A Complete Guide to the Best Korean Snacks: From Traditional to Street

Do you love snacks? Do you love Korean food? If your answer is yes to both, then this blog post is for you! In today’s post, we will be sharing with you a complete guide to some of the best Korean snacks out there. In this blog article, we’ll introduce a wide range of popular Korean snacks and beverages, as well as some Korean street foods. From savory to sweet, we’ve got you covered! So without further ado, let’s jump right in!

If you’re planning to watch a Korean drama or film, it’s worth reading.

Korean chips & more

First of all, let me show you some of the most well-known Korean chips, crackers, and sweets. Convenience stores and supermarkets are where you can easily buy them.

In Korea, various chip flavors are available. There are several kinds of chips with a seafood flavor that are uncommon in the United States or Europe. Asia, particularly Korea, is also characterized by it. Koreans enjoy seafood, as seen by the fact that Korea is the planet’s greatest consumer of seafood. However, Koreans recently discovered that this flavor is strange to foreigners through YouTube videos of people eating Korean snacks.

Salty taste is common in foreign chips. Koreans, on the other hand, enjoy both sweet chips and salty crisps. The harmony between sweet and salty tastes is so important to the extent that a new word, “danjjandanjjan” meaning sweet and salty, was coined in Korea.

Below, we detail some of the most popular Korean snacks by taste and category.

Best Chocolate cookies

Binch

The chocolate coating of many sweets is too thick. However, in their Binch biscuits, Lotte(The manufacturer) has struck the proper balance between biscuits and chocolate.

The chocolate side is coated with chocolate, but the biscuit-like side appears to be ordinary. It’s a fantastic alternative for those looking for something between a heavy chocolate treat and a biscuit.

Kancho

Kancho is bite-sized, crunchy biscuits filled with a chocolate filling. They’re available in lovely packaging with endearing-looking love-struck mascots named “Kany” and “Chony.” The biscuits themselves are adorned with cartoons of the mascot characters including cute images of different objects

Pepero

It’s a long, chocolate-covered stick-type cookie. It may be found all over Korea. Pepero’s flavors began with basic tastes such as chocolate, dark chocolate, and almond. Over 10 distinct varieties of Pepero are now available.

‘Pepero Day’ is the most important reason for talking about the popularity of these delicious little treats. The day officially began in Korea in 1997, and it is now celebrated on November 11th, because of the numerals in the shortened date format of 11/11. The number 1 looks like the Pepero stick.

Of course, this is not a nationally recognized holiday. Pepero Day is just one of Korea’s most effective marketing campaigns.

Best Korean chips and crackers

Honey Butter Chips

This chip is rich, delicious, and ideal for a movie night combined with the flavor of butter and honey. The chips are thin and crisp, which ensures that you will come back for them.

 This snack was so popular that it created a trend called the Honey-Butter Craze among South Koreans. The Honey-Butter Craze, which began in South Korea and spread to other countries, is an example of a food fad that began after someone on social media posted about a certain product. 

Onion Rings chips – Korean Onion Rings

Onion Rings are a classic American snack, but the Korean version is a little different. It’s coated with batter and fried until it’s crispy. The result is an onion ring that’s light and not greasy at all.

Popping Corn Chips (Kkokkalcorn)

Kkokkalcorn is a type of corn snack that’s very popular in Korea. It’s made by popping corn and then coating it with a variety of different seasonings. The most popular flavors are cheese, chili, and curry.

Jolly Pong cereal

Jolly Pong is a type of cereal snack that’s made with puffed grains. It’s coated with caramel. Jolly Pong is a popular snack for kids, but it’s also enjoyed by adults.

You may eat it as normal cereal with milk, or eat it just like common chips.

Turtle chips(a.k.a Kkobuk chip)

Kobuk Chips are one of Korea’s most well-known snacks. Turtle chips are known as Kobuk Chips in Korea. In Korean, the name “kobuk” means turtle.  These chips come in a variety of flavors, including corn soup, cinnamon, shrimp, churros, and vanilla. So if you’re looking for something new to snack on, turtle chips are a great option!

Seafood flavored Chips

Saeu-kkang (also called Shrimp cracker)

This Korean shrimp cracker is the most popular shrimp-flavored snack in South Korea. It is the best-selling snack and steady seller of Nongshim, a food company.

Cuttlefish snack(also called Ojingeo-jip)

CUTTLEFISH SNACK is a snack made of nutritive cuttlefish. It adds a buttery flavor to grilled cuttlefish while preserving its basic and savory taste.

Crab chips(Kotgerang)

Korean crab chips are a popular snack food in South Korea that consists of small, fried pieces of batter shaped like crabs. There are other flavors such as wasabi flavor and seaweed flavor.

Most popular Korean Breads & Cakes

Orion Choco Pie

Choco Pie is a cake with two round layers of cake, with a marshmallow filling in between, and then coated with chocolate. It has been on sale since 1974 when it was introduced by Orion, a Korean food business.

Market O Real Brownie

These brownies are soft and have a rich chocolate flavor. It is made by Orion Confectionery, one of the oldest confectionery companies in South Korea. Market O is a confectionery and restaurant brand created by Orion Group.

Market O Real Brownie is a popular Korean sweet that Japanese visitors love to buy.

Convenience stores are increasingly adding new bread and cake items for their young consumers.

Many confectionery products, for example, tteokbokki-flavored chips and kimchi-flavored chips, are only available in Korea.

Korean Candies and Jellies

Malang Cow

It is said that the texture of Malang Cow is soft and soft, so it is said that it was made with Malang Cow. People either like it or hate it, according to taste. It is claimed that after you eat this, you will be hooked and can’t stop eating it.

Green Grape Candy(Chungpodo candy)

It is a popular grape-flavored candy made by Lotte Confectionery. Green Grape candy is shaped like a grape and is about the size of one. It has a unique grape taste that is tart and not overly sweet. If you enjoy grapes, you might want to up the intensity of the grape flavor.

Korean Seaweed snack: Gim(a.k.a Kim)

Korean ‘Gim’ is food made by spreading seaweed laver thinly like paper and then drying it. It is one of the best side dishes in Korea and the best snack for young children.

 

Those familiar with Korean surnames and first names may find it interesting that they are identical to the Korean family name, ‘Kim’. You’re right. It is said that the origin of the name ‘Gim’ is derived from the surname of a person named Kim Yeo-ik, who invented the method of cultivating seaweed laver.

When eating, Koreans usually combine rice and gim. However, young children eat a lot of ‘gim’ as a snack too. Seaweed-flavored chips have also been commercialized and released. It goes well with beer and is often eaten as munchies.

In Korea, a picture of Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman’s daughter eating Korean seaweed snacks has caused a fire because she was so cute. Many Koreans asserted at the time that all children, regardless of race, loved Gim.

Gim is the main ingredient in kimbap, one of Korea’s most well-known foods.

Korean traditional snacks

Hodu Gwaja(Korean Walnut cakes)

Hodu gwaja is a Korean traditional snack made of walnuts, honey, and flour. As for ‘Hodu gwaja’, it is a strong theory that a couple discovered that walnuts were a specialty of Cheonan, a city of Korea, and invented them in 1934.

Dalgona

Dalgona is a Korean traditional toffee candy made of sugar, baking soda, and hot water. It is a hard candy that is eaten with a toothpick. This snack has received worldwide attention and love since it appeared in the Netflix drama Squid Game.

It cannot be said that it is a traditional Korean snack; similar things exist all over the world. It was a form of child’s play in the 1970s and 1980s.

Yakgwa

Yakgwa is a Korean traditional cookie made of wheat flour, honey, and sesame oil. It is deep-fried and has a crispy texture.

Tteok (Korean Rice Cake)

Tteok is a Korean traditional cake made of rice flour and water. It is steamed and has a chewy texture.

Misugaru (also called Misutgaru)

Misugaru is a delicious and nutritious Korean snack. It is a powdery food made from mung bean, glutinous rice, and black bean. You can make different kinds of Korean traditional desserts with it. It’s become a hit because of its high nutritional value and ease of preparation. In truth, several K-pop celebrities are including this multigrain shake as a meal replacement drink in their routines.

Misugaru latte using Misugaru flour is also one of the famous recipes.

Sikhye (Korean rice punch)

Sikhye is a Korean traditional sweet rice drink. It is made by boiling rice, water, and yeast in a pot.

The sikhye does not ferment long enough to become an alcoholic. As a result, while it is a drink, it is frequently served as a dessert in Korean restaurants. You can also get Korean rice punch in cans in Korean supermarkets, but homemade varieties have a more robust flavor.

Sujeonggwa(Korean cinnamon punch)

Sujeonggwa is a Korean traditional punch made of dried persimmons, cinnamon sticks, and ginger. The cinnamon and ginger are first brewed to make a strong, dark reddish-brown.

It is a non-alcoholic drink that is usually served cold or at room temperature, but Koreans commonly love to drink it cold.

It’s a popular drink in Korea, especially during the Korean New Year and Chuseok(a.k.a Korean Thanksgiving day).

Snacks in Korean convenience stores

Convenience stores are the best place in Korea for students and young office workers to simply eat something. It’s easy to find anywhere and it’s open 24 hours a day. Especially popular items there are cup noodles, triangle kimbap, sausage sticks, and fish cake skewer.

Instant cup ramyeon(also called Cup Noodles)

Koreans often eat instant ramen as a snack or snack at home, but they eat cup noodles at convenience stores. Most convenience stores have hot water facilities and bars where you can simply stand and eat cup noodles. Korean young people know and share famous convenience store ramen recipes that combine convenience store food.

Triangle kimbap(Triangular gimbap)

Kimbap is a typical Korean dish. Kimbap, like a California roll, is wrapped in seaweed in the form of a roll. It is filled with a variety of delicious fillings.

However, the triangle kimbap has a triangular form and wraps steamed rice and ingredients. The flavors of the triangle kimbap’s components are extremely diverse.

You can simply eat triangular gimbap as a snack, but eating it with cup noodles is enough for a meal. Triangle Kimbap is a product that can only be purchased at convenience stores.

Also, it is not easy to peel off the outer packaging of triangular gimbap at first, so foreigners who come across it for the first time fail to remove the packaging and sometimes eat gim and rice separately.

Sausage sticks and fishcake bar

One of the most popular menu items at convenience stores is sausage. Convenience store sausage is a product with a stick in it and can be cooked in a microwave at a convenience store and eaten right away. A similar product, the fish cake bar is also popular.

The most popular summer snack in Korea: Bingsu

Bingsu, or Bingsoo, is a Korean shaved ice treat made with shaved milk ice and sweet toppings. It’s a popular summer snack in Korea, and you’ll find it at virtually any cafe or restaurant. There are many different variations of bingsu, but most commonly it includes sweetened red beans, fruits, syrups, and nuts.

If you’re ever in Korea during the summer, be sure to try bingsu! It’s a refreshing and delicious way to beat the heat. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.

Korean street food snacks

Korean street food cannot be ignored in the discussion of snacks. Representative street foods in Korea include tteok-bokki, fish cakes, sundae, twigim, hotteok, and bungeo-ppang.

If you’re out on the road or on your way home hungry, it’s not difficult to overlook.

Tteok-bokki

Tteok-bokki is a Korean street food made with rice cakes, fish cakes, and gochujang (Korean chili paste). It’s a spicy dish that’s often served with boiled eggs. Tteok-bokki is a popular snack food among Koreans of all ages, and you’ll often see it being sold from food carts on the street.

Eomuk(Korean fish cake)

Eomuk is a Korean fish cake that’s often served skewered on a stick. It’s a popular street food snack, and you can find it at most convenience stores and markets. Eomuk is usually made with groundfish, vegetables, and seasoning.

Chopped vegetables and fish cakes make an excellent broth. So, it’s a fantastic match for spicy tteokbokki.

Sundae(Soondae, Korean blood sausage)

It’s not the ice cream dessertyou know. Soondae is a type of Korean blood sausage that’s made with pig’s intestines and blood. It’s a popular street food snack, and you can find it at most markets or from street vendors.

Twigim(Korean fried snacks)

Thwigim is a general term for fried snacks in Korea. It includes a wide variety of fried foods, such as chicken, fishcakes, vegetables, and even ice cream. Thwigim is a popular snack food among Koreans of all ages, and you can find it at most convenience stores or from street vendors.

Especially in the street food world, when it comes to twigim, there are certain foods. Shrimp twigim, squid twigim, vegetable twigim, seaweed roll twigim, sweet potato twigim, dumpling twigim, red pepper twigim, perilla leaf twigim, fried egg. They’re the types of fried street food that Koreans love most. You could dip it in soy sauce, but another way is to dip it in tteokbokki sauce.

Hotteok

Hotteok is a Korean street food made with a pancake-like dough that’s filled with a sweet filling of brown sugar, cinnamon, and peanuts. It’s then fried until it’s golden brown and crispy. In Korea, hotteok is the greatest winter snack.

Bungeo-ppang(Korean fish-shaped pastry)

Bungeo-ppang is a representative winter snack along with hotteok. Bungeo-ppang is a Korean street food made with a fish-shaped pastry that’s filled with a sweet filling of red bean paste. It’s then grilled until it’s golden brown and crispy. It will be difficult not to buy a bungeoppang if you see one on your walk home from the harsh winter.

Bungeoppang is a food originating from taiyaki, a Japanese fish-shaped pastry. Bungeoppang, unlike Japanese taiyaki, is shaped like a crucian carp rather than a bream.

Korean Corn Dog(also called Hot dog)

Of course, we cannot forget about the classic Korean corn dog! It’s a popular street food snack that can be found at most convenience stores or from street vendors. The hot dog is usually served with ketchup and mustard, but you can also find it topped with cheese or spicy chili sauce.

In Korea, hot dog means corn dog. But Korean hot dogs are an evolved version of corn dogs.

Hot places for snacks in Korea

Highway rest stops

If you’re ever driving on the highway in Korea, be sure to stop by a rest stop! You’ll find a wide variety of snacks and drinks to choose from. From chips and candy to coffee and tea, there’s something for everyone. And if you’re feeling hungry, there’s usually a restaurant or two as well.

A variety of snacks, such as grilled butter potatoes and grilled sausages.

Korean Markets

In Korea, there are two types of markets: the traditional market and the modern market. The traditional market is where you’ll find a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, and seafood. The modern market is more like a grocery store, with a wide variety of food and household items. But both types of markets usually have a snack section, so it’s a great place to stock up on snacks!

Gwangjang Market, located in Seoul, is known for its snacks. You may also find the Gwangjang Market look in Netflix’s Chefs on the Road documentary.

Schools

If you’re ever in Korea during school hours, you’ll find that the streets are filled with students. And where there are students, there are snacks! You’ll find a wide variety of snacks being sold near schools, from the traditional to the modern. So if you’re ever in Korea and feeling snacky, be sure to check out a school!

Korean Convenience stores

Last but not least, convenience stores! Convenience stores are hot places for snacks that students love. You can always see students eating instant ramyeon and gimbap at convenience stores.

 Korean convenience stores always have a wide variety of snacks to choose from, so they’re a great place to stop by when you’re feeling snacky. 

Pojangmacha (also called Pocha)

Pojangmacha is a type of street stall in Korea that sells a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as snacks. Pojangmachas are a popular drinking spot for Koreans, especially after a long day of work or on a weekend night. And if you’re looking for a cheap and delicious snack to go along with your drink, look no further! Pojangmachas usually have a wide variety of snacks to choose from, such as fried chicken, sausages, and even pizza. So next time you’re out drinking with friends, be sure to stop by a pojangmacha for some snack-filled fun!

These are just a few of the many places where you can find Korean snacks. So next time you’re in Korea, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for all the delicious snacks that the country has to offer! Thanks for reading, and we hope you enjoy your snack-filled adventure in Korea!

Snacks in K-drama & Korean moveis

If you love Korean snacks, then you’ll definitely enjoy seeing them in your favorite K-dramas and movies! Many popular Korean snacks have made cameos in some of the most popular dramas and films. Here are just a few examples:

FIrst of all, It is Squid Game featuring dalgona. The dalgona is a very important item that depends on the life or death of the characters in the drama.

In the drama Mr. Sunshine, the characters are enjoying Bingsu.

There are numerous scenes in which characters eat instant noodles in South Korea’s movies.

In the hit drama Twenty-Five Twenty-One, the female lead enjoys Banana-flavored milk.

Dive into the world of Korean snacks.

As you can see, there are a wide variety of Korean snacks to choose from. So next time you’re in Korea, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for all the delicious snacks that the country has to offer! Thanks for reading, and we hope you enjoy your snack-filled adventure in Korea! Bon appetit!

If you have any more questions about Korean snacks, please leave a comment.