Popular Korean Snacks Sweet Savory Must Try K Snacks

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Hey everyone! Have you ever found yourself craving something delicious and unique, but just couldn’t decide what? Well, if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably heard a lot about popular Korean snacks. It’s like, everywhere you look, there’s a new K-drama, K-pop song, or K-snack making waves!

Honestly, Korean snacks are more than just food; they’re a whole experience. From sweet and savory potato chips to chewy traditional treats, there’s truly something for every palate. I mean, who can resist that perfect blend of flavors and textures?

I’m really excited to take you on a journey to explore some of the most beloved Korean snacks out there. We’ll dive into what makes them so special, where they came from, and why they’ve captured hearts both in Korea and around the world. So, let’s get started and discover your next favorite K-snack!

Honey Butter Chips: The Sweet Craze That Swept Korea

A close-up of a bag of Honey Butter Chips with some chips scattered around, showcasing their golden color and sweet glaze.

When we talk about popular Korean snacks, it’s impossible not to mention Honey Butter Chips (허니버터칩). I remember when these first came out in May 2014, they caused an absolute frenzy across Korea! It was like, overnight, everyone had to get their hands on a bag, and they were selling over a million units a day, can you believe it?

What makes them so addictive, you ask? Well, it’s that perfect blend of crispy potato chip, sweet honey, and rich butter. It’s a flavor combination that’s just irresistible. Even now in 2025, they’re still super popular, especially special editions like the Canada Maple Syrup limited edition during winter, priced at around 1,000 KRW. You can learn more about Korea’s trending snacks in 2025 to see just how impactful they are!

The lasting appeal of Honey Butter Chips has even led to various spin-offs, like a Hot & Spicy version. It just goes to show that a great snack can really stand the test of time, becoming a bestseller for over a decade!

Choco Pie: Korea’s Timeless Marshmallow Delight

Next up, let’s talk about Choco Pie (초코파이)! This snack is a true Korean classic, first introduced by Orion in 1974. Seriously, it’s been around for so long that it feels like a part of everyone’s childhood. It’s essentially a graham cracker cake filled with marshmallow and coated in chocolate, which, you know, sounds pretty simple, but it’s just perfect.

Many people call it Korea’s version of the American Moon Pie, and I can totally see why. It’s portable, comforting, and has this nostalgic taste that just brings you back. You can find them everywhere, from convenience stores to supermarkets, and they sell hundreds of millions of them every year!

In 2025, there are some really exciting new flavors too, like Injeolmi and Caramel Salt filling, sold under the Chocopie House brand at Lotte Mart, usually for about 1,000-2,000 KRW each. It’s amazing how a classic can keep reinventing itself, right? If you want to know more about Orion, you can check their official website.

Honey Butter Almonds: A Nutty, Buttery Sensation for Everyone

A colorful display of various Honey Butter Almonds packages on a store shelf.

Alright, if you love nuts, you absolutely have to try Honey Butter Almonds (허니버터아몬드). These are just as famous as Choco Pies and Honey Butter Chips, I swear! They’re basically almonds coated with that irresistible honey and butter flavor, and they’re produced by several brands, with HBAF being a really popular one.

What’s cool is how many different flavors they have. In 2025, you can find everything from Hot & Spicy Chicken to Garlic Bread and Tteokbokki flavors, especially on Amazon. It’s truly amazing how they keep coming up with new, exciting variations! I’ve seen them described as a perfect companion for watching K-dramas, and I totally agree.

Just a little tip, though: if you’re buying them in places like Myeongdong, be cautious about the quality if they’re super cheap. Usually, they cost around 5,000-10,000 KRW per 100g, depending on the packaging. And guess what? They have cashew versions too, which are equally delicious!

Yakgwa: An Elegant Traditional Korean Cookie

Now, let’s step into the world of traditional Korean snacks with Yakgwa (약과). These are truly something special! Yakgwa are beautiful flower-shaped cookies made from wheat flour, sesame oil, sake, and honey, then deep-fried and soaked in honey syrup. They’re even called ‘yak-sik’ (약식), meaning ‘medicinal food’, because of the healthy ingredients like honey and sesame seeds. A pack typically costs around 9,900 KRW.

I learned that Yakgwa have a rich history, being used in traditional ceremonies like weddings and holidays during the Joseon Dynasty. How cool is that? In 2025, Seoul Eats actually recommends them as one of the best traditional Korean snacks, and I can totally see why. They have this wonderfully soft and chewy texture that’s just delightful.

Modern Yakgwa are still made with great care, often fried and then steeped in honey for over 24 hours. The best part? They’re usually made without artificial additives, keeping that authentic, wholesome taste. If you’re keen to discover more, check out the Best Traditional Korean Snacks recommended by Seoul Eats.

Bugak: Crispy Vegetable Chips with a Light Touch

A beautifully arranged platter of Bugak, showcasing various vegetable and seaweed chips.

Have you ever tried Bugak (부각)? If not, you’re missing out on a truly unique and healthy Korean snack! It’s basically vegetables like lotus root, chili peppers, seaweed, or perilla leaves, coated with glutinous rice paste, sun-dried, and then fried. The result is this incredibly light and crispy texture that’s just so satisfying. A pack often costs around 9,400 KRW.

I think Bugak is such a charming example of Korea’s simple yet addictive snacks. They’re typically seasoned with just a touch of salt and sugar, giving them a delightful sweet and savory flavor profile. Traditionally, these were prepared for Chuseok, the Korean Thanksgiving holiday, which is really cool, right?

In 2025, Bugak was even ranked among the top 5 traditional snacks by Seoul Eats! The way they puff up like air when fried is just magical, and the fact that they’re vegetable-based makes them a popular choice for a healthier snack option. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy vegetables in a fun, crunchy form.

Changpyeong Rice Candy: A Heritage Sweet That Melts in Your Mouth

Let me introduce you to Changpyeong Ssalyeot (창평쌀엿), a truly special rice candy from Changpyeong in Jeollanam-do. This is not just any candy; it’s a beautiful, amber-colored sweet made by fermenting and heating rice and malt. The result? A candy that melts softly in your mouth with a clean, gentle sweetness. A large package can cost around 35,000 KRW.

What I find fascinating is its traditional manufacturing method: it’s made without any artificial additives, slowly cooled to harden naturally. This snack truly reflects Korea’s agricultural heritage and local specialties. In fact, in 2025, Seoul Eats named it the number one traditional snack! It’s something that has been passed down through generations, and you can really taste that history.

The texture is just incredible – it slowly dissolves on your tongue, leaving a pure, sweet taste. It’s a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can create something so profoundly delicious and culturally significant. It’s more than a snack; it’s a piece of edible heritage.

Yeot-gangjeong and Jolly Pong: Discover More Unique Korean Treats

To wrap up our snack adventure, let’s talk about two more fantastic Korean treats: Yeot-gangjeong (엿강정) and Jolly Pong (졸리퐁). Yeot-gangjeong is like Korea’s answer to a nut brittle, made with popped grains (rice or barley), sesame seeds, and nuts all mixed together with a rice syrup. It has this wonderful combination of textures and flavors, and a pack typically costs around 15,000 KRW.

It’s definitely a favorite for holidays and everyday snacking, and it was also ranked among the top 5 traditional snacks by Seoul Eats in 2025. The process of pouring hot syrup over the ingredients and letting it harden is key to its delicious crunch and chewiness.

Then there’s Jolly Pong (졸리퐁), which is totally different but equally addictive! Imagine tiny, popped wheat kernels, about the size of a pinky nail, lightly coated with chocolate. It reminds me a bit of certain cereals from the 90s, like Sugar Smacks. Jolly Pong was actually rated the second-best Korean snack on Amazon in 2025! It’s super light, airy, and those little chocolate speckles give you a perfect sugar rush. You can easily grab a bag for around $2-3 at Korean convenience stores or online. If you’re curious about other Korean snacks ranked by taste on Amazon, that link is a great place to start!

Wow, what an incredible journey through the world of popular Korean snacks, right? We’ve explored everything from the global sensation of Honey Butter Chips to the comforting nostalgia of Choco Pie, the versatile deliciousness of Honey Butter Almonds, and the rich history behind traditional treats like Yakgwa, Bugak, Changpyeong Rice Candy, Yeot-gangjeong, and Jolly Pong.

Each snack tells its own unique story, offering a glimpse into Korea’s vibrant culinary culture. I really hope this guide helps you discover some new favorites or appreciate the ones you already love even more. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, a K-drama companion, or a special gift, Korean snacks truly offer something for everyone.

If you’ve tried any of these or have a favorite Korean snack that I didn’t mention, please share it in the comments below! I’d love to hear your thoughts and recommendations. Happy snacking!