Korean snacks have become more than just simple treats—they are now a major part of K-FOOD culture enjoyed around the world. With their unique combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors, they are easy to enjoy on a first try and often become addictive. If you are looking for Korean snacks to bring home from Korea, a Korean snacks to buy list, or even Korean snacks only in Korea as souvenirs, this guide is perfect for you. It also includes great options for kids, first-time visitors who want snacks to try, and travelers searching for Korean snacks near me while shopping in Korea.
Popular Korean Snack Brands in Convenience Stores in Korea
Korean snacks are produced by various brands, reflecting their diverse flavors and varieties. Among them are representative Korean snack brands that have been consistently loved for a long time and are familiar to many people. The famous and delicious brands among them are as follows.
Orion – Kkobuk Chip and Goraebap
Orion is one of South Korea’s most iconic snack brands and the maker of many beloved products, including Choco Pie, Kkobuk Chip, and Goraebap. Known for its wide variety of snacks, ranging from sweet chocolate treats to crispy savory chips, Orion has earned popularity not only in Korea but also in international markets. Its innovative flavors and high-quality products continue to make it a favorite among snack lovers worldwide.
Nongshim – Shrimp Crackers, Banana Kick, and Potato Chips
While Nongshim is best known for its instant noodles, the company is also a major player in the snack industry. Popular products such as Shrimp Crackers, Banana Kick, and potato chips have been enjoyed by generations of consumers. Nongshim is known for its flavorful and addictive savory snacks, many of which have become iconic favorites in Korea and continue to be loved by snack enthusiasts today.
Lotte Wellfood – Pepero and Kancho
Lotte Wellfood (formerly Lotte Confectionery) is one of Korea’s leading snack manufacturers, known for popular products such as Pepero, Kancho, and Butter Coconut. The company has a strong presence in the chocolate snack and biscuit market, offering a wide range of treats enjoyed by consumers of all ages. Lotte Wellfood also keeps its product lineup fresh and exciting by regularly introducing seasonal flavors and limited-edition releases, which continue to attract strong consumer interest.
Crown Confectionery – Jolly Pong and Sando
Finally, Crown Confectionery is a well-established Korean snack brand with a long history. The company is known for popular products such as Sando and Jolly Pong, which have been enjoyed by consumers for many years. Crown Confectionery has built a loyal customer base by offering snacks with distinctive flavors and creative concepts that set its products apart from those of other brands.
Korean snack brands each have their own unique characteristics and appeal, providing consumers with a wide variety of choices. From sweet chocolate treats and biscuits to savory chips and traditional favorites, these brands continue to innovate while preserving the flavors that have made them popular for generations. Thanks to the diverse products offered by companies such as Orion, Nongshim, Lotte Wellfood, and Crown Confectionery, Korean snacks remain widely loved both in Korea and around the world. Together, these brands play a leading role in shaping Korea’s vibrant snack industry and introducing Korean flavors to global consumers.
The Most Popular Korean Snacks
Among international consumers, chocolate and sweet snacks such as Choco Pie, Pepero, and Kancho are some of the most popular Korean treats. One reason for their widespread appeal is their familiar flavor profiles. Since chocolate-based snacks are enjoyed around the world, these products are easy for first-time consumers to appreciate. Their combination of sweetness, convenience, and unique Korean branding has helped them gain popularity both in Korea and overseas. In addition, products like Pepero have become cultural icons through events such as Pepero Day, while Choco Pie is often recognized as one of Korea’s most representative snack exports. These factors have contributed to their lasting popularity among global consumers.
Orion Turtle Chips – A snack that feels crispy four times over
Turtle Chips (Kkobuk Chips) are one of Korea’s most unique and popular snacks. Their name comes from their distinctive shape, which resembles a turtle’s shell. What sets Turtle Chips apart is their special four-layer structure, creating a light yet incredibly crispy texture that feels different from ordinary chips. As soon as you open the bag, a rich, savory aroma fills the air. With each bite, the multiple layers deliver a satisfying crunch that unfolds one layer at a time, making the snack both fun and enjoyable to eat. This unique texture has become one of the product’s biggest attractions.
The original Corn Soup flavor is known for its savory and slightly salty taste, while Chocolate Churros became a fan favorite for those who enjoy sweeter snacks. In recent years, new flavors such as Matcha Chocolate and BBQ Chimichurri have helped Turtle Chips maintain their reputation as a trendy and innovative snack. Although an 80g bag contains around 450 calories, its addictive flavor and airy texture often make it difficult to stop after just a few bites. Before you know it, the entire bag may be gone.
Choco Pie – Korea’s Iconic Sweet Snack
Choco Pie is one of Korea’s most famous and beloved snacks. It consists of a soft marshmallow filling sandwiched between two layers of cake and coated in a rich chocolate shell. The most well-known version is Orion’s Choco Pie Jeong, which was first introduced in 1974 and has since become a household favorite.
The appeal of Choco Pie lies in its combination of textures and flavors. Each bite delivers a soft, fluffy marshmallow center, moist cake layers, and a smooth chocolate coating, creating a sweet and satisfying treat enjoyed by people of all ages.
Many fans enjoy Choco Pie chilled, as the cooler temperature enhances the richness of the chocolate coating. It also pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk, making it an ideal snack for any time of day. Thanks to its comforting taste and convenient packaging, Choco Pie is popular not only as an everyday snack but also as a thoughtful gift and a symbol of Korean snack culture.
Jorypong – A Korean-style cereal that is finished when added to milk
(사진출처: 콩콩콩 라이프)
Jolly Pong is a classic Korean snack made from puffed grains coated in a light caramel glaze. Known for its crispy texture and subtly sweet flavor, it delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite. While it is delicious on its own, many people enjoy it with milk, where it softens slightly and takes on a cereal-like texture, creating a simple yet comforting treat.
For decades, Jolly Pong has been enjoyed by children and adults alike, serving as a popular snack, lunchbox treat, and nostalgic favorite. In recent years, its popularity has expanded beyond traditional snacking, with creative uses in beverages and desserts such as Jolly Pong Lattes, ice cream toppings, and specialty café drinks. The enduring appeal of Jolly Pong lies in its simplicity. The combination of crunchy puffed grains and sweet caramel flavor creates a uniquely addictive taste that has stood the test of time. Thanks to its versatility and nostalgic charm, Jolly Pong is often considered one of Korea’s most iconic cereal-style snacks.
Squid Peanuts – The Perfect Sweet-and-Salty Snack
Squid Peanuts are a popular Korean snack that combines crunchy peanuts with a savory squid-flavored coating. Their perfect balance of salty, nutty, and slightly sweet flavors makes them both satisfying and addictive. Loved for decades, Squid Peanuts are enjoyed as an everyday snack and are especially popular for movie nights, social gatherings, and casual snacking. Their simple yet distinctive flavor has made them a longtime favorite among Korean consumers.
Although a single bag contains around 490 calories, its satisfying crunch and addictive flavor can make it difficult to stop after just a few handfuls. Combining crispiness, nuttiness, and savory seasoning, Squid Peanuts remain a nostalgic favorite for many adults while continuing to attract new generations of snack enthusiasts.
Best Korean Snacks Loved by BLACKPINK Jennie – Must-Try Snack List
Goraebap, Saewookkang, and Banana Kick are popular Korean snacks famously introduced by BLACKPINK’s Jennie. While all three are long-selling favorites in Korea, their combination feels fresh and intriguing to many international fans.
Goraebap and Saewookkang are known for their light, crispy texture and savory flavor, making them highly addictive. Saewookkang, in particular, stands out for its subtle seafood taste, which can be unique for first-time foreign consumers.
Banana Kick offers a completely different experience with its sweet banana aroma and airy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. In countries where banana-flavored snacks are less common, it often surprises people as a fun and unusual treat.
Together, these snacks showcase a mix of sweet, salty, and unique flavors, making them a great introduction to Korean snacks for newcomers.
Shrimp Crackers – The Perfect Beer Snack (Original & Spicy)
Saewookkang (Shrimp Crackers) is a classic Korean snack that tastes great on its own, but is especially popular as a beer snack. The spicy version adds a mild heat that balances perfectly with its salty, savory flavor, making it a favorite choice for casual drinking.
Loved for over 50 years, it has become a true “national snack” in Korea, commonly enjoyed in school canteens, travel snacks, military PX stores, and at baseball stadiums.
It is also well known internationally thanks to K-pop stars. BLACKPINK’s Jennie has mentioned enjoying Saewookkang, and Rosé has appeared as a brand model, helping introduce this iconic snack to global audiences.
Banana Kick – Sweet Banana Snack That Melts in Your Mouth
Banana Kick is a popular banana-flavored snack from Nongshim, first launched in 1978. It is one of Korea’s most iconic treats, known for its light, airy texture that literally melts in your mouth. When you open the bag, a sweet banana aroma fills the air, followed by a soft, crispy bite with a flavor similar to banana milk. With around 360–380 kcal per 75g pack, it is a light yet highly addictive snack.
Unlike many savory or crunchy snacks, Banana Kick stands out for its gentle, sweet taste and unique texture. It pairs well with milk, coffee, or even ice cream, making it a versatile treat for all ages. Over time, it has become a nostalgic favorite in Korea and remains popular among both children and adults.
A national salty snack that transcends generations – Golaebap
Orion Goraebap is a crispy, bite-sized Korean snack first launched in 1984. Shaped like various sea creatures, it has long been loved for its fun design and savory taste. Inside each bag, you’ll find playful shapes such as fish, octopuses, crabs, turtles, pufferfish, and even sharks. This makes eating Goraebap not only tasty but also entertaining, especially for children.
Known for its light crunch and salty, savory flavor, Goraebap has remained popular across generations. For many adults in Korea, it also brings back nostalgic memories of childhood snacks shared with friends, making it both a fun and sentimental treat.
Yakgwa (Korean Honey Cookie) – Traditional Chewy Korean Dessert
Yakgwa is a traditional Korean dessert made by deep-frying wheat flour dough and then soaking it in honey or syrup. It has a unique texture that is slightly crisp on the outside while remaining soft and chewy inside, with a rich sweetness from honey and a subtle aroma of sesame oil.
Traditionally enjoyed during holidays and special occasions in Korea, Yakgwa has recently regained popularity among younger generations as a trendy dessert. It pairs especially well with coffee or tea, making it an easy and appealing introduction to traditional Korean sweets for international consumers.
Conclusion
Korean snacks are more than just sweet or salty treats—they offer unique textures, flavors, and experiences that make every bite enjoyable. From the soft and nostalgic taste of Choco Pie to the addictive crunch of Turtle Chips, the cereal-like comfort of Jolly Pong, and the traditional sweetness of Yakgwa, Korean snacks come in a wide variety of styles that appeal to all kinds of tastes.
In recent years, Korean snacks have gained even more global attention thanks to K-pop, YouTube, and social media. As a result, they are now widely recognized as “must-try” foods for international consumers.
Ultimately, Korean snacks are no longer just simple treats—they have become a part of Korean food culture enjoyed and shared around the world.