Top 20 Exotic Snacks in Korea

Korean cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors and diverse dishes, but beyond the famous meals, lies exotic snacks that offer an equally captivating experience. These snacks, often overlooked in favor of more substantial fare, are a testament to Korea’s culinary creativity and cultural richness.  The influence of traditional Korean ingredients, combined with modern culinary techniques, results in snacks that are unique and delicious. These treats are not only popular among locals but have also gained a global following. With these top 20 exotic snacks in Korea, be ready to get unique and savory flavors.

Fun Fact:  In Korea, snacks can be highly seasonal, with special editions released for holidays and festivals. For example, during Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), snacks featuring traditional ingredients like rice and chestnuts become particularly popular.  

A Look at the Most Popular Exotic Snacks in Korea

• Best top pick exotic snack: Marshmallow Choco Pie
• Best premium exotic snack: Mascarpone-Filled Shortbread Cookies
• Best exotic snack in sticks form: Cookies & Cream Flavored Pepero

List of Popular Exotic Snacks in Korea

1: Cinnamon Sugar Churros

Cinnamon Sugar Churros are a delightful treat in Korea, combining the classic Spanish churro with a Korean twist. These churros are deep-fried to perfection, giving them a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy inside. They are generously coated in cinnamon sugar, adding a sweet and spicy flavor that makes them irresistible. Often found in street markets and cafes, these churros are enjoyed as a snack or dessert, offering a taste of traditional cinnamon pastries.  

2: Choco Hazelnut Wafer Cookies

Choco Hazelnut Wafer Cookies are a popular Korean snack known for their light and crispy texture. These wafer cookies are layered with creamy choco hazelnut filling, providing a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness. The thin, crunchy wafers complement the rich filling, making each bite a delightful experience. These cookies are often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea and are a favorite among both children and adults for their satisfying taste and convenient packaging.  

3: Sweet & Sour Strawberry Flavored Chews

Sweet & Sour Strawberry Flavored Chews are a fruity and tangy snack that captivates the taste buds. These chews have a soft and chewy texture, making them easy to enjoy. The strawberry flavor is vibrant and refreshing, with a perfect balance of sweetness and sourness that keeps snackers coming back for more. Popular among kids and adults alike, these chews are a fun and tasty treat that can be enjoyed anytime.  

4: Bulgogi Flavored Noodle Snack

Bulgogi Flavored Noodle Snack brings the savory and slightly sweet flavor of the famous Korean BBQ dish to a crunchy snack form. These noodle snacks are seasoned with bulgogi spices, including soy sauce, garlic, and sesame, giving them an authentic and delicious taste. They are perfect for on-the-go snacking or as a quick bite to satisfy savory cravings.   

5: Sweet & Sour Grape Flavored Chews

Sweet & Sour Grape Flavored Chews are a tangy and delicious treat that offers a burst of grape flavor with every bite. These chews have a pleasingly chewy texture and strike a balance between sweet and sour, making them an exciting snack choice. The grape flavor is robust and authentic, providing a refreshing and fruity experience. They are ideal for a quick snack or to satisfy a sweet craving.  

6: Peach Flavored Gummies

Peach Flavored Gummies are a popular treat in Korea, known for their juicy and fruity taste. These gummies are soft and chewy, making them enjoyable to eat. The peach flavor is sweet and aromatic. They are often enjoyed by both children and adults and are a great option for those looking for a fruity snack that is both delicious and satisfying.  

7: Shrimp Chips

Shrimp Chips are a beloved Korean snack with a distinctive savory and slightly seafood flavor. These chips are made from a blend of shrimp and starch, giving them a light and crispy texture. The shrimp flavor is subtle yet unmistakable, making them a unique and tasty snack option.   

8: Marshmallow Choco Pie

Marshmallow Choco Pie is a classic Korean treat that combines soft, fluffy marshmallow filling with a layer of chocolate coating. The choco pie has a spongy cake base, making it a delightful and indulgent snack. The combination of textures – from the gooey marshmallow to the smooth chocolate – creates a satisfying experience with every bite.   

9: Mascarpone-Filled Shortbread Cookies

Mascarpone-Filled Shortbread Cookies are a luxurious treat with a rich and creamy filling. The shortbread cookies are buttery and crumbly, providing a perfect contrast to the smooth mascarpone inside. These cookies are elegantly packaged and are often enjoyed as a special treat or given as gifts. The combination of flavors and textures makes them a standout snack that is both sophisticated and delicious.  

10: Cookies & Cream Flavored Pepero

Cookies & Cream Flavored Pepero is a beloved Korean snack that features slender biscuit sticks coated in creamy cookies. The crunchy biscuit sticks provide a satisfying crunch, while the cookies and cream coating add a sweet and slightly tangy flavor. These treats are perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a solo snack, and their unique flavor makes them a favorite among Pepero varieties.  

11: Cosmos Tteokbokki Rice Cake Chips

Cosmos Tteokbokki Rice Cake Chips are a creative snack that captures the spicy and savory flavor of tteokbokki, a popular Korean street food. These chips are made from rice and have a crispy texture, with a bold seasoning that mimics the taste of tteokbokki sauce. They offer a unique and spicy snacking experience, making them a hit among those who enjoy bold flavors and crunchy textures.  

12: Nongshim Shrimp Chips: Hot & Spicy

Nongshim Shrimp Chips: Hot & Spicy are a fiery twist on the classic shrimp chip. These chips are light and crispy, with an intense shrimp flavor that is enhanced by a spicy kick. The heat level is balanced, making them enjoyable for those who like spicy snacks without being overwhelming. They are a popular choice for those who enjoy seafood flavors with an extra punch of spice.  

13: Korean Ritz Cracker Sandwich: White Chocolate

Korean Ritz Cracker Sandwich: White Chocolate is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. The classic Ritz crackers are paired with a creamy white chocolate filling, creating a perfect balance between the salty crackers and the sweet chocolate. This snack is both satisfying and indulgent, making it a popular choice for those looking for a unique and tasty snack.  

14: Sun Garlic Baguette Chips

Sun Garlic Baguette Chips are a savory and flavorful snack that combines the crunch of baguette slices with the rich taste of garlic. These chips are baked to perfection, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. The garlic flavor is bold and aromatic, making it a delicious option for garlic lovers. They are great for snacking on their own or paired with dips and spreads.  

15: HBAF Korean Style Almonds: Strawberry Cookies & Creme

HBAF Korean Style Almonds: Strawberry Cookies & Creme is a unique and delicious snack that combines the nutty crunch of almonds with the sweet and creamy flavor of strawberry cookies and cream. These almonds are coated in a flavorful layer that makes them both crunchy and indulgent. They are a popular choice for those looking for a sweet snack with a twist.  

16: HBAF Korean Style Almonds: Coffee Biscuit

HBAF Korean Style Almonds: Coffee Biscuits are a delightful treat for coffee lovers. These almonds are coated in a coffee-flavored layer that gives them a rich and aromatic taste. The combination of crunchy almonds and the deep coffee flavor creates a satisfying and energizing snack. They are perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or as a quick pick-me-up during the day.  

17: HBAF Korean Style Almonds: Green Tea Latte

HBAF Korean Style Almonds: Green Tea Latte is a unique snack that blends the earthy flavor of green tea with the creamy taste of a latte. These almonds are coated in a green tea-flavored layer, providing a delicate and refreshing taste. The combination of the crunchy almonds and the subtle green tea flavor makes it a sophisticated and delicious snack option.  

18: HBAF Korean Style Almonds: Creme Brulee

HBAF Korean Style Almonds: Creme Brulee is an indulgent snack that combines the nutty crunch of almonds with the rich and creamy flavor of creme brulee. These almonds are coated in a sweet and flavorful layer that mimics the taste of the classic dessert. The combination of textures and flavors makes them a luxurious and satisfying snack.  

19: Binggrae Banana Flavored Milk

Binggrae Banana Flavored Milk is a beloved Korean beverage known for its sweet and creamy banana flavor. This milk drink is smooth and refreshing, making it a popular choice for both children and adults. The taste of banana-flavor integrated offers a comforting and enjoyable drink for many.  

20: Binggrae Taro Flavored Milk

Binggrae Taro Flavored Milk is a unique and flavorful beverage that combines the creamy texture of milk with the earthy and slightly sweet taste of taro. This drink is smooth and refreshing, offering a different and enjoyable flavor experience.  These Korea’s exotic snacks feature a mix of traditional and contemporary treats, offering a unique perspective on Korea’s culinary richness. Whether you’re in the mood for something crunchy, sweet, or savory, there’s an exotic snack to satisfy your craving.    

Frequently Asked Questions

1: Are these snacks available internationally? Many of these snacks are available internationally in grocery stores or through online retailers. Some flavors, however, may be exclusive to the Korean market. 2: Are there any health-conscious options among these snacks? While most of these snacks are designed for indulgence, it’s always best to check for baked or low-fat options if you are looking for healthier choices. 3: Where can I buy these snacks in Korea? These snacks can be found in most supermarkets, convenience stores, and online marketplaces like Amazon and Flipkart. 4: Do these snacks contain any allergens? Common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten might be present. Always read the ingredient list and allergen information on the packaging to ensure they are safe for your consumption.  

Wrapping It Up!

Korea’s exotic snacks are an integral part of the daily lives of Koreans, enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether it’s a quick bite during a busy day or a leisurely treat during a stroll, Korean snacks provide comfort and joy.  Which of the top 20 exotic snacks are you excited to try first? Share with us in the comment section!