Korean snacks are more than just quick bites; they’re a fun and easy way to experience everyday Korean food culture. From long-loved classics like Choco Pie and Shrimp Crackers to modern convenience-store hits like Honey Butter Chips and Turtle Chips, Korea offers an incredible variety of sweet and savory snacks for every taste. Best of all, these treats are affordable, easy to find, and perfect for travelers who want to sample local flavors without sitting down for a full meal. In this guide, you’ll discover the top Korean snacks to try in Korea, where to find them, and which ones make the best souvenirs to bring home.
1. Choco Pie (초코파이)
Choco Pie is one of the most iconic Korean snacks and a beloved comfort food across generations. It features two soft sponge cake layers filled with fluffy marshmallow and coated in smooth chocolate. The sweetness is balanced and mild, making it easy to enjoy without feeling overly sugary. Koreans often eat Choco Pie with coffee or milk, and it is a common snack for school trips, hikes, and picnics. Because it is affordable, easy to pack, and widely available, Choco Pie is also one of the most popular Korean snack souvenirs for travelers.
2. Honey Butter Chips (허니버터칩)
Honey Butter Chips became a national sensation shortly after their release and remain one of Korea’s most famous modern snacks. These thin potato chips are coated with a sweet-and-salty blend of honey and butter, creating a rich yet light flavor that appeals to a wide range of snack lovers. The taste is creamy, slightly sweet, and pleasantly savory without being greasy. In Korea, you’ll often find limited-edition flavors such as honey cheese or maple butter, making them fun to collect and try while traveling.
3. Shrimp Crackers (새우깡)
Shrimp Crackers by Nongshim are a long-running Korean snack classic that has been enjoyed since the 1970s. These light, crunchy sticks are made with shrimp powder, giving them a savory umami flavor without being overly fishy. They are commonly eaten as an anju (snack paired with alcohol), especially with beer, but are just as popular as an everyday treat. Spicy versions are also available for those who enjoy an extra kick, making Shrimp Crackers a versatile and must-try Korean snack.
4. Pepero (빼빼로)
Pepero is a thin biscuit stick dipped in chocolate and is so popular that it has its own unofficial holiday, Pepero Day, on November 11. The classic milk chocolate version is just the beginning; other varieties include almond, cookie crumble, white chocolate, and chocolate-filled options. Because each stick is light and crisp, Pepero is easy to share or snack on throughout the day. Limited-edition designs and K-pop collaborations make Pepero especially appealing as a fun and culturally meaningful souvenir.
5. Turtle Chips (꼬북칩)
Turtle Chips stand out for their unique multi-layered structure, which creates an extra-crispy and airy crunch. Each chip is folded into several thin layers that resemble a turtle shell, giving it a distinctive texture unlike standard chips. Popular flavors include corn soup, choco churro, and sweet cinnamon, offering both savory and dessert-style options. Turtle Chips consistently rank among the top-selling Korean snacks and are easy to find in most convenience stores and supermarkets.
6. Kkokkal Corn (꼬깔콘)
Kkokkal Corn, also known as Popping Corn Chips, is a cone-shaped corn snack with a light crunch and toasty flavor. It is mildly salted and less greasy than many other chips, making it easy to eat in larger quantities. A playful tradition is placing the cones on your fingertips before eating them, a habit many Koreans remember from childhood. Available in original, spicy, and seasonal flavors, Kkokkal Corn offers a taste of everyday Korean snack culture.
7. Jolly Pong (죠리퐁)
Jolly Pong is a puffed grain snack with a subtle caramel sweetness and an airy, crunchy texture. Its cereal-like shape makes it versatile; many Koreans enjoy it straight from the bag or with milk like breakfast cereal. The flavor is lightly sweet and toasted, making it less heavy than many Western caramel snacks. Jolly Pong is especially popular among those who enjoy nostalgic, simple flavors and is easy to find in convenience stores and supermarkets.
8. Dried Seaweed Snacks (김 스낵)
Roasted seaweed snacks, known as gim, are thin sheets of seaweed brushed with oil and lightly salted. They offer a crisp texture and a clean, savory flavor that is surprisingly addictive. Snack-size packs are perfect for eating on the go, while thicker seaweed crisps layered with rice crackers provide extra crunch. These snacks are popular with health-conscious travelers because they are low in calories while still delivering bold flavor.
9. Market O Real Brownie (마켓오 리얼 브라우니)
Market O Real Brownie is a rich, fudgy chocolate brownie snack that feels closer to a bakery dessert than a packaged treat. Each brownie is individually wrapped, making it convenient for travel or gifting. The texture is dense and chewy with a deep cocoa flavor, appealing to chocolate lovers who prefer less artificial sweetness. Stylish packaging and consistent quality make these brownies a popular Korean snack souvenir, especially when purchased in value boxes from large supermarkets.
10. Traditional Korean Sweet Snacks (한과)
Traditional Korean sweets, known as hangwa, offer a deeper cultural experience beyond modern convenience-store snacks. Popular types include yakgwa (fried honey cookies) and gangjeong (crispy rice or nut clusters coated in syrup). These sweets use natural ingredients and have a milder, more refined sweetness compared to modern candy. Often associated with holidays and special occasions, hangwa can be found in traditional markets, department-store food halls, and specialty shops, making them excellent gifts with cultural significance.
Where to Buy Korean Snacks in Korea
Most modern Korean snacks are easy to find at convenience stores such as CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven, which are everywhere and perfect for quick sampling. Supermarkets and hypermarkets usually offer better prices, multipacks, and souvenir boxes, making them ideal for bulk purchases. For traditional sweets like hangwa, traditional markets and department-store food halls are the best places to explore a wider selection of artisanal options.
Conclusion
Trying Korean snacks is one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to connect with Korea’s food culture while traveling. Whether you gravitate toward sweet favorites like Pepero and Market O Real Brownie, crave savory options like Shrimp Crackers and seaweed snacks, or want to explore traditional Korean sweets such as hangwa, there’s something for every palate. With convenience stores and supermarkets found on nearly every street, sampling these snacks is effortless and budget-friendly. Be sure to mix classic staples with trendy new flavors, and don’t forget to stock up on your favorites. They make tasty memories and excellent souvenirs long after your trip to Korea ends.
