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The Best Korean Snacks + More

My love for Korean snacks started the days after my arrival here in Korea. I had a craving for Nabisco’s Chewy Chocolate Chip’s Ahoy! I found the Korean version of them in Chic Choc a great little cookie made by the Lotte Confectionary group. And from that point on I was hooked, not only on these cookies, but on a whole sort of snacks that we have here in the aisles of convenience stores and markets, big and small.

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Now that I have a young son, with a sweet tooth, we try new Korean snacks once in a while and it seems that they are only getting better and better. This list of different Korean snacks will be solely based on what we buy at home and what we think will suit kids, young and old, outside of Asia.

There is an abundance of these delicious snacks all over the place, some are even given to you for free when you have a beer at a pub. We will focus on the sweet list here and I’ll make a new salty list later on that will include the likes of ‘gim’ the fantastic seaweed snacks.

Unique Korean Snacks for Kids

Choco Songi(Choco boi in English)

Made by Orion, these are on the top of my list for the simple fact that if you have one of these little ‘chocolate mushrooms’ you’ll want to finish the whole box. These are quite simple. The ‘stem’ of the mushroom is made of a crunchy cookie and the ‘head’ of it is milk chocolate. You grab it by the stem and either pop it in your mouth, eat the chocolate first, or whatever way you want to enjoy it.

My son sucks the chocolate right off the ‘stem’ and keeps the cookie part for later. He likes to call this “collecting dinosaur bones”, as the stems have a similar shape to a bone. These are one of my favourite Korean snacks and I usually bring a few boxes back to Canada when I go and visit. 

Get them here!

Oh Yes!

This moist chocolate-covered square cake is a must for your kitchen cupboards. It’s not overly sweet and is fairly light, compared to the Joe Louis from Vachon in Canada. Their cookies and cream version is really enjoyable, but the green tea version, not so much.

Get them here!

Mong Cher

Similar to its Oh Yes! competitor, Mong Cher is a round version of the chocolate/cream-filled cake. It’s sweeter than the Oh Yes! but simply just as yummy. Kids will like the Mong Cher as an afterschool snack with milk or dessert.

Get them here!

Get them here!

Honey Butter Chips

The company Haitai started making these chips a few years back, it was a fad and a craze…Maybe not! These chips are still around and selling like ‘hot cakes’ or should I say ‘hot chips’. It seems the process of making these crispy suckers includes using fermented French gourmet butter and acacia honey.

They go well with sour cream or simply by themselves. If the dad of the house is having a cold beer, well these chips might be a good accompaniment.

Get them here!

Chic Choc cookies

This cookie is embedded in my heart forever, as an old friend, who took care of me during my time of ‘need’ while transitioning here to Korea on a cold November day. Let’s not get emotional. This premium home-baked style cookie has a crispy biscuit and soft, moist chocolate chip chunks. It also comes in the soft version, which I suggest to get your hands on.

They remind me of Chewy Chips Ahoy Cookies

Get them here!

Custard

It’s a Korean Twinkie. There I said it! It’s not as sweet or calorie-dense as its American counterpart but equally as delicious. There are a few similar ones on the market so I suggest to keeping your eye out for the Orion confectionary version.

Get them here!

French Pie

Haitai did all of us a favor when they made these little rectangular pies. They come in apple and strawberry flavors. The pie consists of jam on top of a flaky pastry. It’s very good with coffee or a glass of milk, for the kids. The drawback of these is that the jam gets stuck to the top of the packaging, making it tricky to get it out all in one piece. Bon appetit!

Get Them Here!

16 Exotic and Unusual Korean Foods for Brave Dads to Try

Margaret Cookies

These oven-baked cookies are soft and have a peanut flavor. They will melt in your mouth. I love these after a meal and my son can eat several in one sitting. Lotte confectionary also offers a chocolate version.

Home Run Ball

These cookie balls are ingenious! This delightful treat has an outer casing is a soft cookie and the inside has a subtle touch of a ‘Nutella-like’ spread. These are great and even better if you pop them in an air fryer for about 3 minutes, they come out hot and crispy.

Get them here!

Popular Korean Snack Cont…

While there are numerous snacks to choose from, one of the most popular and beloved among South Koreans is “Pepero.” Celebrated on November 11th, also known as “Pepero Day,” this snack consists of thin biscuit sticks dipped in various luscious flavors such as chocolate, strawberry, almond, and more.

Get them here!

Instant Noodles

Korean instant ramen noodle scene has left a lasting impression globally, with brands like Nongshim and Samyang offering an array of flavors and spice levels to suit every palate. The fiery “Shin Ramyun” is a standout, renowned for its rich broth and satisfying heat. 

Back in the West, Ramen noodles get a bad rep due to their cheap persona, but Korean Ramen noodles play a different role. These are not your run-of-the-mill 1$ noodle pouches. These are well-known snacks/meals that are cheap but with quality taste. 

Check ’em out! Buy the Red pack, not the Black one. In my biased opinion, Red tastes best. 

Get them here!

Orion Choco Pie

Orion Choco Pie has achieved legendary status as one of the most famous Korean snacks. This soft, marshmallow-filled chocolate cake is covered in a luscious chocolate coating, delivering a heavenly chewy texture with every bite. 

Honestly, this one is not my cup of tea. I put it on the list because it’s a beloved snack in Korea, and I would get a pounding if I did not include it. You can find these in Korean supermarkets or Korean grocery shops all over the world. I don’t like these because of the marshmallow filling. No thanks!

Get them here!

Potato Chips

Beyond the famous Haitai Honey Butter Chips, Korea boasts a wide variety of potato chips with different flavors, ranging from classic salted to unique options like seaweed, sweet chili, Korean BBQ, and even kimchi. You can find a whole bunch of unique flavors of Korean Chips all over the place including online. 

Chocolate Bars

Korean chocolate bars offer a delightful fusion of flavors. From milk chocolate to premium dark chocolate, these bars come in an array of options, often infused with ingredients like nuts, fruits, or caramel for an added twist.

Corn Snacks (코칼콘)

Lotte’s corn snacks, known as “KoKalKon” (코칼콘), are addictively crunchy and come in flavors like sweet corn, cheese, and spicy barbecue. They’re the ultimate snack for satisfying your craving for something savory and crispy.

Lotte’s Kancho Choco Biscuits (롯데 칸쵸)

Lotte’s “kancho” (칸쵸) choco biscuits are seriously cute and seriously delicious! With their adorable panda faces and creamy chocolate filling, they’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or sharing with friends.

Tteokbokki Chips (떡볶이 칩)

Many companies make these tteokbokki chips (떡볶이 칩) and they are a taste sensation! They’re crispy, spicy, and totally addictive, just like the real thing. Perfect for munching on when you’re craving a snack with a kick!

Binggrae Banana Milk

A beloved beverage in Korea, Binggrae Banana Milk is a creamy and sweet banana-flavored milk drink that has gained iconic status over the years. They also have Melon and Strawberry flavors, and kids love these.

Get some here!

Ice Cream

Korea’s ice cream scene is as diverse as it gets. From traditional flavors like vanilla and chocolate to unique ones like green tea, sweet potato, and red bean, there’s an ice cream to satisfy every craving. 

One of my favorites here is Melona. It’s AWESOME! I read recently that Canada and parts of the USA now have these Melona bars available at Walmart. Look out for them. Your kids will love you for it…

More Korean Treats

Besides the previously mentioned treats, other highly popular snacks include “Choco Heim” – hazelnut-filled chocolate wafers, and “Jolly Pong” – a crunchy, puffed rice snack with a hint of sweetness.

Street Vendors

Korean street vendors offer an abundance of delectable snacks like Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), Odeng (fish cake skewers), and Hotteok (sweet pancakes), making the streets a haven for foodies. 

You should be in Korea for this… Next time you’re on the peninsula ping me up and I’ll show you around Seoul. Street Food here is clean and is the REAL thing! 

Green Tea

Green tea-flavored snacks are a favorite in Korea. From green tea cakes and cookies to ice cream and chocolates, the subtle bitterness of green tea adds a unique dimension to these treats.

Beef Jerky

Korean beef jerky, known as “Yukpo,” is a savory snack made from thinly sliced, marinated beef that’s dried to perfection. It’s a delicious protein-packed treat. The taste is quite different then back home as the Yukpo here is somewhat sweet. 

Fluffy Sponge Cake

Spongy and light, Korean fluffy sponge cakes are delightful desserts available in various flavors such as matcha, chocolate, and cheese.

Sweet Red Bean Paste

Red bean paste is a traditional Korean filling used in various snacks, such as pastries and pancakes, providing a mildly sweet and earthy flavor.

Onion Rings

Korean onion rings offer a crispy and flavorful twist on this classic snack, often seasoned with unique spices and seasonings. It’s a chip that comes in a bag(I don’t have pics) it has a salty flavor with an onion kick to it. 

Korean Turtle Chips

Korean Turtle Chips are a ridge-cut form of chips with a crunchy texture and a shape resembling a turtle’s shell. They come in various exciting flavors.

Spicy Shrimp Crackers

Shrimp-flavored crackers by Nongshim are crispy, savory delights with a delightful seafood taste that will keep you coming back for more. Yes, you hear right…’shrimp-flavored chips… Don’t knock it ’till you had it. Plus the Nongshim shrimp crackers are one of the most popular Korean snacks you can find on the shelves. They are addictive and have a unique taste…ask my 6-year-old boy. 

Lotte Ghana Milk Chocolate

Lotte Ghana Chocolate boasts a velvety smooth and rich taste, making it one of the top choices for chocolate lovers.

Variety of Flavors

Korea offers an astounding range of fun snack flavors, ensuring there’s something for everyone, whether you prefer sweet, savory, spicy, or something in between.

Traditional Korean Snack List

Here are a few very honorable mentions that might be available in some areas but are more like an “in Korea” kinda list… 

Roasted Seaweed Snacks (김구이)

Thin sheets of roasted seaweed seasoned with salt or other flavors. They’re crispy, salty, and rich in vitamins and minerals.

Baked Sweet Potato (구운 고구마) 

Sweet potatoes are baked until tender and caramelized, creating a naturally sweet and nutritious snack that’s rich in vitamins and fiber. One of the best snacks during the cold winter months. 

Yanggaeng (양갱)

Yanggaeng are traditional jelly candies made from sweetened bean paste or fruit juice. They come in various shapes and flavors and are often enjoyed as a refreshing and chewy snack. They are super sweet so be ready to brush your teeth right after eating them…

Banana Kick (바나나킥)

Banana Kick are banana-flavored corn snacks shaped like banana halves. They’re light, crunchy, and bursting with sweet banana flavor.

Jelly Cups (젤리컵)

These colorful and fruity jelly cups come in individual servings and are enjoyed as a fun and refreshing snack, especially during hot summer months.

Sweet Rice Cake (찹쌀떡)

Sweet rice cakes are filled with sweet bean paste or other fillings like chestnuts or sesame seeds. They’re a traditional Korean snack enjoyed for their chewy texture and subtle sweetness.

Hot Bar (핫바)

Hot Bar is a popular snack consisting of a sausage on a stick ready to be microwaved! Best one on this list!

Jwipo (쥐포)

Jwipo are thinly sliced dried fish snacks that are seasoned and roasted to perfection. They’re crunchy, savory, and packed with umami flavor, making them a popular choice for snacking. Be aware that they are uber-smelly! But worth it…

Bungeoppang (붕어빵)

Bungeoppang is a fish-shaped pastry snack filled with sweet red bean paste or other fillings like custard or chocolate. They’re a nostalgic Korean street food snack enjoyed by people of all ages. These are usually found at street vendors, especially during the winter months.

They are awesome… But, some companies are now offering the frozen version. Just pop’ em into the air fryer and voila!  They look like fish but there’s nothing fishy about them. All Yum and fun.

Final Sweet Spot

Exploring the world of Korean snacks is an awesome journey of flavors and tastes. From the famous Honey Butter Chips to the diverse array of ice creams and chocolates, Korean snacks offer an unparalleled experience that appeals to snackers worldwide. So, grab a snack and savor the delightful taste of Korea!

Wherever you are in the world, there must be a Korean supermarket in the vicinity, or at least an Asian mart of some sort. If you look for Korean snacks and other foods there you won’t be disappointed. The snack list above is a great list to start with and you can explore even more.

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