Best Korean snack foods — 26+ most popular, famous snacks, must buy & best snacks in Korea

Korea is not only the land of ginseng and kimchi, but also has countless delicious snacks. If you are interested in and want learn new things about food, surely, the Korean snack foods that we introduce below will make you extremely excited. Try to find out what your favorite food is! So, what food to buy in Korea and what snacks to buy in Korea as well as what are the best Korean snacks to bring home? Let’s check out our top rated 26+ top Korean snacks (South Korean snacks) including best Korean snack foods (best snacks in Korea), popular Korean snack foods, most famous Korean snacks, most popular Korean snacks (popular snacks in South Korea) and traditional Korean snacks as follows!

Yakgwa (Traditional Korean Honey Cookies) (# best snacks in korea)

True to the name of the cookie, this is an extremely sweet snack. The main ingredients that make up the flavor of the cookie come from brown sugar, syrup, honey, flour and cooking oil. The above ingredients are mixed in different proportions to produce a variety of Korean cookies. Besides, mothers and grandmothers will add different flavors such as sesame, orange peel, ginger,… to make the cookie more delectable.

In terms of texture, these cookies are soft and melt in the mouth. The fatty taste of cooking oil and the rich sweetness of brown sugar, syrup, honey and spices create a cozy feeling. For Koreans, this is considered a traditional snack loved by grandmothers. This is one of those dishes that goes very well with a hot cup of tea.

Injeolmi Rice Cake (# most famous korean snacks)

Another traditional Korean snack that you should try when you have the opportunity is Injeolmi Rice Cake. This cake has the same recipe and texture as the Japanese mochi. However, the taste will certainly be somewhat different.

The rice cakes are supple and sweet. The outside of the cake is covered with a sweet, fragrant soybean paste. This strange but familiar taste creates a new experience for diners.

You can find this traditional cake in convenience stores or at market stalls. Of course, the cakes at the market shop will be more delicious and fresh. Therefore, if you are walking around in the markets in Korea, try to find and taste this dish right away.

Crispy Seaweed Chips (Gim) (# most popular korean snacks)

Referring to Korea without mentioning seaweed is a big omission. With a variety of processing methods, we have countless delicious dishes from this ingredient. For the snack category, visitors must definitely try Gim – aka Korean Roasted Seaweed.

Thin chips of seaweed are made from dried seaweed which seasoned with spices and olive oil. This is one of the “national dishes” of the country kimchi. You can find this product easily at any convenience store or grocery store.

This is a food that does not need to be processed, simply put each piece in your mouth and eat it like a regular snack. Pieces of crispy seaweed, with the salty taste of the sea and the fatty taste of olive oil. Although this dish is a snack, it has many nutrients that are extremely good for health.

However, it is also a favorite Korean side dish. You can use it with rice to make pretty little rice rolls. Or, when eating with hot noodles, put a few slices of seaweed on the noodle bowl to serve. The above ways make the main dish much more delicious.

Kimbap (Korean Seaweed Rice Rolls) (# popular snacks in south korea)

No one can deny this extremely delectable dish. Kimbap is a dish with a simple recipe but surprisingly savory taste. Coming to Korea, you must definitely enjoy this dish. Besides being the main dish, this is also a Korean snack food for your hungry stomach.

Korean kimbap has more variety than you think. This variety comes from the filling of the rice and various ingredients inside. From local ingredients, you can find thousands of options with this dish. For snacking, try these mini rice rolls. On the contrary, if you want to feel fuller, regular kimbap seaweed rice rolls will suit you very well.

Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes) (# top korean snacks)

It is hard not to mention this dish when talking about Korean snacks. Koreans eat spicy rice cakes called Tteokbokki at all times of the day. Therefore, hot and eye-catching spicy rice cakes stalls are easy to find all over the street.

In terms of taste, there is certainly no need to describe much because this dish is so familiar to us. Soft and chewy rice cakes mixed with sweet and spicy sauce. Accompanying the cake are sweet and delicious fish cakes and vegetables. Stalls selling spicy rice cakes will usually have more than one option. You can buy fried food, fish cake skewers and rice rolls here. These dishes are equally delicious.

In the midst of tired journeys, stop by a roadside shop and immediately recharge your body. You can eat like a Korean when using the sauce of spicy rice cakes to dip every dish. The sweet and spicy sauce will be the flavor that blends and elevates your dishes.

Korean Hot Dogs (# traditional korean snacks)

Equally famous as Tteokbokki spicy rice cakes are Korean fried hot dogs. Unlike Western hot dogs, this Korean dish has a different preparation.

Hot dogs made from ingredients like sausage and cheese are skewered on sticks. After that, the seller will coat the outside with a layer of flour and toppings such as noodles, potatoes, corn, etc. The delicious skewers are deep-fried in oil so they are golden and hot. Surely, your hungry stomachs will be filled by the delicious taste of this dish. Don’t forget to try the famous Korean yellow mustard sauce. This is also one of the unique and interesting highlights of the dish.

Hotteok (Korean Sweet Pancakes) (# what snacks to buy in korea)

Another hot snack that you definitely have to try when you come to Korea is hotteok. It sounds like a hot dog, but it’s a sweet treat.

Hotteok have an extremely long history. To make this dish, the seller will have to brew the dough first to make the outer shell. After it has been brewed, the dough is taken out into parts and placed in the inside of the red sugar cinnamon powder and crushed seeds. Deep-fry these pancakes and we’ve got a heartwarming snack.

Currently, to suit visitors, the cakes are also improved with more diverse fillings such as chocolate, fresh fruit or fresh cream. Surely, you will find your favorite flavor with this cake.

Lotte Sand Cookies (# what food to buy in korea)

Sounds like you’re about to eat something sand related? However, it is not what you think!

In fact, the word sand here is an abbreviation for sandwich – a familiar dish for many people. Lotte sand is a popular ice cream cookie in Korea. This dish is similar to the famous Oreo cookies throughout the five continents. We have crackers with soft cream in the middle. The ice cream filling includes many different flavors for you to choose from.

Choosing Lotte Sand Cookies, you will have the opportunity to taste different flavors that Oreo can’t offer. Each cookie will bring you a new feeling.

Banana milk (# popular korean snack foods)

Banana milk is a popular drink in Korea, even its coverage can be compared to bottles of soju. This drink is the choice of all Koreans and is widely promoted by famous idols. If you are interested in K-pop music, you can definitely see idols taking selfies or taking pictures with this drink.

There are few types of milk that are as popular and beloved by the people of the land of kimchi as banana milk. It is the taste of this drink that makes people fall in love. Milk has a sweet aroma of banana and milk, sweet and fatty milk taste. A great mix for all ages.

You can find this milk at any store in Korea. A box of banana milk will quickly dispel the thirst and fatigue of the journey. A jar of banana milk is also a great start to your breakfast.

Korean Sweet Sandwich (Korean street toast – Gilgeori-toast) (# best korean snack foods)

In Korea, people often eat a variety of breads that are mainly sweet. Therefore, sandwich with sweet jam sandwiched between is one of the popular snacks in this country. You can find strawberry jam, ice cream, chocolate sandwiches at every convenience store, pre-made and carefully packaged.

Sweet sandwich is a type of cake made from two layers of sandwiches (usually leaving the edge of the outside) and sandwiched between a sweet strawberry cream or bitter chocolate. The soft, chewy crust goes well with the filling inside. This serving is especially suitable for a snack of yours. One more box of banana milk is the national snack combo.

Korean Rice Balls (Jumeokbap) (# best korean snacks to bring home)

The beautiful little marble-shaped rice balls like crispy chips are rice balls – chickpeas. If you are a fan of crunchy snacks, this is a dish not to be missed. The main ingredients to make the rices balls are rice and chickpeas. These are two ingredients that are better for your health than a snack.

All that you can feel when you take a bite of the rice ball is the extremely crispy crunch. Moreover, the taste of this dish is so easy to eat that people can’t stop eating. Different from Vietnam’s bim bim, this dish has a sweet taste mixed with a faint peanut butter flavor. A new experience is waiting for you with this dish, try it as soon as you have the chance!

Kkokkalcorn Corn Chips (# best snacks in korea)

If for Vietnamese people, Oishi is the snack brand of childhood, then Kkokkalcorn Corn Chips is the same dish in Korea. These snack packs are bim big packs, which we are very familiar with in Vietnam.

In terms of shape and taste, this dish is almost like our popcorn snack. However, the taste of Koreans will be lighter and more intense. Try this snack as soon as you get the chance. For more fun, try eating like young Koreans: Put each one on your hand to form a fierce set of nails, then nibble on each of these “nails”. Surely, this will be the “gut” dish of those who love delicious corn.

Korean Crunchy Crab Flavored Snack Chips

Korean Crunchy Crab Flavored Snack is also have a long history like crab snacks in Vietnam. This is a snack that is loved by students in this country. The chips are small but very appealing. Crunchy in the mouth and fragrant crab are what we can describe about this childhood dish.

In terms of taste, this snack will have a lighter and sweeter taste than the common type in Vietnam. If you want to experience the taste of Korea’s childhood, don’t hesitate to try this crab snack!

Korean Honey Butter Potato Chips

Certainly, this is a type of snack that is all too familiar to junk food addicts. Recently emerging in Vietnam, this snack is so popular that many people hunt for it to sell but there is not enough supply. In Korea, it also created a big fever.

The taste of this dish is what attracts shoppers. Each piece of crispy potato chips is covered by the delicious honey butter flavor. This is a perfect combination of unexpected flavors, flavors and textures. Its deliciousness makes people of all walks of life, including celebrities, love it.

Pumpkin Monaca (Korean Baked Biscuits)

Indeed, the favorite snack flavor in each country will have its own unique points. For Koreans, they are extremely fond of the pumpkin flavor. One of the favorite dishes with this flavor is Pumpkin Monaca.

The texture of this dish is quite similar to the bear cake that we are so familiar with. The outside of the cake is a cracker crust made from rice. The filling inside is sweet and smooth pumpkin jam. When eating, you will feel the wonderful harmony between the filling and the shell.

Goguma Kkang (Korean Chewy Sweet Potato Snack)

Similar to pumpkin flavor, sweet potato is also a popular flavor in Korean snacks. If you are too familiar with potato snack packs, try new flavors with Goguma Kkang.

The snacks have a moderate crunch so chewing is not too hard. Just like a regular potato snack, Goguma kkang makes the eater unable to stop after taking the first bite. You will feel the sweet potato flavor faintly, fleshy with savory salty taste. This type of snack is high in fiber because it is made from sweet potatoes, so it is also better for your health.

Korea Binggrae Smoky Bacon Chip Snack

The rich, aromatic flavor of the bacon slices is one of the most appealing. It blends well with anything from savory to sweet. Coming to Korea, in addition to enjoying it with the usual dishes, you will definitely enjoy this very unique Bingrae smoky bacon chip snack.

Bingrae bacon snack is a very interesting chips just looking at it. The loaves are made similar to sliced bacon. Take one bite, it’s crunchy right in the mouth with a distinctive flavor. You will be surprised with this creativity.

Skippy Peanut Butter Cookies

Continuing the series of dishes with typical Korean flavors, including peanut butter cream cookies. The people of kimchi love the fatty flavor of nuts, so peanut butter is a favorite among them.

Skippy peanut butter cookies are a favorite snack of peanut butter fans. The cream is soft, greasy, and has a peanut butter flavor as if it was just taken out of the jar. Served with this cream is a crispy cracker. The fat is enhanced by a very sweet and salty taste.

Opt for the Skippy peanut butter ice cream sandwich to satisfy your cravings instantly. No need for any knife or spoon, just open the package and you will taste the delicious flavor that is hard to stop.

Lobster spiced almond

Korea is also a country famous for its delicious nuts. Certainly, packets of almonds, honey-soaked cashews, and popcorn are familiar to snack lovers. For a more enjoyable experience, don’t forget to look for lobster-spiced almonds when coming to this country.

This type of snack retains the same quality of almonds as other snacks. Each nut is round, plump, firm and not damaged. Its seasoning is Cajun lobster – a delectable aromatic flavor. This is one of those rare novelty flavors that can be found anywhere in the world.

Dried squid

With a long coastline, Korea’s seafood and seafood-related snacks are plentiful. Among the traditional dishes, instant dried squid is considered as the national dish. Because this is a dish suitable for all ages from children to adults.

This dish is quite familiar to Vietnamese people. However, it brings strangeness to Western tourists. The taste of sweet and chewy squid is seasoned with spicy, sweet, salty and salty spices, very savory.

With the style of drinking people, eat dried squid with a few cans of cool beer or spicy soju. This is an interesting option for you to gather with friends to enjoy in your spare time. Buying a few packages to your room and then sipping and enjoying a favorite movie is also a good idea for you.

Chocolate Covered Corn Snack

Another slimy snack for you to choose from is Chocolate corn. It may not look appealing, but the snacks inside will surprise you. This is an extremely suitable dish for chocolate lovers and likes the crunchy feeling in their mouth. It’s the unique blend of flavors and textures that make this snack so popular. Compared to the rice-bean snack above, this is a more modern dish and has a darker sweetness.

Lotte Pepero Chocolate Sticks Korean Snack

Pepero long-bar cookies from Lotte brand are the national snack of Korea. Similar to the familiar Pocky cake in our country, these cookies are in the form of sticks and are applied outside a fragrant crust.

If you love to enjoy Pocky, you should definitely try the Korean Pepero. The traditional flavor of Pepero is almond chocolate. However, this cake line also has many unique flavors for you to choose from such as milk chocolate, white chocolate, sprinkle candy and peanut butter. These are new flavors, aren’t they?

Lotte Kancho Choco Biscuits

Another delicious selection from Lotte brand for you. This biscuit is truly amazing.

Each Kancho Choco biscuit is filled with delicious chocolate filling. The outside crust is crispy and melts in the mouth, matching the filling inside. This is also a cake associated with the childhood of many of you, right?

Biscuits with cute small sizes and funny prints. You can eat many at the same time for your mouth. Or, sip each cake to feel the flavor slowly and look at the funny shapes.

Ghana Chocolate

Lotte big brand really knows how to please every customer. With a system of delicious snack products, among them we must mention its Ghana chocolate (Lotte Ghana Milk Chocolate Bar). If you feel the chocolate snacks above aren’t enough to satisfy your cravings, sure, this is a big hit.

Did you know chocolate really took over in Korea only recently – in the last years of the 20th century? This is so surprising! Chocolate was brought to Korea by Westerners during the Korean War. However, until now, the chocolate in this country is as delicious as other countries.

Each beautiful little chocolate is wrapped in a compact, lightweight packaging. You can choose from dark chocolate or milk chocolate flavors depending on your taste. When put in the mouth, they will melt right on the tip of the tongue with a rich flavor.

Lotte Happy Promise Custard Cake

Just like its name – Happy Promise brings the taste of happiness in every piece of cake. Another product line from Lotte, you will have the opportunity to enjoy delicious cakes.

More than what you would think of a regular custard cake, Lotte’s cake has a far superior taste. The texture of the sponge cake is soft, while the filling is smooth and has a rich buttery taste. This blend makes all your sweet cravings satisfied.

Pringles Yogurt and Cola

Pringles potato chips are an addictive snack for everyone. In Korea, besides the traditional flavors, you will surely be surprised by two new flavors: yogurt and cola. Have you ever thought that such sweet treats can make a snack? It is true that Koreans have always had boundless creativity. Just hearing the name, we already want to taste it, right?

The yoghurt-flavored potatoes will have a sweet and sour taste just like yogurt along with a stimulating salty taste. It will give you a taste like eating potato chips with sour cream sauce but with added sugar. As for the cola taste, it’s easier to imagine because it has a true cola taste.

Surely these two types of Pringles will bring a new flavor to your taste buds. This is also a snack that tourists choose to buy as a gift for their trip.

Above are the best snacks in Korea that we would like to introduce to you. The above dishes are a combination from traditional to modern, which will be of endless appeal. If you have time, try to find and try to enjoy this list, you will not regret it.

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