Top 10 Korean Convenience Store Snacks You Can't Miss in 2025! 🇰🇷🍫🍿
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! 🏊♂️
1. Saeukkang Shrimp Chips (새우깡) 🦐
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 (초코파이) 🍫
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 (허니버터칩) 🍯🥔
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 (바나나맛 우유) 🍌🥛
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 (빼빼로) 🥖
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 (떡볶이 과자) 🌶️
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 (메로나) 🍈🍦
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 (양파링) 🧅
Don't be fooled by the name – 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 (고구마깡) 🍠
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 (쫄병) 🌶️🍝
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 – 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! 🇰🇷🎉
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