Introduction
When people think of Korean snacks, they usually search for “must-try” items online. However, many of those lists focus on what tourists tend to buy. As a local Korean, I wanted to share snacks that people in Korea actually grow up eating — including some of my personal favorites.
All of these snacks are easy to find at convenience stores and supermarkets in Korea. One small tip: supermarkets are usually cheaper than convenience stores.
What Makes Korean Snacks Special?
Korean snacks often balance sweet and salty flavors in interesting ways. Some are nostalgic childhood treats, while others are classic snacks that have been loved for decades. Here are my honest recommendations based on my own taste and experiences.
1. Banana Kick (바나나킥) (₩1,700)
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| Banana Kick – a light and sweet banana-flavored corn snack loved for its soft texture. |
This is my all-time favorite snack. I’ve loved it since childhood, and it’s still my number one pick.
Banana Kick is light, airy, and gently sweet with a soft banana flavor. It’s perfect when you want something sweet but not too heavy. The texture almost melts in your mouth.
2. Jocheong Yukwa (조청유과) (₩1,700)
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| Jocheong Yukwa – a traditional Korean rice snack coated in sweet grain syrup. |
Jocheong Yukwa is a traditional Korean snack made with rice and grain syrup. It’s not overly sweet, and it has a crispy texture with a mild, grainy flavor.
Many people think of it as an “old-fashioned” snack that grandparents enjoy — and yes, it’s one of my dad’s favorite snacks. But I genuinely like it too. It has a comforting, nostalgic taste that feels very Korean.
3. Ppushu Ppushu / Ramyeon Snack (뿌셔뿌셔) (₩1,500)
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| Ppushu Ppushu – a crunchy ramyeon-style snack you crush and mix with seasoning powder. |
Korea is famous for ramyeon (instant noodles), and this snack reflects that culture.
Ppushu Ppushu is a dry ramyeon-style snack that you crush and mix with seasoning powder. Popular flavors include barbecue, spicy chicken, bulgogi, and tteokbokki.
It’s crunchy, salty, and fun to eat.
4. Saewookkang (새우깡) (₩1,500)
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Saewookkang – a classic Korean shrimp-flavored chip often enjoyed with beer.
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If some countries have nachos as a classic snack, Korea has Saewookkang.
It’s a shrimp-flavored chip that is crispy and slightly salty. It pairs especially well with beer and has been loved for decades.
There’s also a spicy version, often recognized by its darker package design, if you prefer more heat.
5. Kkokkalcorn (꼬깔콘) (₩1,700)
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| Kkokkalcorn – a cone-shaped corn snack with a lightly sweet and savory flavor. |
Kkokkalcorn is a cone-shaped corn snack. The name literally comes from its cone (꼬깔) shape.
It has a lightly sweet and savory corn flavor. A fun way to eat it is to place a small spoon of vanilla ice cream on top of the cone. I used to enjoy it this way with my family when I was younger, and it still feels nostalgic to me.
6. Ppungiyo & Traditional “Ppeong Snack” (뻥이요 / 뻥과자) (₩2,100)
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| Ppungiyo – a light Korean puffed corn snack made using high-pressure popping techniques. |
Ppungiyo is a light corn puff snack that feels similar to Korean-style popcorn.
In Korea, we call these snacks “ppeong snacks” (뻥과자). They are made by placing grains like rice or corn into a high-pressure machine. When the lid is suddenly opened, the pressure drops and the grains puff up with a loud “ppeong” sound — which is how the name was created.
They are light and airy, so you can easily finish a whole bag without noticing. Even though they feel light, the calories can be higher than you expect.
7. Consommé Popcorn (콘소메맛 팝콘) (₩1,800)
This is a popular popcorn snack sold at CU convenience stores.
It has a sweet and salty flavor at the same time. When I first tried it, it felt like discovering a completely new flavor combination. I used to eat this a lot during high school.
If you see it at a convenience store, it’s worth trying at least once.
Convenience Store vs Supermarket: Where Should You Buy?
Most of these snacks are available everywhere in Korea. However, convenience stores usually charge slightly higher prices.
If you want to save money, supermarkets are generally cheaper — especially if you plan to buy multiple snacks.
However, convenience stores are easier to find, and promotional deals like “2+1” or “Buy 1 Get 1 Free” can sometimes make them more affordable.
Final Thoughts
If you visit Korea, I recommend trying at least a few of these. You might discover flavors that feel very different from snacks in your own country.
And who knows? One of them might become your favorite too ! :D
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