A Taste of Seoul: 25 Must-Try, Popular Korean Snacks That You'll Love!
Are you ready to embark on a mouth-watering journey through the world of Korean snacks?
Get your taste buds ready and let's explore some of the best treats that Korea has to offer, including some personal favourites of mine. From sweet to savoury, crunchy to chewy, these top Korean snacks will take your snacking experience to a whole new level.
And the best part? Some of them are available right here, so you can satisfy your cravings without hopping on a plane to Seoul. Let's dive in!
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#1 Choco Pie: A Heavenly Delight
Imagine a soft, white, marshmallowy layer sandwiched between two crispy chocolate-covered biscuits. Choco Pie is just that - a little piece of heaven in every bite and perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
These are without doubt one of my favourite Korean snacks and Korea's answer to Wagon Wheels in the UK and Moon Pie in the US. It's a timeless treat that never fails to satisfy your sweet tooth.
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#2 Pepero: The Korean Version of Pocky
If you're a fan of Pocky, you'll love Pepero. These thin, crunchy biscuit sticks coated in various flavours like chocolate, strawberry, and snowy almond are perfect for a quick snack or a sweet gift.
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#3 Honey Butter Chips: Sweet and Salty Goodness
Once you start munching on these addictive potato chips coated with a sweet and savoury honey butter glaze, you won't be able to stop. Trust me when I say, they're dangerously delicious!
#4 Bungeoppang: A Fish-Shaped Delight
Don't be fooled by its fishy appearance. Bungeoppang is a delightful pastry filled with sweet red bean paste or other delicious fillings. It's a popular street food snack in Korea and is Korea's answer to Japanese Taiyaki, from which it originates.
#5 Samanco: The Ice Cream Fish
Speaking of fish-shaped treats, Samanco takes it to the next level. It's a fish-shaped ice cream sandwich with a layer of flavouring such as strawberry in the middle. It's cute, refreshing, and oh-so-tasty! I am always on the look out for one of these when I'm looking for a cold, sweet treat.
#6 Jjolmyeon: Chewy Noodles with a Kick
If you're in the mood for something chewy and spicy, Jjolmyeon is the way to go. The chewy texture and taste of these wheat noodles remind me of Japanese udon noodles. They are most commonly served chilled with a spicy, sweet and sour sauce alongside vegetables, and sometimes meat or even seafood. It's a flavour explosion in your mouth!
#7 Hotteok: Sweet Pancakes with a Surprise
Hotteok is a popular street food snack in Korea. These fluffy pancakes are filled with a sweet mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. It's like biting into a warm, gooey hug.
#8 Seaweed Snacks: A Healthy and Crunchy Delight
For all the health-conscious snackers out there, Korean seaweed snacks are a must-try. They're crispy, light, and packed with nutrients. Plus, they come in various flavours like sesame, wasabi, and even cheese! I love these when I'm trying to eat healthily or trying to get into shape.
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#9 Dalgona Candy: A Traditional Sweet Treat
Immortalised by the Korean series, Squid Game, Dalgona Candy is a traditional Korean treat made from melted sugar. It's often shaped into intricate designs and has a delicate, honey-like flavour. It's a true work of art!
#10 Banana Kick: A Banana-licious Snack
If you love the taste of bananas, you'll go bananas for Banana Kick. These crispy corn snacks are shaped like banana kicks and have a sweet, banana flavour that will leave you craving for more. I simply loved these as a kid.
#11 Yakgwa: A Delicate and Fragrant Cookie
Yakgwa which translates from Korean to English as "Honey Cookie", is a traditional Korean cookie made from wheat flour, honey, and sesame oil. It's deep-fried and then coated in a sweet syrup. The result? A delicate, fragrant cookie that melts in your mouth.
#12 Kancho: Cute and Chocolatey
Kancho is a bite-sized biscuit filled with chocolate. What sets it apart is its adorable bear-shaped design which are somewhat reminiscent to Hello Panda and Koalas March. It's almost too cute to eat...almost!
#13 Jolly Pong: A Sweet and Crunchy Snack
Jolly Pong is a popular Korean snack made from puffed rice, honey, and nuts. It's sweet, crunchy, and perfect for satisfying your morning and midday cravings. You can eat Jolly Pong alone as with milk.
#14 Choco Heim: Hazelnut Heaven
If you're a fan of Nutella, you'll love Choco Heim. These bite-sized biscuits are filled with a creamy hazelnut chocolate filling that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Warning: These are dangerous, as I've never opened a pack without finishing it in one sitting.
#15 Honey Butter Almonds: A Nutty Delight
Crunchy almonds coated in a sweet and savoury honey butter glaze? Yes, please! These addictive snacks are perfect for munching on while watching your favourite K-drama.
#16 Corn Cheese: A Cheesy Sensation
Corn Cheese is a popular Korean snack made from corn kernels mixed with mayonnaise and melted cheese. It's creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.
#17 Melona: A Refreshing Melon Treat
When the weather gets hot, reach for a Melona. These melon-flavoured popsicles are creamy, refreshing, and the perfect way to cool down on a sunny day.
#18 Choco Boy: A Chocolate Lover's Dream
Based on the Japanese snack, "Kinoko No Yama", Choco Boys are bite-sized biscuits in the shape of mushrooms, coated in a rich chocolate layer. It's a chocolate lover's dream come true! This is a firm kids favourite in Korea.
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#19 Tteokbokki: Spicy Rice Cake Magic
A beloved Korean street food, Tteokbokki is made from soft and chewy rice cakes cooked in a spicy gochujang-based sauce. Often combined with fish cakes and vegetables, this dish offers a satisfying blend of heat, sweetness, and texture that you'll want to try again and again. Whether enjoyed from a street vendor or made at home, Tteokbokki is an unmissable Korean snack experience!
#20 Nongshim Shrimp Flavoured Crackers: Seafood Crunch with a Twist
Delve into the delightful taste of the sea with these crispy prawn crackers which look a bit like crinkled French fries. Renowned for their authentic shrimp flavour, they also come in a spicy variant for those seeking an extra kick!
#21 Nongshim Shin Ramyun: Noodle Delight
One of the most popular Asian snacks, and one of Korea's most iconic instant noodles, Shin Ramyun boasts a spicy and savoury broth that has been loved by many for years. Perfect for a quick meal or late-night craving.
#22 Dried Squid: A Salty Sea Treat
A popular snack in Korea, dried squid offers a chewy texture paired with a rich, umami flavour. It's often enjoyed with a cold beer or as a snack on the go.
#23 Paldo Crab Crisps: Ocean-Inspired Munchies
Experience the taste of crab in a light and crunchy form. These crisps are not only flavourful but also have a unique texture that'll keep you coming back for more.
#24 White Grape Cheongdo Candy: Sweet Grape Bliss
Indulge in the refreshing taste of white grapes with this traditional Korean candy. A perfect blend of sweet and tart, it captures the essence of Cheongdo's famous grapes in candy form.
#25 Nongshim Cuttlefish Crackers: An Oceanic Adventure in Every Bite
Dive deep into the flavours of the sea with Nongshim's Cuttlefish Crackers. With a delightful balance between the unique taste of cuttlefish and a slight crunch, these snacks are sure to enthrall seafood lovers everywhere. Perfect for those moments when you crave something a tad different and deliciously Korean.
Final Word
There you have it, 25 popular Korean snacks including some of my personal favourites, that will take your taste buds on a delicious adventure. Whether you're a fan of sweet treats, savoury delights, or a bit of both, these Korean snacks are sure to satisfy your cravings. So go ahead, grab a snack, and indulge in the wonderful world of Korean flavours!