Walk into any convenience store in Seoul—be it a CU, GS25, or 7-Eleven—and you will be bombarded by a wall of colorful packaging. From truffle-flavored chips to bagel chips, the options are endless.
But if you want to taste the true "soul" of Korean snacks, you need to look past the trendy items on the eye-level shelves. Look down, or look into the corners. There, you will find the survivors.
These are the "Living Legends"—snacks that have survived the Korean War, military dictatorships, and rapid economic growth to remain best-sellers today. Here are 6 vintage Korean snacks, all over 50 years old, that offer a taste of history (and are surprisingly delicious).
The Great Ancestor: Yeonyanggang 연양갱 (Since 1945)
"The Energy Bar Before Energy Bars Existed"Believe it or not, this snack was born the same year Korea gained independence. Yeonyanggang is the great-grandfather of the Korean snack aisle. It is a rectangular bar of sweet red bean jelly, known as Yokan.
For decades, this was considered a "grandma snack" due to its smooth texture and traditional chestnut-and-red-bean flavor. However, it has recently seen a revival among young hikers and students. Why? It is packed with sugar and calories, making it the perfect instant energy booster when you are climbing Bukhansan Mountain or pulling an all-nighter.
Taste Dense, smooth, and intensely sweet.
Pro Tip Pair it with a bitter Americano or Green Tea to balance the sweetness.
The First Biscuit: Crown Sando 크라운 산도 (Since 1961)
"A Taste of Post-War Luxury"Released in 1961, when South Korea was still recovering from the ruins of war, Crown Sando was the height of luxury. For children at the time, getting a box of these for a birthday was like getting an iPhone today.
The name "Sando" comes from the Japanese pronunciation of "Sandwich." It is a classic sandwich cookie with a distinct, retro square design that hasn't changed in over 60 years. While new flavors like Sweet Milk exist, the original Strawberry Cream remains the nostalgic favorite.
Taste Crumbly butter cookie with a sweet, slightly artificial (but charming) fruit cream.
Pro Tip Dip it in milk for 3 seconds to soften the cookie.
The National Anthem: Saewookkang 새우깡 (Since 1971)
"The Shrimp Cracker That Built a Nation"If you ask a Korean to name just one snack, 90% will say Saewookkang. It is the undisputed "National Snack" of Korea.
Made with real ground shrimp, it has a savory, salty flavor that makes it impossible to stop eating. It is also the most popular Anju (snack paired with alcohol) for a simple can of beer. If you go to the Han River parks, you will see people feeding these to the seagulls—yes, even the birds love them.
Taste Airy, salty, and full of umami.
Pro Tip Look for the "Spicy" (Maeun) version in the black and red bag. It offers the same crunch with a fiery garlic-pepper kick.
Snack or Cereal?: Jollypong 조리퐁 (Since 1972)
"The Original Korean Cereal"Jollypong consists of deep-fried puffed wheat coated in caramel syrup. While technically sold as a bag snack, Koreans quickly realized it had a dual purpose. Because it is made of wheat, it tastes exactly like breakfast cereal.
In fact, it is so popular as a cereal substitute that some cafes in Seoul sell "Jollypong Lattes," topped with a heap of these kernels.
Taste Light, airy, and tastes like caramel popcorn but less sticky.
Pro Tip Don't use your hands (they will get sticky). Pour milk directly into the bag or a bowl and eat it with a spoon. It turns the milk into a delicious caramel latte flavor.
The Icon of Affection: Choco Pie 초코파이 (Since 1974)
"More Than Just a Cake"You can find marshmallow pies anywhere in the world, but none have the cultural weight of the Korean Choco Pie.
In Korea, this snack symbolizes Jeong (deep affection). For decades, it was the most prized treat for Korean men serving their mandatory military service. A box of Choco Pies could solve arguments, build friendships, and bring tears to eyes. It is a soft cake sandwich with a marshmallow center, dipped entirely in chocolate.
Taste Soft, spongy, and chewy.
Pro Tip Microwave it for 10-15 seconds. The marshmallow melts and expands, turning the cheap snack into a gooey, warm, luxury dessert.
The Fermented Crunch: Matdongsan 맛동산 (Since 1975)
"The Texture King"Matdongsan is unique in the snack world because its dough is fermented with yeast for 20 hours—a process usually reserved for bread. This gives it a unique air structure inside.
After frying, it is coated in sticky syrup and crushed peanuts. The result is a snack with a serious crunch that shatters in your mouth. It has a slightly "old-school" vibe, often favored by older generations, but the nutty flavor is timeless.
Taste Extremely crunchy, sticky, and nutty.
Pro Tip Be careful if you have weak teeth! The crunch is real.
Where to Find Them?
You don't need to visit a museum to find these legends. They are available at every convenience store, supermarket, and small neighborhood mart in Korea. Grab a bag, take a bite, and taste the history of modern Korea.