People in South Korea take their snacking very seriously. From packaged snacks available across departmental stores to homemade recipes, you will find a wide variety of options when it comes to snacking. The snack-making companies are constantly creating new flavours and types of snacks, much to the delight of people. You will be amazed by the wide variety of Korean snacks available in the markets. From fan-favourite snacks like choco pie, gourmet chocolates, rice balls, corn chips, chilsung cider and seaweed snacks to some exotic items like dried squid, custard cakes, sweet potato chips, waffle biscuits, etc., you will be spoilt for choice. You can also find a wide selection of instant ramen, cup ramen and other instant noodles like chapaguri, buldak noodles, etc. Here are some of the most famous Korean snacks.
Here are some of the best Korean snacks for you to nibble on
Turtle chips
Turtle chips are one of the most famous Korean snacks you can find. These crispy, crunchy snacks get their name from a resemblance to a turtle’s shell. They come in a wide range for you to choose from, with normal flavours like masala, lime, and tangy tomato to quirky flavours like chocolate, sweet soybean, truffle, seaweed, cinnamon, and more, these Korean chips are always in hot demand.
Topokki
Tteokbokki, or topokki, is another famous Korean snack. The main ingredient in this snack is Korean rice cakes. Also available as an instant snack in stores, topokki is a hit among people looking for a quick but hearty meal. Paired with a flavourful sauce and seaweed garnishing, you must try these Korean rice cakes and will fall in love right with the first bite.
Lotte pepero sticks
This Korean sweet snack is so famous in Korea that it has its own holiday. Crunchy, sweet, chocolatey, and easy to eat, Lotte pepero sticks are the perfect snack. Covered with chocolate and then coated in sprinkles, it is no wonder this Korean sweet snack is so popular everywhere in the world. You can choose from flavours like the original chocolate, strawberry, white chocolate, almond and even a chocolate-filled version.
Honey butter chips
These honey butter chips are so famous that they go out of stock, as soon as they hit the shelves. Ever since their release, these chips have caused a sensation among locals. A favourite of many celebrities, this snack is even famous among celebrities, with many idols, actors, etc., spotted enjoying a pack. Such is the demand for these chips that people buy by the box to avoid going out of stock, keeping their demand constantly high.
Shin ramyun cup noodles
Koreans love their cup noodles. If you visit a convenience store in Korea or a Korean store in other countries, you will be left shocked by the sheer number of choices one has to choose from. One of the top brands out of the many different ramen is Nongshim’s shin ramyun. It comes in many flavours, from mild kimchi flavour to a hot version, making trying this snack even more fun.
Banana milk
A sweet drink that has been around for at least four decades, it continues to reign as one of the most popular Korean drinks. It is just the right amount of sweetness, and the best part about it is that the banana flavour is not overwhelming. It is a perfect drink to pair with spicy food or to cool down on a hot summer day.
Shrimp crackers
Although, at first glance, these shrimp crackers might seem like a weird food combination, try them once, and you will be hooked. These are puffed wheat crisps with shrimp-flavoured seasoning. That means that not only are these crackers delicious, but they are also healthier than their counterparts, thanks to them being baked instead of fried.
Yakgwa
A traditional Korean sweet, which is also famous as a snack in today’s times, it is delightfully light and flaky. These honey-laden cookie-type snacks come in many alluring shapes, from flowers, diamonds, etc., to simpler shapes like squares, circles, etc. This snack is also traditionally served on special occasions like birthdays, weddings, etc.
Roasted seaweed
Seaweed is rich in vitamins and other nutrients, which makes it beneficial for health. It is one of the most commonly used ingredients in Korean cuisine. It is an essential ingredient in many soups and stews. Seaweed is also used in dishes like gimbap and as garnishing on dishes like Korean fried rice, ramen and more. But, one of the easiest and most delicious ways to enjoy seaweed is to roast some seaweed sheets and nibble on them with a dipping sauce, if you like. It is a healthy snack and is readily available in stores.