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Korean snack culture is one of the most exciting and creative in the world. From convenience store shelves packed with novel flavors to iconic brands that have endured for decades, Korea produces snacks that are genuinely unlike anything you will find anywhere else. Here are 10 Korean snacks that every first-timer needs to try.
1. Honey Butter Chips
When Haitai launched Honey Butter Chips in 2014, they caused a national frenzy. The combination of sweet honey and rich butter coating a crispy potato chip was so popular that stores sold out within hours. Honey Butter Chips remain one of Korea's most popular chip flavors and a must-try for anyone new to Korean snacks.
2. Choco Pie
Choco Pie is the Korean equivalent of an Oreo in terms of cultural ubiquity. Made by Orion, it consists of two soft marshmallow-filled cakes sandwiched together and coated in chocolate. It has been around since 1974 and is sold in over 60 countries worldwide.
3. Pepero
Pepero are thin biscuit sticks dipped in chocolate, made by Lotte. Korea even has Pepero Day on November 11 (11/11), when people exchange boxes of Pepero as gifts. The original chocolate almond variety is the classic starting point.
4. Tteokbokki Chips
Tteokbokki-flavored chips, crackers, and puffs capture the sweet heat of the original dish in a convenient snack form. Start mild and work your way up through the heat levels.
5. Shrimp Crackers (Saewoo Kkang)
Nongshim's shrimp crackers have a distinctive mild shrimp flavor and satisfying crunch that has made them a classic since 1971. They come in a range of flavors from plain salted to seaweed and honey.
6. Homerun Ball
Homerun Ball snacks are small, round puffed corn balls filled with a chocolate cream center. The baseball-themed packaging has remained largely unchanged since the 1970s, and they remain enormously popular.
7. Banana Kick
Banana Kick is a puffed corn snack with a banana cream flavor, made by Nongshim. The combination of corn puff texture and artificial banana flavor is unexpectedly delicious. It is light, sweet, and mildly fruity.
8. Yopokki Instant Tteokbokki
Yopokki is a self-contained instant tteokbokki cup that lets you make Korea's favorite street food at home in minutes. It is available in original, rose (creamy), cheese, and carbonara varieties.
9. Crown Custard Cake
Crown Custard is a soft, individually wrapped sponge cake filled with sweet custard cream. It is a lighter, less sweet alternative to Choco Pie and is popular as a school snack.
10. Binggrae Banana Milk
Technically a drink, Binggrae Banana Milk is so iconic in Korean snack culture that it belongs on any starter list. The distinctive barrel-shaped plastic bottle has been unchanged since 1974, and the mild, sweet banana-flavored milk inside has become one of Korea's most beloved comfort drinks.
The best way to explore Korean snacks is to try them all. SnackFever is a monthly subscription box shipping Korea's most beloved snacks, seasonal favorites, and exclusive flavors worldwide.