Are you planning a trip to South Korea or just curious about the delicious snacks you can find in Korean convenience stores? Look no further! We've compiled a list of the top 10 must-try Korean convenience store snacks that will tantalize your taste buds and give you a true taste of Korean snack culture. From sweet to savory, traditional to modern, these snacks offer a delightful journey through Korea's snack scene. Let's dive in! ๐โโ๏ธ
1. Saeukkang Shrimp Chips (์์ฐ๊นก) ๐ฆ
Saeukkang, pronounced "seh-ooh-kahng," is a classic Korean snack that has been a steady seller since 1971. These shrimp-flavored crackers are shorter than a McDonald's french fry and have twisted ridges around them.
Taste: Saeukkang tastes like fried shrimp with a satisfyingly oily, dense flavor. Each piece feels light and crispy, melting in your mouth.
Perfect Pairing: These chips are ideal with a cold beer, making them a favorite snack at Korean convenience stores.
Price: Approximately $4 for a pack
Review: "A must-try classic! The shrimp flavor is authentic and addictive. Once you start, it's hard to stop!" - Korean snack enthusiast
2. Choco Pie (์ด์ฝํ์ด) ๐ซ
Choco Pie is a beloved Korean snack consisting of two small round layers of cake with marshmallow filling, coated in chocolate. It's similar to a Moon Pie but with its own unique taste and texture.
Taste: Sweet chocolate exterior with a soft, fluffy marshmallow interior and light cake layers.
Fun Fact: Choco Pies are so popular that they've even been used as a form of currency in North Korea!
Price: Around $3 for a box of 12
Review: "The perfect balance of chocolate, marshmallow, and cake. It's no wonder these are loved across Asia!" - Chocolate lover
3. Honey Butter Chips (ํ๋๋ฒํฐ์นฉ) ๐ฏ๐ฅ
These chips caused a snack craze in Korea when they were first released. The unique combination of sweet honey and savory butter on crispy potato chips created long lines at stores and even a black market!
Taste: A perfect blend of sweetness from honey and the rich flavor of butter, all on a crunchy potato chip.
Insider Tip: Try them with a cold glass of milk for an extra delicious experience.
Price: Approximately $2 per bag
Review: "The hype is real! These chips are addictively good. The sweet and salty combination is perfection." - Snack enthusiast
4. Banana Flavored Milk (๋ฐ๋๋๋ง ์ฐ์ ) ๐๐ฅ
This isn't your average flavored milk. Binggrae's banana milk has been a Korean favorite since the 1970s. Its unique bottle shape and creamy banana flavor make it stand out.
Taste: Creamy, sweet banana flavor that's not overpowering. It's like drinking a liquefied banana candy.
Fun Fact: The bottle shape was designed to resemble a banana!
Price: Around $1 per bottle
Review: "A taste of my childhood! It's sweet, creamy, and so satisfying. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack." - Korean expat
5. Pepero (๋นผ๋นผ๋ก) ๐ฅ
Similar to Pocky, Pepero are thin cookie sticks covered in chocolate or other flavored coatings. They come in a wide variety of flavors, from classic chocolate to almond, strawberry, and even cheese!
Taste: Crunchy cookie stick with a sweet coating. Flavors vary but all are delightfully sweet.
Cultural Note: November 11th is "Pepero Day" in Korea, similar to Valentine's Day, where people exchange Pepero.
Price: About $1-2 per box
Review: "So many flavors to choose from! My favorite is the almond one. They're perfect for sharing with friends." - Pepero enthusiast
6. Tteokbokki Snack (๋ก๋ณถ์ด ๊ณผ์) ๐ถ๏ธ
These snacks are inspired by the popular Korean street food tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes). They capture the spicy, sweet flavor of the dish in a crunchy, bite-sized form.
Taste: Spicy and slightly sweet with a satisfying crunch. They often have a red, powdery coating that mimics tteokbokki sauce.
Tip: If you're not into spicy foods, look for the non-spicy version!
Price: Around $2 per bag
Review: "These really taste like tteokbokki! Great way to satisfy my craving when I can't get the real thing." - Spicy food lover
7. Melona (๋ฉ๋ก๋) ๐๐ฆ
Melona is a popular Korean ice cream bar that comes in various flavors, with honeydew melon being the original and most loved.
Taste: Creamy, refreshing, and bursting with fruity flavor. The honeydew melon flavor is particularly authentic and delicious.
Best Time to Enjoy: Perfect for cooling down during hot Korean summers.
Price: About $1 per bar
Review: "So refreshing! The melon flavor is spot on. It's become my go-to summer treat." - Ice cream aficionado
8. Onion Rings (์ํ๋ง) ๐ง
Don't be fooled by the name โ these aren't actual onion rings, but rather ring-shaped chips with a strong onion flavor.
Taste: Crunchy with a bold, savory onion flavor. They're addictively tasty!
Fun Fact: Korean snackers often try to wear these as rings before eating them!
Price: Around $1.50 per bag
Review: "These are dangerously good! The onion flavor is strong but not overwhelming. I always buy multiple bags!" - Chip lover
9. Goguma Kkang (๊ณ ๊ตฌ๋ง๊นก) ๐
These chips are made from sweet potatoes, offering a healthier alternative to regular potato chips while still delivering on flavor.
Taste: Naturally sweet with a satisfying crunch. They capture the essence of Korean sweet potatoes perfectly.
Health Bonus: Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and fiber!
Price: About $2 per bag
Review: "A guilt-free snack that doesn't compromise on taste. The natural sweetness is just right." - Health-conscious snacker
10. Jjolbyeong (์ซ๋ณ) ๐ถ๏ธ๐
Jjolbyeong, produced by Nongshim, combines the chewy texture of rice cakes with bold, spicy flavors. It's inspired by tteokbokki but in a convenient, bite-sized form.
Taste: Chewy and spicy with a sweet undertone. The texture is similar to very al dente pasta.
Pairing Suggestion: Great with beer or soju!
Price: Around $2 per bag
Review: "These are addictive! The chewy texture and spicy flavor make them perfect for snacking while drinking." - Korean food enthusiast
There you have it โ ten amazing Korean convenience store snacks that you absolutely must try! Each one offers a unique taste of Korean snack culture, from traditional flavors to modern innovations. Whether you're planning a trip to Korea or just want to explore Korean snacks from home, these treats are sure to delight your taste buds and give you a new appreciation for Korean snack cuisine. Happy snacking! ๐ฐ๐ท๐
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