10 Best Korean Snacks That You Must Try

Today, we embark on an adventure into the fascinating world of Korean snacks. Our analysis of 78 different options reveals the top 10 snacks you need to try. To add some variety, we've split it into two sections: best 5 Korean chips and best 5 Korean biscuits and snack cakes.

How We Came Up With The 10 Most Recommendable Korean Snacks

We analyzed ten of the most popular surveys from an interactive platform where users create entertaining surveys in the form of tournament brackets. Participants are asked to choose between options until the final winner is determined. Using this data, we calculated the mean win rate (finals and 1:1) for 78 snacks in Korea. The complete list can be found at the bottom of this post.

To gain a more accurate understanding of the most recommendable Korean snacks, we compared these results with sales data from the Food Information Statistics System (FIS). While we gave less weight to sales data, as it can be influenced by promotional events, the data from the interactive platform provided valuable insights into people's preferences.

Top 5 Korean Chips

1. Orion Poca Chips

Orion Poca Chips is a highly renowned Korean snack, gaining popularity for being the second potato chip to be introduced in Korea back in 1988. Prior to its arrival, Nongshim's Potato Chips held a monopoly in the market. These crispy chips are made from thinly-sliced potatoes that are deep-fried to perfection, resulting in an irresistible crunch that pairs exceptionally well with any cold beverage. It's no surprise that Poca Chips secured the top spot on our list and continues to be one of the best-selling Korean snacks.

Tips to make this snack taste better:

1. Orion uses newly harvested potatoes during the potato harvest season (June), so Poca chips are firmer and crispier during this time. Packages that are processed with freshly harvested potatoes will state “100% 햇감자" (as shown in the image above).
2. Pair this Korean snack with some vanilla ice cream and you’ll have the best of both worlds — a salty and sweet treat.
3. Add this as a last-minute topping when eating Korean ramen.

2. Nongshim Shrimp Crackers

Everyone will agree that Nongshim Shrimp Crackers is the most famous snack in Korea. These delectable chips are created by parching shrimp-flavored chips over salt, creating a flavor that appeals to everyone, regardless of age or gender. Since its introduction in 1971, this snack has consistently dominated the snack industry, securing the highest sales year after year. However, despite its impressive sales figures, consumer preferences reveal an interesting contrast. Our analysis indicates that Nongshim Shrimp Crackers currently hold the 12th spot on the list. So, what accounts for this discrepancy?

One possibility is that Nongshim Shrimp Crackers have a strong following among older populations, who make up a significant portion of its customer base. As baby boomers tend to have more conservative taste preferences, they may naturally gravitate towards this classic snack as a reliable choice. On the other hand, younger generations may be more inclined to explore other snack options, leading to a lower ranking in their preferences. Additionally, the widespread practice of serving Shrimp Crackers as a complementary snack in restaurants and bars may contribute to its consistently high sales.

Tips to make this snack taste better:

1. Crush these chips and use it as seafood flavoring when cooking.
2. Dip it into mayonnaise mixed with wasabi.
3. Always have it with beer. Of course, any cold soda will do.

3. Haitai Honey Butter Chip

Honey Butter Chip is a truly unique snack that was co-created by Haitai (S.Korea) and Calbee (Japan). Upon its release in 2014, it immediately became the most popular snack, gaining immense popularity in a remarkably short time. Despite the unexpected combination of honey and butter, this iconic chip captured the attention of the internet and created a buzz that had everyone eager to try it. Made from potatoes, the Honey Butter Chip offers a texture that is highly similar to Orion's Poca Chips. Despite its name, this snack doesn't contain a significant amount of butter, making it a great choice for those who prefer lighter, less oily foods. Even individuals who aren't typically fans of greasy snacks have found themselves falling in love with this enticing treat.

Tips to make this snack taste better? This Korean snack stands out by itself so we couldn’t find any general tips, but you can try having it with cream cheese or ice cream.

4. Orion Kkobuk Chips

Orion Kkobuk Chips is an intriguing snack just as fascinating as Haitai Honey Butter Chips. These delicious treats feature a unique four-layered chip design, resembling the shell of a turtle. Hence its playful name "Kkobuk," which derived from the Korean word for turtle. With its distinct shape, the Kkobuk Chips delivers a satisfying crunch upon first bite. But what truly sets it apart is its remarkable texture, which seamlessly transitions from crispy to soft and moist. Fans of the original Kkobuk Chips comment that this snack reminds them of thick corn soup, boasting a delightful blend of sweet, creamy, and salty flavors. However, it's worth noting that the Chocolate Churros flavor has gained even more popularity, and I'm not surprised — it's my personal favorite too!

Tips to make this snack taste better (Chocolate Churros flavor):

1. Some people say that it tastes mind-blowing when frozen.
2. Pour milk over Kkobuk Chips and have it like a cereal. You can even replace your granola with this Korean snack and have it with yogurt.

5. Crown Corn Chips

Crown's Corn Chips and Orion's Sun Chips are both popular snacks in Korea and scored high in our list of best-selling snacks. However, we ultimately placed Crown's Corn Chips in this position due to its smaller standard deviation. First launched in 1989, Crown's Corn Chips quickly gained a strong foothold in the industry. These snacks are made from real corn kernels, making them enjoyable on their own or with dipping sauce. The original flavor offers a satisfying crunch and a savory roasted corn taste that is not overly sweet. For those who prefer a bolder flavor, experimenting with different spices can enhance the experience. Additionally, if you have a sweet tooth, you may enjoy the Super Sweet Corn version of these chips.

Tips to make this snack taste better:

1. Eat the original-flavored chips with some spices (such as cajun seasoning) and cilantros.
2. Try the sweetened version with milk or bubble tea.

Top 5 Korean Biscuits & Snack Cakes

1. Haitai Homerun Ball

In 1981, Haitai took inspiration from choux pastry to create a simple yet delightful snack — Homerun Ball. Since then, this treat has become a beloved choice for picnics, winning the hearts of many. Known for its buttery, firm yet soft texture, Homerun Ball offers a delightful experience whether you choose to savor it slowly, letting it melt in your mouth, or indulge in the filling right away — this Korean snack is simply irresistible. The chocolate filling, in particular, brings to mind the delicious blend of Nutella's Chocolate Spread and White Nutella. Haitai's Homerun Ball has outpaced its competitors in both sales and consumer preferences. With nearly double the sales of other Korean biscuits for multiple years in a row, it has proven its popularity. In fact, it ranked third in our top 78 Korean snack chart, exhibiting consistent demand among consumers. It's one of those snacks that you find yourself searching for, even if it's not your absolute favorite.

Tips to make this snack taste better:

1. Heat it in the air fryer for 3 min at 170–180°C. If you don’t have an air fryer, place it in the microwave for approx. 30 s.
2. Have it with soft serve ice cream.

2. Orion Choco Pie

Orion Choco Pie, the most renowned Korean snack cake, was launched in 1974 and continues to hold its place as the top choice among choco pies. While there are various choco pies available in the market, Orion Choco Pie stands out as the original and unforgettable treat. This snack features a delightful marshmallow filling sandwiched between two biscuits, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The chocolate covering adds a satisfying crispiness to the soft, moist, and chewy inner part, resulting in a truly unique and enjoyable snacking experience.

In Korea, Choco Pie lovers have found creative ways to savor this delicious treat. Some prefer to freeze it for an extra refreshing twist, while others enjoy warming it up in the microwave for a gooey delight. Pouring milk over a Choco Pie is another popular method that brings a whole new level of taste and texture. It's fascinating to witness the passion people have for snacking and their willingness to explore different ways to indulge in their favorite treats.

Tips to make this snack taste better:

1. Stack two choco pies and heat them in the microwave for 20–30s. Serve with coffee or milk.
2. Have them frozen. If you find that frozen choco pies are too hard to eat, try keeping it at room temperature for >5 mins before eating.

3. Lotte Mon Cher

When it comes to Korean snacks, one of the hottest ongoing debates is the battle between Orion Choco Pie and Lotte Mon Cher. While Choco Pie has the advantage in terms of sales, Mon Cher claims a higher position in our chart, ranking 7th compared to Choco Pie's 17th. Interestingly, from personal experience, it seems that "Mon Cher" is the clear winner in this debate, with a 9 out of 10 preference rate. The distinct textures and flavors of these two snacks are worth noting. While Choco Pie boasts a crispy chocolate coating and a chewy marshmallow center, Mon Cher takes a different approach. Its texture is incredibly soft, moist, and creamier in comparison. For those seeking a richer and deeper cacao flavor, we recommend trying the Mon Cher Cacao version. And if you have a love for cakes, Lotte Mon Cher is an excellent choice that won't disappoint.

Tips to make this snack taste better:

1. Have it frozen and the cream filling becomes ice cream.
2. Mon Cher brownie recipe. Place 4 Mon Chers in a bowl with ¼ cup milk and 50 g cocoa powder. Heat in the microwave for 30 s. Mash the content and combine with 3 tbsp pancake mix and 1 egg. Fill ⅔ of the bowl and cook it in the microwave for 3 mins (add more time accordingly). Let it cool and add sugar powder before serving.

4. Lotte Chic Choc

Korean snack enthusiasts often find themselves embroiled in another heated debate over whether Lotte Chic Choc or Orion Moist Choco Chip Cookie reigns supreme. While making this decision can be quite challenging, we've ranked Lotte Chic Choc in our final top 10 list based on its higher sales and position in our chart. So, what sets these two snacks apart? Lotte Chic Choc boasts a crispy and crunchy texture, thanks to its abundance of chocolate chips. On the other hand, Orion Moist Choco Chip Cookie boasts an irresistibly soft and moist consistency akin to indulgent chocolate brownies.

The preference between the two is subjective. Some people favor Lotte Chic Choc for being easier on the stomach, while others appreciate its versatility in creating other desserts. One notable example is Sulbing, which temporarily introduced a popular bingsu menu featuring Chic Choc. For those seeking an extra dose of guilty pleasure, the Chic Choc Secret version, aptly named the devil's cookie, is a must-try.

Tips to make this snack taste better:

1. Heat it in the air fryer (especially the Secret version) for 5 min at 170–180°C.
2. Try making your own Chic Choc bingsu. First, make shaved icing with a grater. Then, add cocoa powder, cereal, Chic Choc, chocolate ice cream, and condensed milk (optional).

5. Lotte Binch

Lotte Binch is a delicious chocolate biscuit launched in 2000. The name "Binch" itself stands for "Biscuit and Chocolate." It's the perfect snack for those on the go, offering a simple and convenient treat. While Lotte Binch may remind you of Chocolate Digestives, it has its own unique characteristics. Unlike Digestives, Binch does not include whole wheat, and the biscuit is much thinner, with a nearly 1:1 ratio of chocolate to biscuit. This creates a notable difference in both taste and texture. Some have compared Binch to other popular Korean snacks like Orion Choco Songyi and Lotte Pepero, but Binch stands out with its richer chocolate taste. With its classic and irresistible flavor, Lotte Binch is a chocolate biscuit that can be enjoyed by anyone. Its popularity is evident, as it ranked an impressive 9th among different snacks in Korea.

Tips to make this snack taste better:

1. Simply enjoy it with milk or coffee.
2. Use Binch to make S’mores.

Top 78 Most Popular Korean Snacks

Here is a complete list of the 78 popular snacks in Korea which we extracted from an interactive platform. This extensive chart offers a wide variety of snacks for you to explore. It's worth noting that while we've included Cheetos on the list, despite it being an American snack, the Korean version boasts a distinct flavor profile. However, we have chosen to exclude Pringles as their Korean variant doesn't differ significantly from the standard American version.

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