelves, but adults also buy a ton, especially after they’ve been drinking. There’s even a name for Korean snacks eaten while drinking alcohol: anju.
The Healthier Choice: Traditional Korean Snacks
Traditional Korean snacks can actually be the healthier option, because unlike Western snacks, they tend to be less processed and still rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
The only downside is that a lot of them are spicy – even some of the ones that aren’t marketed as such (though we’ve clearly indicated below when anything is spicy). If that doesn’t faze you, then check out my master guide to the best snacks in Korea.
Master Guide to the Best Korean Snacks
Honey Butter Chips
In the era preceding the worldwide phenomenon of dalgona, there reigned another culinary craze in Korea: the era of honey butter everything. It was during the lead-up to my relocation to Korea in 2016 that the shelves of Korean supermarkets were inundated with snacks boasting the irresistible combination of sweet honey and savory butter.
The legacy of this trend lives on in the form of honey butter chips and honey butter almonds, now ubiquitous in convenience stores across the nation. Once, the iconic golden yellow bag of honey butter chips was as elusive as Willy Wonka’s golden ticket, as enthusiasts would eagerly snatch up multiples upon release.
In a frenzy reminiscent of a feeding frenzy, these bags would vanish from shelves within mere hours of hitting the market. However, as the fervor surrounding the trend has gradually subsided, honey butter chips have become a staple item, readily available even beyond the borders of Korea. Today, a packet of honey butter chips can be procured for a modest $1 at any convenience store in Korea, and they’ve even made their way to the shelves of stores in the United States.
Despite the passing of the craze, the allure of honey butter remains undiminished, a testament to its enduring popularity and the indelible mark it has left on Korean snack culture.
Choco Pie
Regarded as a quintessential Korean snack, the choco pie is a delectable delight loved by many. Comprising a fluffy cake enveloped in chocolate and filled with luscious marshmallow, it’s a treat that satisfies both the sweet tooth and the craving for something light. Whether you’re in need of a quick pick-me-up or a delightful accompaniment to your coffee break, choco pies are readily available at any Korean convenience store for a modest price of ₩3,200.
While they may be slightly pricier compared to similar chocolate snacks, the indulgence they offer is truly worth it. With each bite, you’ll experience a symphony of flavors and textures that are sure to leave you craving for more. Treat yourself to the irresistible charm of choco pies and discover why they’re hailed as one of Korea’s finest snacks.
Tteokbokki Snacks
Imagine Korea encapsulated in a single snack: enter tteokbokki chips. Bursting with the deep, sweet, and spicy flavors of gochujang, these snacks pay homage to Korea’s beloved tteokbokki, albeit with a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re indulging in a K-Drama marathon or reminiscing about your recent trip to Seoul, these chips are the perfect companion.
What sets these chips apart is their delightful texture: a crispy exterior gives way to a soft, yielding center with each bite. But beware, as you indulge, the heat intensifies, adding an extra kick to each mouthful. With a hint of garlic, these chips are practically begging to be paired with soju and K-BBQ, elevating your snacking experience to new heights of flavor and indulgence.
Seaweed Snacks
While seaweed might not be the typical snack choice for many, in Korea, gim (dried seaweed) is revered as one of the healthiest options available. These delicate, paper-thin crisps may not offer substantial filling, but they are packed with essential nutrients, making them a guilt-free indulgence.
What’s more, their versatility knows no bounds. Crush a couple of these crispy delights over a bed of rice, and you’ll elevate your meal to new heights of flavor. With a variety of flavors to choose from, there’s something to suit every palate. It’s worth noting that gim is distinct from miyeok, another type of dried seaweed that boasts a thicker texture and more robust flavor profile. So, if you’re looking for a nutritious and delicious snack, look no further than gim – Korea’s beloved dried seaweed crisps.
Orion Turtle Chips
Turtle Chips boast a distinctive feature that sets them apart from other snacks: each bite contains four layers, resulting in a delightful crunch with every munch. This unique shape contributes to the enjoyable texture that makes Turtle Chips a favorite among snack enthusiasts.
The original Turtle Chips are renowned for their sweet corn flavor, reminiscent of a comforting bowl of corn soup. Aptly named for their resemblance to the shell of a turtle, these chips offer a deliciously nostalgic taste that is both familiar and satisfying.
Indulge in the irresistible crunch and savory sweetness of Turtle Chips, and experience the joy of snacking on a timeless classic.
Yakgwa
Yakgwa, a delightful traditional Korean cookie, holds a special place in the heart of celebratory occasions such as Chuseok and hwangap (60th birthday). While this delectable treat is readily available in local markets across the ROK for a modest price of $1, its accessibility outside Korea may pose a challenge.
The allure of Yakgwa lies not just in its taste but also in its healthful ingredients. Infused with generous amounts of honey, this confectionary delight offers a burst of sweetness that tantalizes the taste buds. In Korean culture, honey is revered for its medicinal properties, believed to enhance longevity significantly. Hence, the name “Yakgwa” translates to “medicinal confection,” emphasizing its association with well-being.
To truly savor the essence of Yakgwa, it is best enjoyed alongside a steaming cup of tea. The subtle notes of honey complement the earthy undertones of tea, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that soothe the soul. Whether you’re celebrating a joyous occasion or simply indulging in a moment of culinary delight, Yakgwa promises to elevate your experience with its irresistible taste and cultural significance.
As you embark on a journey to explore the rich culinary heritage of Korea, Yakgwa stands out as a symbol of tradition and festivity. Its intricate preparation process and symbolic significance make it a cherished delicacy that embodies the essence of Korean culture.
While Yakgwa may be a staple in Korean markets, its availability beyond the borders of Korea may be limited. However, with the growing popularity of Korean cuisine worldwide, enthusiasts can explore specialty stores and online platforms to indulge in this sweet delight. From traditional celebrations to everyday indulgence, Yakgwa offers a taste of Korea’s rich culinary tapestry, inviting you to savor the sweetness of tradition wherever you may be.
Choco ChalTteok Pie
In Korean cuisine, there exists a variety of sticky rice cakes, each offering a unique and delectable experience. One such delicacy is ChapSsalTteok, also known as ChalTteok or Mochi in Japanese, which features a soft and chewy rice cake filled with sweet red bean paste.
Margaret Cookie
Margaret cookies are a delightful variety of soft biscuits enriched with peanuts, offering a satisfyingly nutty flavor and a tender texture. These cookies are the perfect accompaniment to a refreshing glass of milk, enhancing the indulgence of each bite.
In addition to the classic peanut flavor, Margaret cookies also come in a delicious mocha variant, adding a subtle hint of coffee to the mix. Whether enjoyed as a sweet treat on its own or paired with your favorite beverage, Margaret cookies are sure to delight your taste buds with their irresistible combination of flavors and textures.
Saeukkang or Shrimp Crackers
Saeukkang stands tall as one of South Korea’s most beloved snacks, capturing the hearts and taste buds of snack enthusiasts since its introduction by Nongshim in 1971. Despite its unassuming origins, this crispy treat has consistently ranked among the top-selling snacks in the country for over five decades, solidifying its status as a cultural icon.
True to its name, which translates to “shrimp” in Korean, Saeukkang boasts a distinctive salty shrimp flavor paired with a satisfyingly crunchy texture. Its popularity skyrocketed with the iconic TV commercial featuring the catchy jingle “손이 가요, 손이 가, 새우깡에 손이 가요 (my hands keep going for Saeukkang),” which remains one of the most successful marketing music pieces in Korean history.
While it seemed that Saeukkang’s glory days had passed, a surprising resurgence occurred with the unexpected resurgence of K-pop singer Rain’s song “Kkang” on the charts in 2020. Although there is no direct correlation between the song and the snack, the coincidental similarity in titles sparked renewed interest in Saeukkang, leading to a resurgence in sales. Capitalizing on this newfound popularity, Rain even starred in Saeukkang’s commercial, further cementing its place in the hearts of consumers.
As a fun tidbit, many Koreans indulge in Saeukkang when embarking on boat trips or visiting beaches, as the snack has garnered the affection of seagulls who are particularly fond of it. Truly, Saeukkang’s enduring appeal transcends generations and continues to charm snack lovers across South Korea.
pepero almond chocolate
Pepero holds a special place in the hearts of teenagers, particularly on November 11, affectionately dubbed ‘Pepero Day.’ This beloved snack is more than just a treat; it’s a symbol of love and friendship exchanged among peers. The tradition dictates that receiving numerous boxes of Pepero, often adorned with special messages, signifies popularity and affection.
While the flavor of Pepero varies depending on the coating adorning the cookie sticks, one thing remains constant: the comforting sweetness it offers. Whether it’s chocolate, strawberry, or any other delightful variation, a pack of Pepero never fails to provide a satisfyingly sweet indulgence, perfect for any moment of relaxation or enjoyment.
Ace
Ace, the square-shaped cracker, holds the distinction of being South Korea’s inaugural cracker snack, debuting in 1974. With its humble beginnings, this timeless treat has secured its place as a beloved snack among Koreans.
Renowned for its simplicity and soft texture, Ace is tailor-made for leisurely teatime indulgence. Pair it with a cup of Korean-style mixed coffee, made with instant coffee, for a delightful combination of flavors and textures that is sure to tantalize the taste buds.
Whether enjoyed as a midday snack or a cozy companion to your afternoon coffee break, Ace continues to delight snack enthusiasts with its classic charm and undeniable appeal.
Mother’s hand Pie
Lotte Mother’s Hand Pie has captured the hearts of snack lovers since its inception in 1993. This beloved pastry pie undergoes a meticulous aging process, where it is aged for 18 hours at 4°C to achieve the perfect low temperature. The result is a pie with a lively texture, boasting a delightful crispiness and savory flavor.
What sets Lotte Mother’s Hand Pie apart is its use of fermented butter, adding a new dimension of flavor and enjoyment to the snacking experience. Cutting into and savoring each bite of this pie has become a fun and enjoyable ritual, renewed with the addition of fermented butter.
Designed for convenience and freshness, Lotte Mother’s Hand Pie is individually packaged in pairs, ensuring that the remaining pie stays perfectly preserved and free from dampness. The proof of its quality lies in its ability to be easily cut, showcasing its well-ripened state and inviting you to indulge in its deliciousness time and time again. Treat yourself to the rich flavors and satisfying crunch of Lotte Mother’s Hand Pie, and experience snack perfection with every bite.
Matdongsan or Crunchy Korean Peanut Cookie
Matdongsan, also known as Crunchy Korean Peanut Cookie, holds a cherished place among the array of Korean snacks. Introduced by Haitai in 1975, this delightful treat has stood the test of time, captivating snack enthusiasts with its irresistible combination of flavors and textures.
The process begins with frying the cookie in oil, followed by a generous coating of syrup and a scattering of crunchy peanuts. The result? A delectable confection that is simultaneously crispy, sweet, and nutty, offering a satisfying indulgence with every bite.
Whether enjoyed as a midday pick-me-up or a delightful accompaniment to a cup of tea, Matdongsan continues to win hearts with its timeless appeal and delicious simplicity.
Choco Heim
‘Heim’, in German, means ‘house’. The wafer casing becomes the house for the chocolate filling, which makes ‘Choco Heim’ a fitting name; the house of chocolate. The house, or ‘heim’, can be filled with all kinds of different flavors, not just with the currently available chocolate and white chocolate, which means any flavor is possible with Heim wafers.
Since its launch in 1991, Heim has been leading the premium wafer market with its differentiated quality above the others. Its popularity did not diminish even during the hot months when most biscuit products tend to suffer from lower sales, thanks to the communication strategy which conveyed to the consumers the message that Heim can be better enjoyed frozen.
Yeonyanggang
Yeonyanggang, written in Chinese characters as “鍊羊羹,” derives its name from “Yanggang,” which refers to a silok, or sweet red bean paste, and “鍊,” meaning “dryunha” or “refinedha.” Originally introduced from the Tang Dynasty in China, Yanggang was traditionally made using meat such as birds, beasts, and fish. However, upon its introduction to Japan, it underwent a transformation, with plant-based raw materials replacing the meat. By around 1585, Yeonyanggang emerged, crafted using agar as a key ingredient.
Hailing from a time when potatoes and corn were among the only available snacks, Yeonyanggang first entered the snack scene as a concept at Haitai. Revered for its sweet, sticky, and chewy texture, this delicacy has been cherished for generations. Its popularity endured even during the tumultuous period of the Korean War, where it is said that production continued in Busan, a refuge, by relocating the necessary equipment.
The enduring appeal of Yeonyanggang speaks volumes about its timeless charm and delicious taste. From its ancient origins to its continued popularity today, this traditional treat continues to captivate snack enthusiasts with its rich history and delightful flavor profile.
Crown Rice Cracker
the sweet and crispy rice snack. Not only does it offer a delightful crunch, but it also serves as a nutritious option suitable for dieting and meal replacement purposes. With its irresistible flavor and healthful benefits, this snack is sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping you fueled throughout the day.
Orion King Warm-Shaped Jelly
The Big Wiggle is a worm-shaped jelly introduced by Orion in 1994. Each bag contains multiple small Wiggle Jellies along with one large Wiggle Jelly, offering a variety of delicious jelly treats to enjoy.
