Have you ever tried spicy Korean fire noodles? Or sweet Pepero? Together, let’s take a look at four fun Korean snacks you’ll want to try!

Introduction to Korean Snacks

From interesting flavors to well-known brands, Korean snacks sure have quite the reputation! When it comes to flavors, Korea has a range of both salty and sweet snacks. Some companies and brands create unique snacks that really make Korean snacks shine in the spotlight. Lotte, for instance, is a company that sells a variety of snacks, like chips, cookies, and crackers. 

Korea is known to be quite trendy, especially when it comes to fashion, Kpop, and Kdramas. But it’s also very popular for its food! With snacks, many Korean companies often change up the flavors of different snacks, which can be new and exciting. Compared to the U.S., Korea definitely steps up their game by combining existing flavors and creating new ones. 

In America, many of the snacks are usually plain and have basic flavors. For potato chips, many of the flavors include salted, barbeque, or cheese. Of course, these snacks are still delicious, but sometimes incorporating new kinds of flavors to these original flavors can reinvent the snack! 

And that is exactly what Korea does! They create new snacks by experimenting with new textures and different flavors. Interesting flavors, like Nongshim’s shrimp crackers are a fun Korean snack that combine the crispiness of fries and chips with a savory shrimp flavor. 

So, let’s explore six fun Korean snacks you’ll want to try!

Korean Fire Noodles

Think you can handle these noodles? Well, they’re truly next-level spicy and may even cause mouth fires! These Korean fire noodles are most notably from the brand, Samyang Foods, Inc., which come in a variety of flavors. The original package comes with dry noodles, the extremely spicy sauce, and the seaweed and sesame seed topping. A couple years ago, it became a ~hot~ trend to eat these in either one sitting, or without any kind of beverage for relief. This challenge was so popular, many people from other countries began doing it too! 

Flavors of Korean Fire Noodles

This Korean snack also comes in a variety of flavors, including 2x spicy, cheese, curry, carbo, and many other flavors. But, the original flavor is definitely one you won’t want to miss out on! You can even try including different sides, like meat and vegetables to create a more hearty meal.  Also check out this video from Aaron and Claire below! 

The Korean fire noodles are definitely a favorite to many—so much that other brands have also begun making their own fire noodles! Nevertheless, this fun Korean snack is one you’ll certainly want to try if you’re into eating spicy food!

Where to find this snack

Unless you live near an Asian or Korean supermarket, these Korean fire noodles may seem out of reach. So where can you find this snack? There are options online to buy these delicious Korean fire noodles, which includes Amazon and Weee!

I’ll admit, these noodles definitely have a kick to them! If you’re eating them for the first time, you might even go, “this isn’t so bad,” but after a few moments, you’ll regret saying so!

Choco Pies

This fun Korean snack is well-known not only in Korea, but also in the U.S. It originated from the snack, Moon Pies, but has become popular among Asian countries. In South Korea, there are two main brands that sell these Choco Pies: Orion and Lotte. So, what is this amazing snack really about? 

Choco Pies are two flat yellow cakes with a soft marshmallow filling, which is dipped in a layer of chocolate. This sweet treat often comes in a box of 12 individually wrapped cakes—ones that are great for sharing with your friends and family!

Choco Pies have even made an appearance in the Korean drama, Still 17. When a very excited Woo Seo Ri (Shin Hye Sun) decides to eat her beloved Choco Pie, something distracts her from eating it. And well, there’s a shocking twist afterwards! You can watch this hilarious K-drama scene below, featuring the sweet snack.

Flavors of Choco Pies

Besides the original Choco Pie with the chocolate-covered yellow cake and a marshmallow filling, there are plenty of flavors that are definitely worth trying! Lotte has two other flavors, including green tea, cacao, and banana, but they also have limited edition flavors like strawberry. These different flavors replace the yellow cake, but the marshmallow and the chocolate coating stay the same. 

Where to find this snack

This delicious, chocolate-dipped snack is one that will make your mouth water! So once again, where can you find it? These Choco Pies can be found on Amazon and Weee! In the original and other flavors. 

Nongshim Shrimp Crackers

If you’re craving a crunchy and savory snack, Nongshim’s shrimp crackers may be the perfect snack for you! These fry-shaped crackers are one of the oldest, most beloved snacks in South Korea. Fun fact, it’s been around for 50 years as of 2021, and is known as one of Korea’s highest-selling snacks! 

Even popular Korean celebrities, like Lee Jong Suk, did a brand endorsement with Nongshim in 2013! Watch the adorable commercial for these Nongshim Shrimp Crackers below.

 

Nongshim shrimp crackers are also a great snack to eat with friends and family and are quite addicting, especially with the different flavors.

Flavors of Nongshim Shrimp Crackers

There isn’t much variety when it comes to the different flavors of these shrimp crackers. But, three main flavors you’ll definitely want to try are original, spicy, and gochujang. With the different types of seasonings in each bag, you’ll find yourself craving for more! If you’re into a subtle seafood or shellfish flavor, this is a great everyday snack, whether you’re at school, work, or at home. If you’re feeling a bit daring, try the spicy or gochujang flavors!

Where to find this snack

Since this fun Korean snack has been around for 50 years now, it is sold in most Asian supermarkets. However, they are also available on a handful of online stores, like Amazon, Weee!, and on Just Asian Food. 

Pepero

If you’re looking for another sweet snack, then Lotte Pepero is a great go-to! This Korean snack comes in a package of thin cookie sticks that are usually coated with different flavors. Although Pepero may seem like a simple, yet enjoyable snack, it’s much more than that! It even has its own holiday on 11/11, which is right around the corner. On this exciting day, many Koreans like to purchase this inexpensive snack to offer it to their friends and coworkers. 

To learn more about this adorable holiday, watch the video below!

Flavors of Pepero

From fruity to chocolatey flavors, Pepero has it all! The original flavor is known to be chocolate, but there are still many amazing flavors out there to try. Ones like strawberry, tiramisu, green tea, cookies and cream, peanut butter, and almond are among the popular flavors. Whether it’s for the upcoming Pepero holiday on 11/11 or just for fun, try these sweet flavors—it’s definitely worth it!

Where to find this snack

Pepero is quite popular not only because of its simplicity, but also for it’s fun holiday. If you’d like to celebrate Pepero day on November 11th, then you can find an assortment of flavors on Amazon, Weee!, and Just Asian Food. 

Fun Korean Snacks

Now that you’ve learned more about these four fun Korean snacks, which one would you want to try first? If you’re feeling brave, maybe the Korean fire noodles could be a fun and interesting snack to try. But if you have a sweet tooth, a Choco Pie may be the perfect way to satisfy your craving!

If you enjoyed reading about Korean snacks, check out the “Top 5 Delicious Korean Desserts Anyone can Make”

To learn more about Korean snacks, check out the video below!