🇰🇷🍡🥢 7 Traditional Korean Snacks You Must Try: Makgeolli, Songpyeon, Injeolmi, Gangjeong & More

Explore the authentic taste, history, and preparation of Korea’s beloved traditional snacks — from rice cakes to fermented drinks.

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🇰🇷 Traditional Korean Snacks You Must Try: From Makgeolli to Gangjeong

Discover the flavors and stories behind Korea’s beloved traditional treats — a perfect guide for K-Food lovers worldwide.

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🍶 1. Makgeolli (막걸리) – Korean Fermented Rice Wine

🟢 Origin & Meaning
Makgeolli is Korea’s oldest alcoholic drink, a lightly sparkling milky rice wine enjoyed since the Goryeo Dynasty. It symbolizes community and harmony.

🟢 Key Ingredients: Glutinous rice, nuruk (fermentation starter), water

🟢 Authentic Recipe

1. Steam glutinous rice and let it cool.
2. Mix crushed nuruk and water.
3. Combine with rice and ferment for 7–10 days at ~20°C.
4. Filter before serving.

🟢 How to Enjoy: Shake gently and serve cold with pajeon or kimchi.

🟢 For Foreigners: Subtly sweet and tangy, 6–8% alcohol — probiotic-rich. Try the Makgeolli Korean Rice Wine Kit and Makgeolli cup set.

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🍡 2. Songpyeon (송편) – Half-Moon Rice Cakes for Chuseok

🟢 Origin & Meaning
Eaten during Chuseok, symbolizing abundance and gratitude.

🟢 Key Ingredients: Rice flour, sesame, honey, red beans, chestnuts, pine needles

1. Prepare dough and fillings.
2. Shape into half-moons and steam on pine needles.

Think of Songpyeon as “mochi with meaning.” Try Korean Rice Cake Tteok or Korean Rice Flour.

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🍙 3. Tteok (떡) – A Colorful Variety of Rice Cakes

🟢 Origin & Meaning: Ceremonial food for special occasions.

🟢 Key Ingredients: Rice flour, beans, jujube, honey

Try Apexy Korean Rice Cake for an authentic gluten-free experience.

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🍥 4. Injeolmi (인절미) – Roasted Soybean Rice Cake

🟢 Origin & Meaning: Royal dessert turned comfort snack.

DIY tip: Use Organic Glutinous Rice Flour to recreate Injeolmi at home.

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🍚 5. Sikhye (식혜) – Korean Sweet Rice Punch

🟢 Meaning: Served after feasts as a digestive. Try Paldo Vilac Sikhye for a canned version.

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🍂 6. Sujeonggwa (수정과) – Cinnamon-Ginger Punch

🟢 Key Tip: Try Paldo Vilac Soojeonggwa — authentic flavor in cans.

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🍘 7. Gangjeong (강정) – Crispy Puffed Rice Clusters

🟢 Origin: Festive and symbolic of celebration. Try Donggangmaru Rice Crispy Squares for a modern version.

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📌 Final Thoughts

From the gentle sweetness of Sikhye to the nutty crunch of Gangjeong — Korean traditional snacks are edible history and culture. Whether you’re visiting Korea or exploring K-Food from abroad, these treats are a must-try.

*Some links in this post are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on purchase, at no additional cost to you.*

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