SEOUL – These days, many travellers to South Korea are not just drawn to the traditional sights, but also to modern indulgences. Saunas and skincare clinics top the list, promising relaxation and glowing skin. But just as popular is a visit to Lotte Mart, the country’s iconic hypermarket.
Wander down its bustling aisles and you’ll find locals and tourists alike, baskets brimming with snacks. Shoppers pause at taste-testing counters, sampling everything from spicy ramen to crispy seaweed chips. The variety is staggering, featuring flavours like drama, zero-sugar gummies, honey butter almonds, and more.
South Korea’s snack culture has become a global sensation. These treats line virtual shelves on e-commerce sites like Amazon and Shopee, finding fans worldwide. Yet, buying snacks in Seoul comes with its perks.
Not only are prices up to 50 per cent lower than overseas, but there are also exclusive flavours that never make it out of the country. For many visitors, filling up a suitcase at Lotte Mart has become as essential as sightseeing itself—a delicious souvenir from the heart of Korea.
For example, consider the popular corn snack Banana Kick. At Lotte Mart in South Korea, a 75g pack of this sweet and crunchy treat is priced at just 1,360 won, equivalent to approximately S$1.30. The bright yellow bag is easy to spot on the shelves, often stacked high in the snack aisle.
But if you try to buy the same pack on Shopee, the price jumps to S$2.40. That’s nearly double what you’d pay in Korea. The difference is striking for such a simple snack.
This price gap highlights the significant savings that shoppers can achieve by purchasing locally instead of online from overseas sellers. Even a small treat like Banana Kick becomes a luxury when purchased through imported channels. For fans of Korean snacks living abroad, it’s a reminder of how much more affordable these goodies are at their source.
When my friend and I visited Seoul in April, we couldn’t resist spending two hours exploring the aisles of Lotte Mart. The store was a treasure trove of Korean snacks—crispy seaweed, spicy ramen, sweet rice cakes—and our shopping carts quickly overflowed. By the end of our spree, each of us had a duffel bag packed to the brim with treats.
We noticed that larger Lotte Mart locations, such as the massive Zettaplex at Seoul Station, make life easier for travellers. They offer Express Mail Service to selected countries, so you don’t have to struggle with extra luggage on your flight home. Instead, you can conveniently ship your bulk purchases straight from the store.
Another friend of ours took advantage of this service and sent home two big boxes stuffed with tidbits and drinks for her family and friends. She simply filled out a form at the counter and watched as staff carefully packed everything for international delivery.
To top it off, we learned that if you spend over 15,000 won, you’re eligible for a tax refund. Claiming it was straightforward—just present your receipts at the designated counter before you leave.
Shopping at Lotte Mart is not only fun but also hassle-free for travellers who want to bring a taste of Korea back home.
If you’re planning a trip to South Korea, don’t miss the chance to explore its amazing snack scene. One treat I highly recommend is Murgerbon’s Coffee Peanut Popcorn, which you can find for about 2,990 won per packet. I first stumbled upon it in a small convenience store in Seoul, lured by the aroma of roasted coffee wafting through the aisles.
This unique snack blends the nutty crunch of peanuts with sweet, airy popcorn, all dusted in a fragrant coffee coating. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for an afternoon stroll along the Han River or as a companion during a subway ride across the city.
While Murgerbon’s Honey Butter Corn once tried to rival the famous HBAF honey butter almonds, it’s this new coffee peanut popcorn that’s stealing hearts now. Each bite offers a playful mix of bitter coffee and creamy peanut, making it hard to stop at just one handful.
Pack a few packets in your bag—you’ll want to snack on them as you wander through markets or relax in your hotel room after a day of sightseeing.
Murgerbon has given its classic coffee peanut snack from 1986 a fresh twist, transforming it into popcorn that has quickly become a favourite among younger snackers. The new popcorn keeps the spirit of the original but adds a playful update—each kernel is shaped like a tiny soccer ball, making them as fun to look at as they are to eat.
A Lotte Mart employee shared with me that this popcorn is so popular with tourists that the shelves need to be restocked several times a day. The secret seems to be in the flavour: a sweet coffee glaze dusted with real peanut powder, giving every bite a subtle nutty undertone.
When I brought home a few packets, they barely lasted through two episodes of Netflix. The popcorn disappeared in minutes, proving just how addictive it is.
Murgerbon hasn’t stopped there. They offer other flavours as well, including cheddar cheese, butter garlic, and onion, catering to all kinds of cravings. Whether you pick up a regular bag or go big with a jumbo packet, these snacks are perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself.
Market O Brownies (5,280 won per box)
If you’ve ever browsed a convenience store in Seoul, you’ve probably seen Market O Brownies. I first picked up a box back in 2018, lured by their reputation as a must-have Korean snack. Packed individually, each square brownie is fudgy and rich—a perfect bite-sized treat to stash in your bag or share with friends.
These brownies have earned their place as a top souvenir from South Korea. Even today, they’re easy to spot at local supermarkets, stacked alongside other trendy snacks, such as waffle chips, gummies, and flavoured almonds. Over the years, I’ve noticed the brownies seem a little smaller, but Market O keeps things fresh by following the latest flavour trends.
Recently, they jumped on the matcha bandwagon, introducing a new green tea flavour alongside another creative option. This keeps fans coming back to see what’s next. Whether you’re collecting snacks for a travel series or searching for gifts with local flair, Market O Brownies remain a delicious and reliable pick.
There are now two new flavours making waves across Seoul—matcha and cream cheese. Every bakery seems to sell out of them within hours, as word spreads quickly among dessert lovers.
The matcha brownie is a bold choice, leaning into the earthy bitterness that true matcha fans crave. Its deep green hue hints at the intensity within, and each bite offers a delicate balance between chocolate and the unmistakable taste of matcha powder.
On the other hand, the cream cheese brownie is pure indulgence. Imagine a rich, fudgy chocolate base, crowned with a thick, velvety layer of tangy cream cheese. The combination is decadent, almost melting on your tongue, with the cheese cutting through the sweetness just enough.
Both flavours have sparked a quiet frenzy in the city. People queue patiently outside bakeries, hoping to snag one before they sell out for the day. It’s clear—these brownies have become Seoul’s latest obsession.
Zero sugar-free jelly (5,580 won a packet)
In Seoul, the trend for “zero” foods is everywhere you look. Walk into any convenience store and you’ll see shelves lined with snacks boasting zero sugar or zero calories. In this image-conscious city, these labels are more than just marketing—they’re a way of life.
Lotte’s Zero sugar-free peach and kiwi jelly is having its moment. It’s sweetened with maltitol, a sugar substitute that gives you the taste without the guilt. The jellies are soft, chewy, and burst with fruity flavour.
Gen Z and millennials are snapping them up, seeking out healthier alternatives to regular candy. On TikTok and South Korean online forums, some users share that chewing on these jellies calms their nerves, without the sugar crash.
For many young Koreanszero-sugarar jelly is more than a snack. They’re a comforting ritual and a small way to care for themselves in a fast-paced world.
The first thing I noticed was its pleasantly chewy, gummy texture. Biting into it, the flavours of peach and kiwi burst through—an unexpected pairing that immediately caught my attention. The sweetness of the peach blended seamlessly with the tart, refreshing notes of kiwi.
This unique flavour combination quickly became my go-to morning pick-me-up, helping me shake off the usual sluggishness that sets in around o’clock. Each bite feels like a small burst of energy and brightness, making those slow hours pass by just a bit faster.
As I savoured another piece, my mind wandered to all the ways this flavour could be savoured. I imagined it swirled into a creamy milkshake or baked into a soft, fruity cake. There’s something about the blend of peach and kiwi that feels both playful and sophisticated, perfect for experimenting in the kitchen.
I can easily see the flavour combination catching on, inspiring new desserts that go beyond just gummies. For now, though, I’m content to enjoy each chewy, flavorful bite as my secret weapon against the afternoon slump.
Binch cookies (5,280 won a box)
I first spotted Binch cookies on a low shelf in a bustling Seoul supermarket, their tidy rows promising a treat. The packaging is simple, but inside, each cookie is individually wrapped—perfect for sharing around the office or slipping into a travel bag.
Binch stands for “biscuit and chocolate”, and that’s precisely what you get. The base is a crisp, buttery biscuit topped with a smooth layer of milk chocolate. It’s sweeter and creamier than most chocolate biscuits I’ve tried, but not so much that it’s overwhelming.
With each bite, the chocolate melts just enough to complement the crunchy biscuit beneath. I was surprised by how quickly one turned into two or three. They’re satisfying as a midday pick-me-up or as an after-dinner treat.
As someone who loves chocolate chip cookies, I found Binch to be a more refined version: richer, smoother, and perfectly portioned. The balance between chocolate and biscuit is spot-on, making it easy to see why these are a favourite among locals and travellers alike.
Banana Kick (1,360 won a packet)
Banana Kick is a beloved South Korean snack that’s hard to forget once you’ve tried it. Each puff is long, yellow, and slightly curved—almost like a cartoon banana. The flavour is pure nostalgia: sweet, creamy, and unmistakably banana, with a texture that dissolves on your tongue like banana-flavoured clouds.
I found myself unable to complete the task, so I worked on it one step at a time. They’re light as air, with a satisfying crunch that reminds me of Japan’s Tohato Caramel Corn, but with a playful tropical twist.
BTS-themed snacks and drinks are flying off the shelves as South Korea eagerly awaits the return of its superstar boy band from military service. Fans everywhere, both local and international, are snapping up anything with a hint of BTS magic. Even cartoon spin-offs like BT21 and TinyTan have become must-have collectables for ARMYs and tourists alike.
One standout treat is the HBAF nuts featuring BT21 characters. New flavours, such as matcha almond and hot spicy chicken, have quickly gained fans. The spicy chicken almonds offer a crunchy, savoury punch—almost like biting into crispy chicken skin, but with a lingering heat that keeps you reaching for more. The matcha flavour is milder; one friend said she’d rather drink it than snack on it.
Then there’s the Damtuh Kombucha TinyTan BTS Edition. These come in vibrant fruity flavours, and each can is decorated with adorable TinyTan versions of the band members. With every sip, you get a taste of BTS’s charm—literally and figuratively. In a country counting down the days to BTS’s return, these playful snacks and drinks offer a little piece of the excitement to take home.
Banana Kick has been a staple in Korean households for years, but it has recently gained global fame. In March, Jennie from Blackpink confessed on The Jennifer Hudson Show that it was her favourite childhood snack, prompting fans everywhere to go on a hunt for it.
The packaging suggests creative ways to enjoy them—topped on ice cream or blended into milkshakes. I tried sprinkling some over cookie dough ice cream, and the combination was perfect. It’s easy to see why Banana Kick is a snack people can’t resist coming back to.
BTS-themed snacks and drinks
BTS-themed snacks and drinks are flying off the shelves as South Korea eagerly awaits the return of its superstar boy band from military service. Fans everywhere, both local and international, are snapping up anything with a hint of BTS magic. Even cartoon spin-offs like BT21 and TinyTan have become must-have collectables for ARMYs and tourists alike.
One standout treat is the HBAF nuts featuring BT21 characters. New flavours, such as matcha almond and hot spicy chicken, have quickly gained fans. The spicy chicken almonds offer a crunchy, savoury punch—almost like biting into crispy chicken skin, but with a lingering heat that keeps you reaching for more. The match flavour is milder; one friend said she’d rather drink it than snack on it.
Then there’s the Damtuh Kombucha TinyTan BTS Edition. These come in vibrant fruit flavours, and each is decorated with adorable TinyTan versions of the band members. With every sip, you get a taste of BTS’s charm—literally and figuratively. In a country counting down the days to BTS’s return, these playful snacks and drinks offer a little piece of the excitement to take home.
It arrives in small, convenient powdered sachets—just tear one open and mix with water. Online, people are divided: some believe turning the fermented drink into powder might strip away the probiotics and health benefits that kombucha is known for, especially its reputation for supporting gut health and aiding digestion.
Curious, I decided to try the grapefruit flavour. As soon as I mixed it up, a sweet, citrusy aroma filled the air. The taste was light and refreshingly sweet, almost like a gentle fruit punch. Unlike traditional kombucha, there was barely any fizz; the bubbles were subtle, not nearly as lively as the bottled versions.
And the usual funky, tangy aftertaste? It was gone. If someone handed me this drink without telling me, I would never have guessed it started out as kombucha. It felt more like flavoured water than fermented tea.
Still, I couldn’t help but wonder if I was really getting all the benefits kombucha promises, or just enjoying a tasty, guilt-free drink.
Salt bread (1,700 won a packet)
Salt bread has quickly become one of Seoul’s most popular snacks, drawing long lines at trendy spots like Soha Salt Pond Cafe in Ikseondong and Jayeondo Salt Bread in Seongsu. Now, you can skip the wait and grab a packet at Lottemart for just 1,700 won.
These croissant-shaped treats are golden and crisp on the outside, with a satisfyingly chewy centre. Each bite delivers a perfect blend of salty and sweet—the signature taste that keeps locals coming back for more. The classic version is simple yet addictive, but new flavours are emerging everywhere.
Snack giant Nongshim has joined the craze, offering salt bread in chocolate and raspberry varieties. Whether you’re a fan of traditional or adventurous snacks, Taaflavour is for everyone.
Salt bread is perfect for on-the-go snacking or as a souvenir from your travels. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for another packet before your trip comes to an end.
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