The Seoul market is flooded with a variety of both Korean snacks and Western snacks. Bold flavors, unique ingredients, and impressive packaging all define Korean snacks. Western snacks, such as potato chips and candy bars with their familiar flavors, have long dominated American supermarkets. However, over the years, the number of snacking enthusiasts opting for Korean snacks has increased.
As an American traveler visiting Seoul, if you want to try something different from Western snacks, consider Korean snacks such as authentic ramen, Choco Pie, milk rice crackers, ANGBAN seaweed, Bibigo Seaweed Crisps, and more. Still confused whether to choose Korean snacks or Western snacks? Not an issue.
Let’s dive into the tasty comparison: Korean Snacks vs. Western Snacks.
1. Flavor Adventure vs. Familiar Taste
Cheese, salt, sour, and chocolate are classic flavors of Western snacks that are familiar to taste. On the other hand, Korean snacks offer an unexpected and unique combination of flavors, such as spicy squid chips, honey butter almonds, and green tea-filled chocolate pies that excite your taste buds with every bite.
Korean snacks not just satisfy your snacking craving, but also offer an adventurous food experience.
2. Healthy Ingredients, Guilt-Free Bites
Western snacks often contain a high quantity of artificial preservatives, including sugar and sodium, which are not healthy. Healthy and lighter, Korean snacks are typically made from natural and organic ingredients, including rice, red beans, chestnuts, and sweet potatoes.
There are many Korean brands, such as Binggrae and Orion, that offer a perfect combination of taste, flavor, and health in their snacks, including baked chips, probiotic yogurt drinks, and savory tofu sticks.
3. Visual-Appealing Packaging
Whether tiny rice cookie bags or brightly colored boxes of Pepero, Korean snacks often come in visually appealing packaging that attracts both American travelers and local people. You will see colorful characters, cute mascots, or similar elements on the packaging, designed to spark joy and excitement among buyers. Korean snacks often feel like small gifts, making them perfect for souvenirs or clicking photographs.
On the contrary, Western snack packaging often has loud designs and is more brand-focused.
4. Portion Control: Less is More
Large packs of chips, oversized candy bars, and family-size packages,
Western snacks are all about big size and bulk. On the other hand,
Korean snacks are typically smaller in portion, which reflects the moderation and conscious eating culture.
While you may see it as a drawback, many health-conscious snack lovers appreciate this concept of self-control built into the packaging. This way, you can try more varieties without any guilt or overeating.
5. Seasonal and Limited Editions
Whether you want to have cherry blossom-themed chocolates in spring or want to try tteokbokki-flavored chips during the winter, Korean snacks cater to all your seasonal food needs. This means with every season, there is something new to try, which keeps loyal Korean snack fans coming back again and again.
On the other hand, Western brands release seasonal flavors, so you may not find many options.
Lotte Mart Zettaplex: Gateway to Korean Snacks
Situated at Seoul Station, Lotte Mart Zettaplex is a one-stop shopping Korean hub for snack lovers. As an American traveler, if you want to try some authentic Korean snacks when in Seoul, visiting this place is a must.
You can shop for the following:
Korean Sweets: Fruit Jellies, Yogurt Gummies, Persimmon Chips
Korean Snacks: Choco Pie, Milk Rice Crackers, Zero Crunch Chocolates
Instant Ramen: Japchae Ramen, Cheese Bokk-i, Toowoomba Ramen
Seaweed Snacks: YANGBAN Seaweed, Bibigo Seaweed Crisps
Premium Nuts: HBAF flavored almonds
Seasonal Fruits: Korean Strawberries, Shine Muscat Grapes (April–May)
How to Reach Lotte Mart Zettaplex?
Subway Travelers, Here’s How to Reach It:
After exiting the subway at Seoul Station, take the escalator to the ground floor
You’ll spot the ZARA store straight ahead
Head right and walk in the direction of the Five Guys store
Pass Five Guys and walk straight
You’ll see the entrance to Lotte Mart ZETTAPLEX on your right
If you’re arriving by KTX, simply:
Take Exit 1 of Seoul Station (KTX)
Turn left
Walk for about 50 meters straight; you will see the Lotte Outlets building
Pass by the Five Guys store
Continue walking to the end of the Lotte Outlets building, and you’ll see the entrance to Lotte Mart ZETTAPLEX Seoul Station Branch
Search "Lotte Mart ZETTAPLEX Seoul Station" on Google Maps for extra ease!
Final Thoughts
For American travelers, Korean snacks are not just food items but a
discovery. From unique flavors to healthier ingredients, vibrant packaging, and cultural richness, there is no reason to skip buying Korean snacks when in Seoul. You can even shop for K-beauty products and Lotte Mart souvenirs, including magnets, keychains, and cartoon characters, ideal for gifting purposes.
Have a safe trip.
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