If you're planning a trip to South Korea, you'll quickly notice that convenience stores are everywhere. Whether it's CU, GS25, 7-Eleven or emart24, they're full of snacks that locals have loved for decades.

As a Korean tour guide, I often get asked, "What snacks should I try in Korea?"

Here are seven Korean snacks that are not only delicious, but also have interesting stories behind them.




1. Honey Butter Chips

Released: August 2014

When Honey Butter Chips were released by Haitai in August 2014, nobody expected what would happen next.

The combination of honey sweetness and buttery potato chips was something Korean consumers had never experienced before. Within just a few months, demand became so high that stores couldn't keep them on the shelves.

Many convenience stores limited customers to buying only one or two bags at a time, and people even searched multiple stores hoping to find them.

The phenomenon became known as the "Honey Butter Chip Craze" (허니버터칩 열풍) and is still remembered as one of Korea's biggest snack crazes.

Today, they're no longer difficult to find, but they remain one of Korea's most iconic snacks.




2. Turtle Chips

Released: 2017 by Orion

Turtle Chips became famous for one simple reason—they're made with four ultra-thin layers instead of one.

This unique structure creates an airy, crispy texture that feels completely different from ordinary potato chips.

The Korean name "Kkobuk Chip (꼬북칩)" literally means "Turtle Chip" because the layered surface resembles a turtle shell.

Since their launch, Orion has introduced many flavors, but Corn Soup remains one of the most popular among both Koreans and international visitors.

The product has also expanded to overseas markets, including the United States.




3. Yakgwa

History: More than 1,000 years

Yakgwa isn't just a snack—it's one of Korea's oldest traditional desserts.

Historical records show that Yakgwa was already enjoyed during the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392). Because ingredients like honey, sesame oil, and wheat flour were expensive, Yakgwa was originally reserved for royal ceremonies, Buddhist rituals, weddings, and important celebrations.

Its name comes from the Chinese characters for "medicine" (藥) and "confection" (果) because honey was once considered a medicinal ingredient.

In recent years, Yakgwa has made a comeback among younger generations thanks to cafés, dessert shops, and social media.




4. Korean Fruit Jelly Candy (Almaeng-i)

Unlike many traditional Korean snacks, Almaeng-i is a modern candy that became popular for its fun fruit shapes and chewy texture.

Each candy is designed to resemble real fruit while delivering sweet and fruity flavors such as grape, peach, and mango.

Many Koreans who grew up in the 1990s and 2000s remember these candies from school trips, convenience stores, and neighborhood supermarkets.

Because they're individually wrapped, they're also popular as small gifts to share with friends.




5. Jocheong Yugwa (Rice Crunch Snack)

This crispy snack is inspired by Yugwa, one of Korea's traditional rice snacks.

Traditional Yugwa is made by fermenting glutinous rice, drying it, frying it, and coating it with sweet rice syrup before adding puffed rice.

The packaged version sold today keeps the familiar sweet flavor while making it lighter, crispier, and much easier to enjoy as an everyday snack.

It's especially popular during Korea's traditional holidays like Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), when many families enjoy traditional sweets together.




6. Shrimp Crackers (Saewookkang)

Released: 1971

Few snacks are as famous in Korea as Saewookkang, or Shrimp Crackers.

Released by Nongshim in 1971, it became Korea's first mass-produced shrimp snack and has remained one of the country's best-selling snacks for over fifty years.

According to Nongshim, real shrimp are used in the production process, giving the crackers their distinctive savory flavor.

Today, Shrimp Crackers are enjoyed not only as a snack but also as a popular pairing with beer among adults.

For many Koreans, they're a nostalgic taste of childhood.




7. Banana Kick

Released: 1978

Banana Kick is one of Korea's most recognizable corn puff snacks.

When it first appeared in 1978, fresh bananas were still considered a luxury fruit in Korea because imports were heavily restricted.

For many children at the time, Banana Kick became an affordable way to enjoy the flavor of bananas.

Even today, its light texture and sweet aroma make it popular with both children and adults.

The snack also gained international attention after BLACKPINK's Jennie mentioned Banana Kick as one of her favorite Korean snacks during an interview on The Jennifer Hudson Show.




Final Thoughts

These seven snacks represent different parts of Korea's food culture.

Some, like Yakgwa, have been enjoyed for more than a thousand years.

Others, like Honey Butter Chips, became nationwide sensations almost overnight.

Whether you're planning a trip to Korea or simply want to experience Korean snacks at home, they're all worth trying at least once.

Which one would you try first?