Best Korean Snacks You Can Buy Overseas

If you’ve ever stood in front of a grocery shelf abroad and wondered which Korean snacks are actually worth tossing into your basket, you’re in the right place요. K‑snacks have gone big‑time worldwide, and 2025 is a sweet spot to stock up without booking a flight다. Think crispy layers that shatter like glass, honey‑butter sweetness with a salty wink, and spice that warms you from the first crunch to the last crumb요. I’ve rounded up classics and new hits you can reliably find overseas, plus where to buy them, what they cost, and how to pick fresh stock like a pro다!

Sweet classics you can find almost anywhere

Orion Choco Pie

The comfort cookie that launched a thousand care packages, Choco Pie is a marshmallow sandwich coated in chocolate, and it’s probably the easiest Korean snack to find overseas요. A standard pie is ~28 g and clocks in around 120–135 kcal per piece, with ~8–10 g of sugar and ~3–4 g of fat depending on the variant다. Export boxes usually come in 6, 12, or 24 counts, and they’re shelf‑stable for 6–9 months when kept cool요.

Flavor notes: Cocoa‑forward coating, soft sponge, fluffy marshmallow—gentle sweetness that pairs perfectly with coffee or milk요.
Popular variants: Original, Cacao, Banana, and seasonal “Black Sugar Milk Tea” pop up in export aisles다.
Typical price overseas: USD $4.99–$7.99 for a 12‑pack in the US; £3.50–£6.00 in the UK; AU$6–$9 in Australia요.
Pro tip: If you see an export sticker showing Orion as the manufacturer and a legible “Best Before” in YY‑MM‑DD or YYYY‑MM‑DD, you’re good요.

Lotte Pepero

If you’ve seen thin biscuit sticks dipped in chocolate, that’s Pepero—Korea’s answer to the snackable stick that knows no season (though November 11—“Pepero Day”—makes it extra fun)요. A single box typically weighs 32–39 g and hovers around 170–210 kcal다. Almond Pepero pushes texture with nutty crunch, while “Nude” flips the script with chocolate on the inside요!

Best‑sellers: Almond, White Cookie, Original Chocolate, Nude (chocolate‑filled)다.
Where you’ll find it: Asian grocers, mainstream chains, airport duty‑free, and big online marketplaces like Amazon, Weee!, and Yamibuy요.
Price band: USD $1.50–$2.50 per box; multi‑packs often hit $8–$12다.
Pairing idea: Almond Pepero + cold brew = balanced bitterness, nuttiness, and a chocolate pop요.

Lotte Binch

Half biscuit, half chocolate “coin,” Binch brings a glossy chocolate layer stamped with a little sailboat—thin enough to snap, thick enough to feel indulgent요. Each piece is ~9–12 g, and a sleeve tends to be ~120–150 kcal depending on how many you “accidentally” ate다.

Texture: Crisp butter biscuit base with a clean chocolate break요.
Availability: Common in Asian markets worldwide and increasingly on mainstream e‑com sites다.
Value: Usually USD $2.99–$4.49 per box; look for 2‑box promos during holiday seasons요.

Crown Butter Waffle

Butter Waffle tastes like a waffle cone’s glow‑up—caramelized edges, buttery richness, feather‑light crunch요. A couple of wafers sit around 120–160 kcal, with a satisfying snap that refuses to get soggy if you dip it in coffee다.

Flavor profile: Buttery, toasty, slightly sweet; stellar with vanilla ice cream (make a sandwich!)요.
Price: USD $2.49–$3.99; £2–£3.50 in the UK다.
Tip: If you catch “Mini” Butter Waffles, they’re perfect for snack platters or dessert boards요.

Savory and ultra‑crisp chips that travel well

Haitai‑Calbee Honey Butter Chip

The 2014–2016 shortage era is over, and yes, you can finally buy Honey Butter Chip without a waiting list요. Expect a thin potato chip with honeyed sweetness and a buttery, slightly salty finish—calibrated to make you reach for “just one more” 20 times다. A 60–90 g bag typically sits around 320–500 kcal요.

Flavor math: ~1.2–1.8% honey powder, balanced with butter seasoning and a whisper of salt다.
Global status: Widely exported; watch for limited runs like Maple or Black Truffle depending on region요.
Price: USD $2.49–$4.50 per bag; availability swings cause price bumps, so grab when you see it다.

Orion Turtle Chips (Kkobuk Chip)

Four ultra‑thin layers puffy‑fried into a turtle‑shell ripple—these are next‑level crunch요. Sweet Corn is the best‑known flavor overseas, but Spicy, Choco Churros, and Seaweed also rotate through shelves다. A 160 g family bag can feel bottomless… until it isn’t요.

Texture index: 4 layers = high crunch amplitude; minimal oiliness despite the fry다.
Calories: ~140–170 kcal per 30 g serving; portion control is the real challenge요.
Price: USD $2.99–$4.99; often on promo at Asian chains like H Mart and 99 Ranch다.

Nongshim Shrimp Crackers (Saeu‑kkang)

A Korean original since 1971, Shrimp Crackers deliver shrimpy umami with a toasted finish요. There’s an Original and a Spicy version; the latter hides a slow chili build that’s terrific with a cold beer다. A 75 g bag is typically ~350–400 kcal요.

Ingredient clue: Real shrimp powder plus wheat flour—check allergens if you’re shellfish‑sensitive다.
Availability: Everywhere from Asian grocers to mainstream supermarkets; also sold in multipacks for lunchboxes요.
Price: USD $1.49–$2.99; Spicy is sometimes a tad pricier due to demand다.

Nongshim Onion Rings (Yangpa Ring)

Light, onion‑sweet rings that don’t coat your fingers in neon powder요. Think less aggressive than American onion snacks but more fragrant than plain chips다. Great for kids and for mixing into party bowls요.

Nutrition: ~150–170 kcal per 30 g; relatively modest sodium compared with cheese‑bomb chips다.
Price: USD $1.99–$3.29; common in export aisles and convenience chains요.

Better‑for‑you bites and traditional treats

Roasted Seaweed (Gim)

Snack‑size seaweed packs (often 3–5 g per sheet set) are a lifesaver when you want something crisp, savory, and nearly guilt‑free요. A single pack is usually 25–35 kcal, with a touch of sesame oil and salt다. Brands like Bibigo, Jayone, and Taekyung are prevalent overseas요.

Micronutrients: Naturally rich in iodine; check labels if you’re managing thyroid intake다.
Formats: Full sheets, half sheets, or seasoned flakes (furikake‑style) for topping rice, eggs, even popcorn요.
Price: USD $0.99–$2.99 per pack; 10‑packs save money (often $7–$12)다.
Storage: Humidity is the enemy—keep sealed with a desiccant packet for snap‑fresh texture요.

Tom’s Farm Almonds (Honey Butter, Wasabi, Tteokbokki)

K‑flavored almonds blew up globally for a reason요. Honey Butter Almonds are the icon—sweet‑salty glaze dusted with savory honey butter powder—but Wasabi and Tteokbokki bring heat and umami다. A 30 g handful is ~160–180 kcal with ~5–7 g protein요.

Where to find: Costco rotations, airport duty‑free, Amazon, and specialty snack shops다.
Fun ones: Seaweed & Almond, Strawberry, Injeolmi (soybean powder) show up as limited runs요.
Price: USD $3–$5 for snack pouches; $12–$18 for 210–250 g share bags다.

Yakgwa (Traditional Honey Cookies)

A classic made from wheat flour, honey (or rice syrup), and sesame oil, then glazed—tender, chewy, and sticky in the best way요. Modern boxed versions travel well and taste wonderful with tea다.

Texture: Soft chew with a glossy outside; floral honey aroma if you score a premium brand요.
Nutrition: 1 piece (30–40 g) lands ~130–170 kcal; it’s a treat, so savor slowly다.
Price: USD $3.99–$7.99 for small boxes; artisan gift boxes can go higher요.

Injeolmi‑style Rice Snacks and Matdongsan

If you love nutty soybean powder (kinako vibes), injeolmi‑style snacks give roasted, peanut‑adjacent depth without overpowering sweetness요. Haitai’s Matdongsan leans caramel‑nutty and crunchy—retro in the best way다.

Pairings: Green tea or genmaicha for a toasty echo; black coffee if you prefer contrast요.
Availability: Asian supermarkets and online K‑snack shops, usually USD $2.49–$4.49다.

Spicy snack fixes beyond ramen

Samyang Buldak‑flavored Chips and Almonds

Love Fire Noodles but not the slurp요? The chip version (and the almonds!) bring Buldak’s signature gochugaru‑garlic sweetness and serious heat다. Scoville measures vary by run, but many fans describe it as “medium‑high heat” in chip form—spicy enough to sniffle, not enough to despair요.

Calories: Chips ~150–170 kcal per 30 g; Almonds ~170 kcal per 30 g with protein benefits다.
Tip: Check for halal marks on Samyang exports if that matters to you—certain SKUs carry certification요.
Price: USD $1.99–$3.49 for chips; $12–$16 for almond share bags다.

Tteokbokki Cup Snacks (Yopokki and friends)

Instant tteokbokki cups are a snack‑meal hybrid—chewy rice cakes with a sweet‑spicy gochujang sauce you microwave in ~2–3 minutes요. They’re wildly popular in export aisles because they travel well and hit that late‑night craving zone다.

Heat scale: Mild, Original, and Extra Spicy versions; some cups add cheese or carbonara creaminess요.
Portions: ~110–140 g per cup cooked; ~250–350 kcal depending on sauce다.
Price: USD $2.99–$4.99 per cup; multipacks save ~10–20%요.

Haitai Tteokbokki‑Flavor Snacks

Not the real rice cakes—these are puffed or crunchy chips dusted with tteokbokki seasoning요. Think sweet‑spicy, fast crunch, and no microwave required다. Perfect with a fizzy drink or beer요.

Availability: Common in K‑grocers abroad; USD $1.99–$3.29 a bag다.
Pro tip: If you like a cleaner finish, pair with sparkling water—bubbles balance the sweet heat요.

Kim‑based Spicy Snacks

Spicy seaweed crisps or Buldak‑seasoned gim are lightweight, packable, and snack‑at‑your‑desk friendly요. The clean ocean note keeps heat from feeling heavy다.

Nutrition: Often 20–35 kcal per pack; sodium varies widely—scan the label요.
Price: USD $1.49–$2.99 per pack; multipacks are best value다.

Where to buy and how to spot the good stuff

Reliable retailers and platforms

United States and Canada: H Mart, 99 Ranch, Lotte Plaza, Zion Market, Walmart (selected SKUs), Target, Costco rotations, plus Weee!, Yamibuy, Umamicart, and Amazon요.
United Kingdom and Europe: H Mart UK, Oseyo, Asian supermarkets, and e‑com like Amazon, Asian grocer sites, and local Korean specialty stores다.
Australia and New Zealand: Hanaro Mart, Tong Li, independent Asian grocers, Costco rotations, and Amazon AU요.
Southeast Asia: 7‑Eleven, Don Don Donki, FairPrice (SG), Village Grocer (MY), and large e‑com platforms다.

If you see a “K‑Food” or “K‑Mart” corner in a mainstream store, you’re in luck—freshness turnover is usually higher there요.

Freshness and authenticity checklist

Date format: Korea commonly uses YYYY‑MM‑DD or YY‑MM‑DD for “Best Before”다. If you can’t read the original print, the import sticker usually repeats it in local format요.
Manufacturer: Look for Orion, Lotte, Haitai‑Calbee, Nongshim, Samyang, Crown clearly printed다.
Import label: Reputable importers list ingredients in your language and allergens (wheat, milk, soy, shrimp, peanuts, tree nuts)요.
Condition: Chocolate scuffing or sugar bloom suggests heat exposure; seaweed that feels limp may have moisture ingress다.
Price sanity: If the price feels too good, check the date—short‑dated deals happen, and that’s fine if you’re snacking soon요.

Shipping and storage pointers

Melt point: Chocolate softens around 30–32°C; avoid hot porch deliveries if you can다.
Humidity: Seaweed and wafers hate moisture—seal tightly with desiccants요.
Sunlight: Seasoning oils oxidize faster in direct sun; store in a cool, dark pantry다.

Price and value cheat‑sheet for 2025

Single‑serve and small bags

Pepero: $1.50–$2.50 per box; ~32–39 g (~$4–$7 per 100 g)요.
Honey Butter Chip: $2.49–$4.50 per 60–90 g (~$3–$6 per 100 g)다.
Turtle Chips: $2.99–$4.99 per 70–160 g (~$2.50–$4 per 100 g depending on size)요.
Shrimp Crackers: $1.49–$2.99 per 75 g (~$2–$4 per 100 g)다.

Choco Pie 12‑pack (336 g): $4.99–$7.99 (~$1.50–$2.40 per 100 g)요.
Tom’s Farm Almonds 210–250 g: $12–$18 (~$5–$7 per 100 g)다.
Seaweed 10‑packs: $7–$12 total (~$0.70–$1.20 per pack)요.

Price spikes happen with limited flavors and seasonal drops—if you spot a run you love, grab extras before they vanish요.

Fun pairing ideas and snack hacks

Coffee, tea, and chill

Binch + hot Americano: Chocolate bloom meets roasty bitterness in a crisp‑meets‑smooth combo요.
Butter Waffle + vanilla ice cream: Sandwich it and thank me later다.
Yakgwa + green tea: Classic, balanced, and not too sweet when sipped slowly요.

Movie night upgrades

Turtle Chips (Sweet Corn) + chili‑lime powder: A sweet‑tangy smack that pops다.
Honey Butter Chip + a drizzle of hot honey: Double honey, double fun요.
Shrimp Crackers + lemon zest: Micro‑plane a little zest over the bowl for a bright, savory lift다.

Desk‑friendly fixes

Seaweed + microwave rice cup + avocado slices: 90‑second mini gimbap vibes요.
Tom’s Farm Almonds + Greek yogurt: Crunch, protein, and flavor without a sugar crash다.
Pepero + strawberries: Dippers that feel fancy with almost no prep요.

Quick picks by craving

Sweet tooth, low mess

Pepero Almond, Binch, Butter Waffle요.
For a not‑too‑sweet bite: Matdongsan or injeolmi‑style rice snacks다.

Serious crunch

Turtle Chips, Onion Rings, Honey Butter Chip (thin but mighty)요.

Umami and savory

Shrimp Crackers, Seaweed snacks, Seaweed‑almond mixes다.

Heat seekers

Buldak chips/almonds, Tteokbokki‑flavor snacks, Spicy Shrimp Crackers요.

Final bites and where to start

If you’re building a first‑timer’s cart overseas, here’s an easy five to test the K‑snack waters without overwhelm요:

Lotte Pepero Almond for the classic stick thrill다.
Haitai‑Calbee Honey Butter Chip to see what the fuss is about요.
Orion Turtle Chips Sweet Corn for that wow‑crunch다.
Orion Choco Pie for nostalgia and an easy crowd‑pleaser요.
Bibigo or Jayone roasted seaweed for a light, savory reset between sweets다.

Snacks are little joy‑packets, and Korean ones just happen to nail that sweet‑salty‑spicy spectrum better than most요. The best part? You can pick them up at your local Asian market or a couple of clicks online, stash them in your pantry, and treat yourself whenever the mood strikes다. If you find a limited flavor you love, don’t sleep on it—seasonal runs disappear fast, and coming back to an empty shelf is a heartbreak I’ve known too well요. Happy snacking, and tell me what you end up loving the most—your next favorite crunch might be waiting right down the aisle다!

Best Korean Snacks You Can Buy Overseas