Introduction
If you’re planning to visit Korea this year, then you should check out some of the most unique snacks that you can find in local and convenience stores. Snacks are the perfect gift and memories to collect to bring back home, and with hypermarkets like Lotte Mart and E-Mart in Korea, it’s easy to collect these snacks as much as you want.
While you may be aware of the famous Honey Butter Chips, Choco Pies and Buldak Ramyun, there are many more snacks that you must try. Let’s explore some of the unique Korean snacks that you can find.
Disclaimer: This article might make you hungry…a LOT!
1. Turtle Chips
Turtle Chips have become popular in Korea these days. These chips are crunchy, crispy and come in a variety of flavors and spice-levels. These chips are quite addicting and are catered for every palate. If you’re on the fun side and don’t mind tasting new flavors, then you should try Turtle Chips’ cinnamon, chocolate or truffle flavors.
2. Azuki Bean Rice Ball Snacks
Azuki Bean Rice Ball snacks are light, crunchy, and fluffy balls of flavor and addiction. They have a tinge of sweetness for the perfect hit, and hear this…you might even taste a little bit of peanut butter somewhere as well. These rice balls may just be the perfect go-to snack when you’re in Korea.
3. Kkokkalcorn
Kkokkalcorn are the Korean version of Bugles more or less. You can use the corn-shaped chips on your fingertips and act as if you have big claws or nails before snacking on them one by one. That’s the only fun way to eat it, but be careful, these Kkokkalcorn are highly addictive and satisfying.
4. Shrimp Crackers
You may have heard of the famous South Korean brand, Nongshim. It’s widely known for its instant noodle brands like Shin Ramyun. Their Shrimp Crackers or Saeukkang, is one of their popular snacks. It has a slight french fries look to it, but the shrimp flavor and the crispy and crunchy texture makes it the perfect snack. While their shrimp flavor is famous, you can still find other flavors too depending on your taste buds, so be sure to check them out!
5. Tteokbokki Rice Cake Chips
Tteokbokki, also known as spicy rice cakes, are a famous Korean street food and is loved by many. You may have watched your favorite K-drama actors and actresses have Tteokbokki too in dramas!
Fortunately, the flavor of Tteokbokki has made its way to the snack industry. Tteokbokki Rice Cake Chips is a fun treat with the traditional flavor of Korea. Sure, eating the real thing is the real deal, but when you’re at home, and you’re lazy to go to the kitchen, you’d prefer something quick, tasty, and crunchy to snack on, right?
These chips are in the shape of the real tteokbokki and offer the same sweet and spicy taste. These chips come in different flavors and spice levels. There are many brands who make Tteokbokki flavored chips, so you can easily find the variations depending on your preference.
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6. Seaweed chips
One of the unique Korean snacks is Seaweed chips, or Gim-bugak. It has a unique mix of taste, crisp, and–drum roll please–-health benefits! Seaweed chips are made from fried seaweed pieces, and is blended with salt, glutinious rice, and sesame seed, creating a harmony in the mouth like no other. The coating is crispy and the texture, crunchy. The smell of seaweed is sure to remind you of the ocean’s charm.
Seaweed chips provide a wide range of benefits as they are packed with minerals, and vitamins like A, B6, and B12. So if you’re someone who is looking to snack on something healthy without feeling guilty, then you found your perfect snack!
7. Korean Almonds
If you’re someone who enjoys munching on nuts, then these Korean-style almonds will make your day. From sweet to savory, you can find these Korean almonds in a wide variety of flavors. That’s what makes them unique! The almonds are crunched to perfection and are coated with fun and unique flavors like matcha, pretzel, caramel, and even baked corn.
If you’re in Seoul, then try to find HBAF’s Honey Butter Almond that’s famous for its rich butter and honey flavor. You can find more flavors of the same brand such as Tteokbokki, and Roasted Seaweed.
8. Dried Squid
Have you ever thought of eating dried squid while watching K-drama? Well, now you do because while it may sound a little weird, dried squid is a snack that’s similar to beef jerky in terms of texture. It’s saltier than regular snacks but full of protein! You’d enjoy this snack if you already like eating beef jerky or calamari.
9. Crab Chips
If you’re a seafood lover, then you must know that crabs are a must when you’re making any seafood dish at home. But what if you can get the flavor of crab in a crunchy snack?
These crab chips are slightly sweeter than the shrimp chips, and the burst of flavors is sure to keep you wanting more of it. Grab a bag of these amazing crab chips and pair it with your favorite drink to get the perfect snack.
10. Skippy Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
Fans of Skippy Peanut Butter, it’s time to rejoice: the ideal packaged snack has been created from this top-selling peanut butter. You wouldn’t even require a knife and a container of Skippy to enjoy the delicious taste of skippy peanut butter. These Skippy Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies are sure to evoke the fond memories of peanut butter and crackers. Sweet and salty, ideal for hiding it from your siblings!
11. Double Dip Pepero
If you enjoy snacking on Pepero from time to time (or all the time!) The Double Dip Pepero line is worth purchasing. Whether you're Team Pepero or Team Pocky, these double dip pepero are extra thick and covered twice with two different layers of flavoured chocolate.
With a base layer of white cream chocolate, this cookie snack is available in traditional flavours including strawberry and chocolate. Look for the Yoghurt and Caffe Latte varieties if you want to try something more intriguing.
12. Lotte Corn Soup Kokal Snack
A traditional childhood snack from Korea, kokkal corn snacks are lightweight and airy, with a hint of sweetness and a well-balanced salty taste. It may just be a fun snack to munch on if you’re bored or need something to make your stomach from growling.
The only ingredient is the ‘Corn Soup Flavor Seasoning’, so you’ll definitely have to give this snack the benefit of doubt and try it!
13. Lobster Seasoning Almonds
Flavoured almonds, such as wasabi or honey butter, are yet another must-have item for Korean travel. But guess what? you can now also buy tasty Lobster Seasoning Almonds.
Rather than tasting like lobster, these are flavoured more like cajun lobster seasoning. It's definitely not the same as a juicy lobster claw, but it may suffice if you’re someone who is craving for the flavor of lobster every now and then.
Conclusion
Snacks in Korea are different and interesting, extending far beyond the popular staples like chocolate pies and honey butter chips. There is something to suit every palate and craving, from the traditional dried squid to the crispy Turtle Chips with their fascinating flavours.
These distinctive Korean snacks offer a delectable culinary excursion for your taste buds, whether you're planning a vacation to Korea or you're just seeking to add some new snacks to your repertoire. Korean snacks offer an array of flavours to enjoy and explore, ranging from the comforting reimagining of classic flavours to the thrilling discovery of completely new ones.
Image Sources:
https://www.ubuy.co.in/product/17O6YOA-korean-orion-new-four-layers-turtle-chips-corn-soup-flavor-3-packs
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https://ofoodeurope.com/product/seaweed-chips/
https://www.ubuy.co.in/product/46CBHZGFC-gilim-toms-farm-korean-seasoned-almonds-snack-3-pack-honey-butter-150g-wasabi-150g-caramel-almond-amp-pretzel-120g-perfect-for-gifts
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Author: Aaliyah
