5 Irresistable Korean Snacks That Define Traditional Flavors

Have you ever imagined yourself transported back to Korea’s dynastic era? What role would you play – a scholar, royal chef or perhaps a street vendor? And most importantly, what snacks would you be munching on? From crispy rice crackers to sweet confections, Korea’s traditional treats offer a flavor for every palate – many of which are still beloved today.

You might recognize some of these snacks from your favorite K-idols or through various media appearances. The historical webtoon “Painter of the Night” by byeonduck famously featured yakgwa, while Korean Englishman’s video showcased British cabbies trying these traditional treats. Now, are you ready for a mouthwatering journey? Here are ten time-honored Korean snacks that have stood the test of time.

1. Yakgwa

Yakgwa, a traditional honey cookie, is a wheat-based treat mixed with honey, ginger, soju and sesame oil. Only after it’s been deep fried golden is the cookie then pressed into floral molds. Its name derives from yak (medicine) and gwa (confection) – considering it to be a medicinal confection. 

The royal delicacy was popularized during the Goryeo Dynasty, when it was served at Buddhist ceremonies and wedding celebrations. While once exclusive to nobility, yakgwa is now enjoyed in special occasions nationwide, still symbolizing good fortune and longevity.

Fans of “Alchemy of Souls” might recognize yakgwa as Jang-Uk’s favorite dessert. Aside from that, it has also sparked a Gen Z craze. Its popularity has created the term “Yaketing” (Yakgwa Ticketing), where buyers queue to secure limited batches of the product at traditional markets, specialty shops like Golden Piece and even convenience stores.

Golden Piece Official

2. Songpyeon

Songpyeon are half-moon-shaped rice cakes with delicious surprising fillings. They can contain sweet jujube, dates, or bean paste. Beyond their vibrant colors, their most distinctive feature is the fresh pine fragrance that perfumes each bite. These special treats are traditionally eaten during Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), symbolizing hopes for a prosperous future filled with good fortune.

The beloved drama “Reply 1988” featured a heartwarming scene of the family making songpyeon together, beautifully capturing this important cultural tradition. Today, visitors can experience this firsthand through hands-on classes at Seoul’s Namsangol Hanok Village. There’s even a charming Korean saying that those who shape beautiful songpyeon will be blessed with handsome children!

3. Hotteok

Hotteok (Korean sweet pancake) is a filled-dough street snack that remains wildly popular across Korea. This hand-sized treat features a crispy exterior stuffed with sweet mixtures like nuts and sesame seeds. Dating back to the Joseon Dynasty, it’s traditionally enjoyed during winter for its warming comfort.

Modern variations have put creative spins on this cultural classic. Some versions incorporate matcha for extra sweetness or melted cheese for savory richness. For heartier appetites, vendors even stuff them with vegetables or japchae noodles. The possibilities are endless! Hotteok’s accessibility adds to its appeal – you’ll find these treats at street carts and markets throughout Korean cities. Among the most famous spots is Gwangjang Market, which has earned features in numerous international travel guides.

Republic of Korea Official

4. Yaksik

Yaksik is a traditional Korean dessert made from glutinous rice steamed with nuts (typically chestnuts and pine nuts) and jujubes. The dish is sweetened with honey or brown sugar syrup and seasoned with soy sauce, cinnamon, and sesame oil for a balanced flavor.

The history of yaksik traces back to the Three Kingdoms period. A popular legend claims the treat originated when a crow saved a Silla king. The name combines “yak” (medicine) and “sik” (food), reflecting its historical use as an energy food. During the Joseon Dynasty, it was served at royal banquets for important celebrations.

Yaksik maintains cultural significance today, appearing in modern media like the popular webtoon “The Heavenly Demon Can’t Live a Normal Life” by ZAINO and San Cheon. People traditionally enjoy bugak during Jeongwol Daeboreum (the first full moon of the lunar new year) and serve it at weddings. Tourists can sample this treat at local markets like Gyeongdong Market and Gwangjang Market.

5. Bugak

Bugak (fried seaweed chips) is made by coating seaweed in glutinous rice paste and frying it to crispy perfection. While seaweed is common, other ingredients like green chili peppers or perilla leaves can also be used. A unique aspect of bugak preparation is sun-drying the coated ingredients before frying, which enhances their crispness. You can enjoy this versatile snack on its own or pair it with rice and alcoholic beverages.

Buddhist temple cooks first created this dish during the Goryeo Dynasty, using preserved vegetables to make winter provisions. By the Joseon Dynasty, royal chefs had refined bugak to serve as a side dish at palace banquets.

This traditional snack offers a crispy and light texture perfect for on-the-go eating. Flavors vary from nutty (when seasoned with sesame oil) to simply salty. The snack gained modern attention when HWASA featured it in a heartwarming hometown meal during her appearance on “I Live Alone”. Today, you can find bugak in local markets or pre-packaged in supermarkets.

Now comes the important question: “Where do I purchase these snacks if I live abroad?”. First, you can try to make them yourself! With how accessible tutorials are, channels like Maangchi, MASILJUBANG and Korean Bapsang can help you recreate these treats in your very own kitchen. Second, you can visit the local Korean market as many traditional snacks are now available worldwide. Third, global shipping from Korean e-commerce sites. There’s a variety to choose from and they’re just within your fingertips.

Whether you try unique flavors or stick to classic recipes, both options not only offer a pleasant treat for long days, but also something deeper. With each bite, you’re not just tasting a snack— you’re experiencing a delicious connection to Korea’s rich history and traditions. These snacks carry generations of culinary craftsmanship, giving us a flavorful glimpse into the past that continues to shape modern Korean culture.