Bring home authentic South Korean flavors with a variety of specialty foods that are perfect as souvenirs, from kimchi to traditional sweet snacks.
South Korea is not only famous for its K-pop entertainment industry and world-famous Korean dramas, but also for its culinary diversity.
Every corner of this ginseng country holds a wealth of flavors that pamper the tongue, from main dishes to light snacks. It is not surprising that many tourists are interested in bringing home typical Korean food as souvenirs.
For those of you visiting South Korea and want to bring home something delicious, here are 10 Typical South Korean Foods that can be used as souvenirs and reflect authentic Korean taste.
1. Kimchi
Kimchi is an icon of Korean cuisine that cannot be missed. Made from fermented Chinese cabbage with spices such as chili, garlic, ginger, and salt, kimchi has a distinctive spicy, sour, and fresh taste. Kimchi is not only delicious, but also rich in probiotics that are good for digestion.
As a souvenir, kimchi is sold in vacuum packaging or cans for easy storage and transportation. You can find it in many traditional markets or large supermarkets in Korea.
Some popular kimchi variants that you can take home are radish kimchi (kkakdugi) and cucumber kimchi (oi sobagi).
2. Instant Tteokbokki
Tteokbokki is a Korean snack consisting of rice cakes cooked in a spicy and sweet sauce based on gochujang (red chili paste). Its chewy and spicy taste makes it a favorite of many.
As a souvenir, you can buy tteokbokki in instant form which only needs to be cooked briefly at home. Usually, instant tteokbokki packaging comes with sauce and rice cakes so it is easy to prepare. Experience the sensation of eating Korean street tteokbokki at your home!
3. Ramyeon
Ramyeon or Korean instant noodles are a must-have souvenir that many people love. Korea has various ramyeon variants with different flavors and levels of spiciness. Some well-known brands such as Shin Ramyun, Samyang, and Nongshim offer unique and delicious spicy flavors.
Ramyeon can be a practical souvenir that lasts a long time and is suitable to be enjoyed during leisure time. Not only that, some ramyeon variants also have distinctive flavors such as jjajangmyeon (black bean sauce noodles) and kimchi ramyeon.
4. Choco Pie
Choco Pie is a sweet snack that has become a legend in South Korea. This snack consists of two layers of cake filled with marshmallows and coated with chocolate. Its sweet taste and soft texture make it a favorite souvenir for all ages, both children and adults.
Choco Pie is available in various flavors, such as classic chocolate, strawberry, and green tea. You can find Choco Pie in various supermarkets, airports, and even specialty souvenir shops.
5. Ginseng Candy
South Korea is known as a producer of high-quality ginseng which is often used in traditional medicine. One popular form of processed ginseng is ginseng candy.
Ginseng candy has a distinctive taste, with a sweet and bitter blend of real ginseng. This souvenir is not only delicious, but is also believed to have health benefits, such as increasing stamina and strengthening the body’s immune system. Ginseng candy can be found at health food stores, pharmacies, or ginseng souvenir centers.
6. Yagwa
Yakgwa is a traditional Korean cake made from a mixture of flour, honey, and sesame oil. This cake has a soft texture and a distinctive sweet taste. Yakgwa is often served in various traditional ceremonies or as a dessert at important events.
Yakgwa has a long shelf life, making it suitable as a souvenir. You can find Yakgwa in various shapes and sizes in traditional cake shops in Korea.
7. Hodu-gwaja
Hodu-gwaja is a Korean snack originating from the Cheonan region. This cake is made from flour dough filled with red bean paste and walnut pieces. Its shape, which resembles a walnut, makes it unique and easy to recognize.
Hodu-gwaja has the right sweetness and a texture that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This snack is usually sold in a special box that makes it easy to take home as a souvenir.
8. Jeonbyeong
Jeonbyeong is a dry snack in the form of thin crackers made from rice flour and sugar. This snack has a crunchy texture and a light sweet taste, making it perfect to enjoy with tea.
Jeonbyeong is often sold in bundles at traditional Korean markets and has a long shelf life. These souvenirs are not only delicious, but also reflect the classic taste of Korean snacks.
9. Yanggwa
Yanggwa is a traditional Korean pastry that has a sweet and savory taste. It is often made from glutinous rice flour mixed with honey and sesame oil, giving it an authentic Korean taste.
Due to its soft texture and not-too- sweet taste, Yanggwa is suitable as a souvenir for family and friends who want to experience traditional Korean flavors.
10. Bungeoppang Mix
Bungeoppang is a fish-shaped cake filled with red bean paste or custard cream. It is commonly sold by street vendors during the winter in Korea. However, now you can take home Bungeoppang Mix in ready-to-use dough form.
Simply by adding water and baking it using a special mold, you can enjoy warm Bungeoppang right from home. This is a unique souvenir that brings the taste of Korean snacks to your own kitchen.
Bringing home a Korean souvenir not only provides sweet memories, but also allows you to share the authentic taste of Korea with family and friends.
From the legendary kimchi to sweet treats like Choco Pie and Yakgwa, Typical South Korea Souvenirs offer a unique and profound taste experience in each Korean specialty.
Be sure to try and bring home some of the above as souvenirs from your trip to the Land of Ginseng. Happy souvenir hunting and enjoying the richness of South Korean cuisine!
