One among my favorite issues to do in any new nation I go to is to pop into the native comfort retailer or grocery store and choose up each delicious-looking new snack I can discover. Whereas I are likely to go for salty snacks, there’s no denying that there’s a time and a spot for sweet too!
If you happen to’re visiting Korea for the primary time, or if you happen to’ve lived there for some time and are on the lookout for some new tastes to expertise, these are among the finest Korean candies it would be best to be looking out for. Whereas they aren’t all for everyone, there’s positive to be one thing you’ll take pleasure in on this listing.
The excellent news is that Korea has a really established native choice of snacks and sweets, and even if you happen to strive a brand new Korean sweet day-after-day, you’ll be capable to take pleasure in for months earlier than you even start to query what to eat subsequent.
However let’s say you don’t wish to strive each Korean sweet below the solar. The place must you begin? On this submit, I’ll spotlight a few of my favorite candies and a few synonymous with Korea (I’m you, Pepero!).
Whereas among the older candy treats on this listing have been well-liked in Korea for a whole bunch of years, many candies have extra not too long ago been launched. Nevertheless, there’s no denying that every entry on this listing is value attempting if you happen to get the chance!
In case you have any Korean candies you consider needs to be added to this listing, let me know within the feedback under! There’s all the time room for extra entries on this listing, so I’d love to listen to what you consider deserves a spot!
The place to Purchase Korean Sweet
Whereas there isn’t a doubt that looking regionally in Korea is the best technique of discovering Korean sweet – not solely are you able to browse extra shortly, however there are usually some kinds of sweet that aren’t simply out there abroad – there are a couple of methods you could find your favorite candies no matter the place you might be on the planet!
In fact, there are apparent solutions – Amazon and Gmarket have a wide selection of Korean sweet, however they have a tendency to not be one of the best selections. You’ll usually end up buying completely different gadgets from completely different distributors, which may shortly rack up delivery prices on high of constructing procuring very inconvenient.
As a substitute of utilizing these massive e-commerce web sites, I like to recommend web sites specialising in Korean items. Whereas you’ll probably pay extra on a per-item foundation, the prices come out cheaper in the long term as a result of you’ll solely want to fret a few single delivery charge.
That mentioned, if you could find good sellers on Amazon or Gmarket who promote a number of candies/snacks that you just wish to strive, there’s no cause to not store on these websites. Nevertheless, be warned that in case you are ordering from a number of sellers, the prices will shortly add up, and also you’ll pay way over you’d procuring from an internet site that gives one general delivery charge.
Etsy
Etsy?! What’s Etsy doing right here? I requested myself the identical query initially. Nevertheless, after searching the Korean sweet choices on Etsy, I consider it’s one of many higher websites for buying candy treats from Korea. There are a number of various sellers stocking snack bundles, and whereas I wouldn’t advocate the snack field choices (extra on that quickly), many sellers permit some type of customisation if you happen to contact them.
For instance, if you happen to’re involved in attempting a random number of Korean sweet, you possibly can contact one of many sellers and request that your field comes stocked with candy treats as a substitute of savoury snacks. Whereas some sellers might not be capable to customise their choices, I’ve had good experiences requesting modifications with among the extra well-liked sellers.
Simply Asian Meals
Simply Asian Meals is a web based grocery store devoted to meals from numerous Asian nations. Whereas they don’t concentrate on Korean sweet, they’ve a wide selection of Korean snacks, which embody many candy treats (lots of which we are going to talk about on this article!). The perfect half about procuring on this web site is that you just don’t want to stay to only sweet or Korean meals. As a substitute, you possibly can choose up numerous Asian meals and do all of your procuring in a single place!
It’s value noting that at any given time, fairly a big choice of snacks on this web site are out of inventory. Fortunately, the inventory appears to fluctuate day-after-day, that means you possibly can test again later if the web site is lacking one thing you notably wish to strive.
Korea Meals
If you happen to’re within the U.Ok., Korea Meals could also be your finest guess for sourcing Korean sweet. Whereas the title suggests this web site is devoted to Korean meals, there are a couple of Japanese snacks out there, too, so it’s value preserving in thoughts that you just’ll wish to double-check what you’re buying if you happen to particularly wish to strive Korean sweet. That mentioned, they nonetheless have an honest assortment of Korean treats!
The choice on Korea Meals is extra restricted than the web sites mentioned above, however the locality could make procuring right here the best choice if you happen to occur to be within the U.Ok.
Snack Containers
This isn’t one vendor however fairly a variety of various choices throughout the web. However earlier than that, what’s a snack field? Effectively, not too long ago, subscription bins have develop into an enormous development worldwide. Subscription bins are a service you possibly can subscribe to (or buy one-off) to have a random assortment of products delivered straight to your door. Whereas every field differs, some well-liked sorts of bins are magnificence bins that are stuffed with cosmetics and snack bins, that are stuffed with… You guessed it! Snacks.
If you happen to’re feeling a bit extra experimental (which I extremely advocate! Give your tastebuds some train!), there are additionally Korean snack bins which can be enjoyable to obtain. Whereas these bins don’t focus solely on sweet and fairly will embody a broader vary of snacks, each field can have some sweet inside.
This makes these bins an important alternative for anybody who desires to strive Korean sweet however isn’t fully positive the place to start out. Every field is curated by a workforce of specialists who select a variety of various flavours to make sure there’s something for everybody. This makes them a implausible place to start out as a result of you possibly can strive a bit of of the whole lot and see what you want and what you’d want to keep away from.
If you wish to experiment with Korean sweet, my snack field solutions are SnackFever, Korea Field and SeoulBox. These bins all have a superb popularity, and I’ve tried each myself and due to this fact really feel assured recommending them. In fact, if you wish to discover extra choices, there are a LOT! In truth, there are such a lot of completely different bins that I devoted an entire submit to the subject.
Greatest Korean Sweet
1. Pepero
I do know it’s cliche at this level, however there wasn’t anything I might begin this listing with. Pepero is such a well-known sweet in South Korea that it even has its personal day to rejoice the stick-like sweet – 11/11 (as a result of it appears like 4 Pepero sticks).
So, what’s Pepero? Effectively, if you happen to’ve by no means heard of the sweet earlier than, it’s fairly delectable. The bottom of the stick is a cookie, and that is dipped in considered one of a variety of toppings. My favorite Pepero is cookie dipped in white chocolate with cookie items inside. Whereas this may sound like a cookie overdose, it’s a scrumptious mixture and my responsible pleasure.
If you happen to want one thing a bit extra unique, there are numerous different flavours. For the fruit-lovers, you could find flavours like strawberry. If you happen to like nuts, you’re additionally in luck, as there are flavours like chocolate hazelnut and chocolate peanut.
Since Pepero is such a well-known sweet, it’s simple to search out in every single place. If you happen to’re in Korea, you’ll discover this at each comfort retailer and grocery store within the nation. If you happen to’re abroad, it’s very simple to supply on-line.
To maintain Pepero all the time recent and thrilling, limited-edition flavours are launched infrequently. That is very true because the eleventh of November approaches when Pepero is closely promoted nationwide.
2. Choco Pie
Is it sweet? I wasn’t fully positive on this one, however contemplating these are chocolate-covered biscuits containing marshmellow, I figured it counts. Marshmallows are sweet, in any case, proper?
Choco Pies are additionally very well-known in Korea, and also you’ll discover them in every single place that sells Pepero. In truth, they’re really easy to search out that you just’ll have problem not unintentionally encountering them all around the nation! However what makes any such Korean sweet so well-known and sought-after?
Effectively, because the title suggests, Choco Pies are layered ‘pies’ with a marshmellow central layer which is sandwiched between two layers of biscuit. Whereas it might not be a ‘pie’ within the conventional sense, it’s definitely a candy deal with value attempting.
There are a few completely different flavours of Choco Pie out there, however these are primarily in several markets. For instance, in Japan, you may be capable to discover the inexperienced tea Choco Pies. Nevertheless, these aren’t the unique and are arduous to search out in Korea.
3. My Chew
One among my private favourites, My Chew are little rectangular Korean candies that are available both a wrapped stack (with round ten items) or a big bag with many extra items. This sweet could be very well-known, and it’s a childhood favorite of many university-aged Koreans (they had been launched in 2004).
Whereas there are numerous My Chew flavours, they’re all fruity, so these are good if you happen to take pleasure in fruit-flavoured sweet! I like to recommend peach flavour, however I do know that many individuals benefit from the grape, strawberry, and apple flavours too!
Every sweet is chewy and has an preliminary little bit of bitterness. Nevertheless, this shortly wears off, and the sweetness will take over earlier than you already know it. From right here, you possibly can benefit from the chewy snack and the fruity sweetness that comes with it.
Since My Chew is so well-known, you possibly can simply supply this Korean sweet on-line and in Korea. If you happen to’re in Korea, go to any comfort retailer, and also you’ll discover the sweet (often in a couple of flavours, too!). On-line, any store promoting Korean sweet ought to inventory them!
4. Dalgona
Just a few years in the past, few folks exterior of Korea would’ve been in a position to recognise Dalgona by title. Nevertheless, after the huge social media craze a couple of years in the past, I’d guess it’s now more durable to search out somebody who doesn’t recognise this Korean sweet.
A conventional sweet originating within the Joseon Dynasty, this sugary, crunchy sweet is a must have if you happen to go to Korea. Whereas it’s additionally simple to make at residence (and you should buy it, however I like to recommend making it as a substitute), you’ll solely get the true tasting expertise from a avenue vendor in Korea.
If you happen to’re in any semi-busy space of Seoul (or every other main metropolis), you’ll often come throughout distributors on the aspect of the highway promoting Dalgona sweet. Sometimes, these candies are very low-cost, costing just a few thousand gained.
In fact, half the enjoyable of Dalgona is just not the style however the expertise of watching it’s made proper in entrance of you. Not solely are you able to see the creation course of, however you possibly can generally choose the form you need your Korean sweet to be fashioned into.
5. Malang Cow
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a singular flavour, the Malang milk-flavoured Korean sweet is the place to start out. Whereas consuming sweet that tastes like milk may appear a bit odd – why would you wish to candify milk? – there’s one thing addictive about this sweet that makes me preserve coming again.
Malang Cow has a couple of completely different flavours, however the two widespread ones are unique (milk) and strawberry milk. Whereas each are good, I all the time go for the unique flavour as a result of it’s simply such a enjoyable and distinctive style. In some ways, it jogs my memory of the thrilling mixture that’s Milkis (milk-flavoured soda).
Malang Cow isn’t the sweetest sweet on the market, and that is but one more reason it’s simple to eat way over you need to. Whereas it’s sweet and due to this fact inherently candy, it’s not overwhelmingly candy like lots of the different candies on this listing ( you, Dalgona).
Malang Cow is simple to search out in Korea however isn’t as widespread as among the extra well-known candy treats similar to My Chew. Subsequently, when you may be capable to discover it in native Korean supermarkets, it may be difficult to search out it on-line or in smaller cities and cities.
6. Hotteok
Hotteok is much like Dalgona in that it’s best loved from a avenue vendor in Korea itself. Nevertheless, even if you happen to’re not within the nation, you could find some ready-to-eat packaged variations that also style fairly good! Whereas they’re not fairly the genuine expertise for this Korean sweet, they’re an important various till you possibly can go to!
Hotteok is a crispy deep-fried pancake with gentle bread on the skin with melted brown sugar and peanuts inside. The bread itself is good, however the true deal with is whenever you chew into the bread, and the gooey sweetness erupts from inside.
Now, I really feel prefer it’s not an exaggeration to say that Hotteok is essentially the most harmful Korean sweet on this listing. Since this deal with is finest loved heat (or sizzling), it’s all too simple to be tempted to chew into the bread earlier than it’s cooled sufficient to eat. Belief me; I’ve been there.
If you wish to strive Hotteok for your self, I like to recommend visiting Namdaemun or Gwangjang Market. Each of those markets have tons of stalls, and plenty of are all the time promoting this candy deal with!
7. Kopiko
Kopiko is small, arduous sweet with a definite espresso style. Nevertheless, that is extra than simply flavouring – these Korean candies have a considerable quantity of caffeine in them, making them nice for a lift whenever you really feel the necessity for power all through the day.
Earlier than you begin yelling at me – sure, I do know Kopiko is initially not Korean. In truth, it’s not Korean in any respect. Nevertheless, it’s featured in lots of Kdramas not too long ago, and also you’ll discover it on the cabinets of each comfort retailer and grocery store all through the nation. Because of this, and its place in up to date Korean tradition, I really feel prefer it’s deserving of a spot on this listing.
Not like many candies which mix flavours similar to chocolate and low, Kopiko takes a extra direct strategy, and these candies have a robust espresso flavour. This is smart, contemplating 5 candies have the identical degree of caffeine as a cup of espresso!
Espresso is an enormous a part of Korean tradition, and whereas these treats didn’t originate in Korea, they’ve develop into a mainstay. Maybe it’s because Koreans love espresso, or maybe it’s as a result of the sweet is solely scrumptious… Who is aware of? However both approach, they positive really feel like Korean sweet!
8. Cheongpodo
If you happen to’ve lived in Korea for some time, you’ll know that grape is an extremely well-liked flavour. Whether or not you might be ingesting soju, on the lookout for some water, or would like to take pleasure in some sweet, you’ll be capable to discover all of those in a white grape flavour.
Cheongpodo is the sweet type of this grape craze. These individually-wrapped candies are available a big bag containing tens of the small, spherical treats. Whereas this will appear wasteful, this Korean sweet could be sticky, and the selection to individually wrap them was most likely to stop them from sticking collectively within the bag.
I gained’t lie – I’m not the largest fan of the white grape flavour that’s really easy to search out in Korea (we are able to thank some unhealthy experiences with grape soju for that!). Nevertheless, I do know lots of people love the style of those lollipop-like candies, in order that they deserve a spot on this listing!
One good advantage of Cheongpodo is that since they’re a sweet you might want to take your time to take pleasure in, you most likely gained’t end up having eaten the entire pack earlier than you already know it… Or, possibly you’ll? You’ll must strive them to search out out!
9. Jadu (Plum) Sweet
Whereas fruit flavours are widespread amongst Korean sweet, plum is a flavour that’s by some means fairly neglected. Whereas it’s true that plum isn’t a flavour I’d usually affiliate with sweet, I additionally don’t see why it’s usually fully forgotten within the face of extra ‘enticing’ flavours similar to grape and strawberry.
Fortunately, whereas it may be arduous to search out plum sweet, there may be one bastion of hope! Haitai’s Jadu (Plum) Sweet is a tough sweet that comprises lots of the finest parts of actual plums. Whereas there’s a slight notice of bitterness, the candy aftertaste shortly washes that away and leaves a nice style in your mouth.
These candies are arduous, and every can take ten minutes to eat. This makes them good for whenever you need a good style in your mouth however don’t wish to overeat unintentionally (which, let’s be trustworthy, is all too simple on the subject of sweet!).
Jadu Sweet has been round for nearly 50 years, that means they’re well-established in Korea and likewise very well-known. Once you’re having fun with these Korean candies, you’re additionally experiencing a small ingredient of Korean meals tradition!
10. Secom Dalcom
Whereas candy sweet is nice, there’s no denying that we generally get the itch for one thing a bit extra intense. That’s the place this favorite Korean sweet is available in – Secom Dalcom might be Korea’s most well-known bitter sweet. You’ll often encounter it whereas searching comfort shops within the nation.
Just like My Chew, one can find Secom Dalcom in sticks with 8-10 items or in bigger luggage with many extra individually wrapped rectangular items. Whichever bundle you go for, you’ll certainly take pleasure in this Korean sweet, offered you want bitter!
Secom Dalcom is available in a variety of flavours. Whereas I haven’t tried all of them, I like to recommend peach and grape. Peach is nice if you’d like one thing a bit extra delicate (and with a sweeter aftertaste). In the meantime, grape is nice if you happen to’re on the lookout for one thing a bit extra bitter. Nevertheless, in each instances, you’ll get a pleasant and candy aftertaste.
Secom Dalcom is barely more durable to supply than My Chew, however you shouldn’t have problem discovering this abroad. Though I beneficial towards utilizing Amazon for Korean sweet, it’s tremendous simple to search out this sweet on the positioning, and it’s value trying out if you wish to experiment with the flavours!
11. Ilkwang Peanut Sweet
I might not be the largest fan of peanut butter and peanuts themselves, however there’s a cause that Reese’s is so well-liked. If you happen to’re among the many crowd of people that love peanut butter, you’re in luck! Korea has some sweet made only for you.
Ilkwang Peanut Sweet are small, individually wrapped, arduous candies that are made with 30% peanut butter. Whereas you’ll undoubtedly discover the peanut style, it isn’t overwhelming like some peanut treats. Slightly, the peanut is complimented by the sleek style of caramel.
If you’re keen on peanuts or different peanut-flavoured sweet, you’ll probably fall in love with this Korean sweet. Whereas it’s a unique expertise from its similar-tasting counterparts from different nations, it has the distinct peanut style which we search!
Ilkwang Peanut Sweet isn’t precisely obscure or arduous to search out, however because it’s a extra area of interest sweet, you could have some bother discovering it on-line. Fortunately, it’s simple to search out in Korea, and whereas some comfort shops might not inventory it, almost each grocery store will!
