Seoul Sweet: 6 of the Best Korean Candy Brands You Need to Taste
January 11, 2024What is the best Korean candy that has ever been produced? If you can only answer Dalgona candy, you're missing out. Get ready because The Daebak Company is listing down some of the best Korean candy products in the market.
From iconic brands like Pepero to street food classics like Hotteok, join us on an indulging sugar rush that'll cure your sweet tooth! Is your favorite candy on the list? Find out!
6 Best Korean Candy Brands to Have Ever Existed
Korean Candy # 1: Choco Pie
How could we talk about candy without mentioning the beloved classic: the choco pie .
Since the dawn of time, or in 1974 in this case, Koreans have indulged in this sweet, chocolatey treat.
It's best paired with milk, coffee, or tea. It is also an excellent substitute for Smores because of its gooey and pillowy soft interior.
Korean Candy # 2: Pepero
The equivalent to its counterpart, the Japanese Pocky, Pepero is a South Korean biscuit stick coated in various types of flavors, most famously, chocolate and almond.
Created by Lotte Wellfood Co. (formerly known as Lotte Confectionery) in 1983, this candy has gained immense popularity due to its convenient packaging and delicious taste.
It has also been modeled alongside familiar faces such as IU and the newest it girl group, NewJeans .
Korean Candy #3: Hotteok
If you've ever been on the streets of South Korea, you might have seen this pancake.
Also called a sweet Korean pancake, this is a snack made from wheat flour dough and filled with sugar, honey, peanuts, or cinnamon. The dough is flattened on a griddle and served piping hot, which is the perfect treat on a cold day.
Korean Candy #4: Kopiko
If you regularly watch K-Dramas, you might have seen this candy being eaten by your favorite celebrities.
As seen on famous K-Dramas like Vincenzo or Hometown Cha Cha Cha , this candy will energize you instantly.
Kopiko is made from natural coffee extracted from Hawaiian-grown coffee beans.
Because of its popularity, it is often mistaken for a Korean-made product. In truth, the candy was created in Indonesia.
Because of Koreans' love for coffee, this sweet candy has become a staple in the country.
Korean Candy #5: Ghana Chocolate
Sourced from high-quality cocoa beans in Ghana, a country in West Africa, this rich and flavorful cocoa is appreciated by those who prefer a premium and delicious chocolate taste.
This snack can be enjoyed as is and can even be used for baking since it adds depth and richness to cakes, cookies, or brownies. You can pair it with nuts, fruits, and a glass of wine to enhance the overall experience.
Korean Candy#6: Yakgwa
Yakgwa is a traditional sweet pastry in Korea. It is made from wheat flour, honey, and oil, often deep-fried and soaked in honey, sugar, and water syrup. This gives it its signature glossy appearance and chewy texture.
Although it is not a regularly consumed snack, locals often eat yakgwa during celebrations, holidays such as Chuseok , and other special occasions.
It's a treat rich in history and remains a culturally significant Korean cuisine enjoyed by many.
With its flavors and cultural significance to Korea, these snacks are more than just something to nibble on when you're hungry. They've become Korean staples that are sure to live on for years.
So, did any of these Korean candy items catch your eye? Which one do you plan on indulging in first?
Are You Craving More?
What sweet treat is considered Korea’s national candy?
Yakgwa, or honey cookie, is a deep-fried, wheat-based hang or confection made with honey, Gyeongju, sesame oil, and ginger juice.
What is the history behind the choco pie?
The choco pie originated in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA, in 1919. It was later introduced by Lee Yung-gu of Orion in 1974 after trying a moon pie in Georgia, USA.
How is dried squid enjoyed in South Korea?
While dried squid is enjoyable on its own, most Koreans prefer to indulge in this sweet and savory snack while drinking alcohol.