Bring home the deliciousness of South Korea with these 10 traditional and modern foods that make perfect souvenirs, from kimchi to sweet treats.
South Korea is known as one of the countries with a rich and diverse culinary tradition. In addition to delicious dishes that can be enjoyed on site, there are many typical Korean foods that can also be taken home as souvenirs.
These culinary souvenirs not only pamper the tongue, but also bring back memories of the uniqueness of Korean culture.
For those of you who are planning a trip to South Korea, here are 10 Typical South Korean Foods that you must buy as souvenirs.
1. Kimchi
Kimchi is the most recognized Korean culinary icon throughout the world. Made from fermented Chinese cabbage with spicy seasonings, garlic, and ginger, kimchi has a spicy, sour, and refreshing taste.
As a souvenir, kimchi is available in practical packaging such as jars, vacuum, or cans. There are many variants of kimchi, such as baechu kimchi (white cabbage), kkakdugi (radish), and oi sobagi (cucumber). Kimchi preserved in this packaging is long-lasting and suitable for taking to various countries.
2. Instant Tteokbokki
Tteokbokki is a Korean rice cake served in a sweet and spicy gochujang (red chili paste) sauce. This snack can be easily found at street vendors, but is now also available in instant form as a souvenir.
Instant tteokbokki is sold in packets containing rice cakes and sauce that are ready to cook. You just need to add water and heat it up to enjoy the authentic taste of Korean tteokbokki at home.
3. Ramyeon
Korean instant noodles or ramyeon are one of the most popular souvenirs that tourists often buy. Korean ramyeon is known for its strong flavor and varying levels of spiciness.
Famous brands such as Shin Ramyun, Samyang (famous for its spicy noodle variants), and Nongshim offer a variety of flavors, from kimchi, jjajangmyeon (black bean sauce), to seafood ramyeon.
4. Choco Pie
Choco Pie is a sweet snack in the form of a round cake filled with marshmallows and coated with chocolate. This snack has been a favorite in South Korea since it was first produced by the Orion brand.
In addition to the classic chocolate flavor, various flavors are now available such as green tea, strawberry, and caramel. Choco Pie is not only delicious but also easy to take home because of its practical packaging.
5. Ginseng Candy
South Korea is known as a producer of high quality ginseng. One of the popular derivative products is ginseng candy.
This candy offers a sweet and bitter taste typical of ginseng which has many health benefits, such as increasing stamina and strengthening the body’s resistance. Ginseng candy is often sold in small packages that are practical to carry as souvenirs.
6. Yagwa
Yakgwa is a traditional Korean cake made from a mixture of flour, honey, and sesame oil. It has a sweet taste and soft texture and is often served at various traditional Korean celebrations.
Yakgwa is suitable as a souvenir because it lasts a long time and can be enjoyed at any time. You can find it in Korean souvenir shops, especially in traditional markets.
7. Hodu-gwaja
Hodu-gwaja, or walnut cake, originates from the Cheonan region of South Korea. This cake is round and small, made from flour dough and filled with red bean paste and pieces of walnut.
This snack has a sweet taste and a crunchy texture on the outside and soft on the inside. Hodu-gwaja is often sold in box packaging, making it easy to take home and make a souvenir.
8. Jeonbyeong
Jeonbyeong is a thin Korean cracker made from rice flour. It has a crunchy texture with a light sweet taste, perfect as a snack or tea accompaniment.
These crackers are available in a variety of flavors and are often sold in bundles at traditional markets or snack shops in Korea. Jeonbyeong is a simple souvenir but has a classic taste.
9. Yanggwa
Yanggwa is a traditional cake that has a chewy texture and a distinctive sweet taste. Made from glutinous rice flour, honey, and sesame oil, Yanggwa is often served as a snack at celebration events.
This cake is sold in special packaging that makes it easy for you to take it home as a souvenir. Besides being delicious, Yanggwa also reflects Korea’s rich culinary traditions.
10. Bungeoppang Mix
Bungeoppang is a fish-shaped cake filled with red bean paste or custard cream. Bungeoppang is a street snack that is widely sold during the winter in Korea.
Now, you can take home Bungeoppang Mix in ready-to-use dough form. Just add water and bake with a fish mold to enjoy Bungeoppang at home.
South Korean specialties are not only delicious but also make great souvenirs because of their durability and practical packaging.
From authentic kimchi to spicy ramyeon and sweet treats like Choco Pie and Yakgwa, Typical South Korea Souvenirs can bring a taste of Korean cuisine to your home.
Be sure to buy some of these items when you visit South Korea so you can share the unique taste of the Land of Ginseng with your family and friends. Enjoy and enjoy hunting for Korean souvenirs!
