The Hall of Fame: Must-Have Airport Classics
🍯 Honey Butter Chips: The Legendary Craze
If there’s one snack that perfectly captures the Korean snack phenomenon, it’s Honey Butter Chips. These golden beauties caused such a sensation when they were first released that people were lining up at stores and they were constantly sold out nationwide. The combination of French butter and acacia honey creates a sweet-salty flavor profile that’s uniquely Korean.
What makes these chips special isn’t just the flavor – it’s the ultra-thin, incredibly crispy texture that dissolves on your tongue while delivering that perfect honey-butter punch. At the airport, you’ll find them in both individual bags and gift sets. The gift sets are particularly popular because they come in beautiful packaging that screams “I brought you something special from Korea.”
Airport Price: ₩3,500-₩8,000 depending on size | Where to Find: All convenience stores and duty-free shops
🍫 Choco Pie: The Comfort Food Champion
Choco Pie is Korea’s answer to the Moon Pie, but honestly, it’s so much better. Two soft cake layers sandwiched around fluffy marshmallow and covered in chocolate – it sounds simple, but the execution is perfection. These have been a Korean staple since 1974 and are so beloved they’re even used as currency in North Korea.
The airport usually stocks multiple brands (Orion and Lotte are the main competitors), and honestly, both are fantastic. Orion’s version tends to be slightly softer, while Lotte’s has a bit more chocolate coating. Pro tip: if you see the seasonal flavors like banana or strawberry, grab them – they’re not always available and make unique gifts.
Airport Price: ₩2,000-₩12,000 for multipacks | Where to Find: Everywhere – convenience stores, duty-free, even some restaurants sell them
Airport Exclusives: You Can Only Get These Here
👋 Incheon Goodbye Sand Cookies
These are the crown jewel of airport-exclusive snacks. The name “안녕샌드” literally means “goodbye sand,” perfectly capturing that bittersweet feeling of leaving Korea. These butter cookies are filled with jocheong caramel, whole wheat, and macadamia nuts – a sophisticated flavor combination that tastes like a high-end dessert.
The packaging is gorgeous – elegant enough to give as a serious gift, but the cookies themselves are approachable and delicious. Many people don’t know about these because they’re only sold at Incheon Airport, making them the perfect “I brought you something special” gift. They’re even better when eaten frozen, which makes them a unique textural experience.
Airport Price: ₩15,000-₩25,000 for gift boxes | Where to Find: Selected duty-free shops and airport specialty stores
🥜 BHAF Honey Butter Almonds (11 Flavors)
While honey butter chips started the craze, BHAF took it to the next level with their premium honey butter almonds. But here’s where it gets interesting – the airport carries exclusive flavor assortments that you literally cannot buy anywhere else in Korea. They offer 11-flavor and 22-flavor gift sets that include wild combinations like spicy tteokbokki almonds.
I’m not going to lie – some of the flavors are weird. Spicy ramen almonds? Kimchi almonds? But that’s exactly what makes them perfect conversation starters and memorable gifts. The packaging is premium, the almonds are high-quality, and the whole experience feels like you’re giving someone a curated taste tour of Korean flavors.
Airport Price: ₩26,000 (11 flavors) / ₩42,000 (22 flavors) | Where to Find: “Packaged Foods” sections in both terminals
Hidden Gems: Snacks Locals Actually Buy
🌊 Bibigo Seaweed Snacks
These might look boring compared to flashy chips and cookies, but don’t sleep on Korean seaweed snacks. Bibigo’s version is particularly good – crispy, salty, and surprisingly addictive. They’re lightweight, healthy, and have that unique umami flavor that foreigners often find fascinating.
What makes these airport-worthy is their convenience factor. They don’t crush easily, they’re not messy, and they satisfy that salty craving without being heavy. Plus, they’re genuinely healthy – packed with minerals and vitamins. I’ve seen Korean parents buy these in bulk for their kids’ school lunches.
Airport Price: ₩8,000-₩15,000 for multipacks | Where to Find: All convenience stores, some duty-free locations
🐢 Ggobuk Chip (Turtle Chips)
Turtle Chips are named for their four-layered shell-like shape, and they’re absolutely genius. Each chip has multiple crunchy layers that create this incredibly satisfying texture experience. The corn flavor is the classic, but if you can find the injeolmi (sweet rice cake) flavor, you’ve struck gold.
These chips are incredibly popular among Korean kids and adults alike because of the unique texture. Each bite gives you multiple crunches, which is oddly satisfying. They’re also not too greasy and have a clean corn flavor that doesn’t overwhelm. Perfect for sharing or mindlessly munching during a long flight.
Airport Price: ₩2,500-₩6,000 depending on size | Where to Find: Convenience stores and some gift shops
Sweet Treats: Perfect for Dessert Lovers
🧇 Choco Heim & White Heim
These wafer sticks filled with chocolate or white chocolate cream are pure addiction in a package. Choco Heim has been a Korean favorite for decades, and there’s something almost therapeutic about eating them. The secret is to freeze them – the cream becomes almost ice cream-like while the wafer stays crunchy.
The White Heim version has a hazelnut-vanilla flavor that’s incredibly sophisticated. These aren’t just snacks – they’re legitimate desserts that happen to come in snack packaging. Perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth, and the individual packaging makes them great for sharing or portion control.
Airport Price: ₩3,000-₩8,000 for multipacks | Where to Find: Every convenience store and most duty-free shops
🥞 Market O Real Brownies
These aren’t just brownies – they’re the brownies that made Korean convenience store desserts famous internationally. Market O Real Brownies are genuinely bakery-quality, individually wrapped brownies that somehow stay moist and fudgy. They come in chocolate, vanilla, and green tea flavors, and each one tastes like it was made in a high-end patisserie.
These brownies have achieved legendary status among foreigners who visit Korea. They’re rich, decadent, and satisfy serious chocolate cravings. The packaging is elegant enough for gifts, but honestly, you’ll probably eat them all before you get home. Pro tip: they’re excellent with coffee and even better slightly warmed up.
Airport Price: ₩2,500-₩15,000 for gift boxes | Where to Find: Most convenience stores and select duty-free locations
Shopping for Korean snacks at the airport isn’t just about grabbing last-minute souvenirs – it’s about capturing the essence of your Korean experience in edible form. Each of these snacks tells a story about Korean culture, from the honey butter craze that swept the nation to the comfort food traditions that have sustained families for generations.
The beauty of airport snack shopping is that you get the best of both worlds: the convenience of duty-free pricing and exclusive items you can’t find anywhere else, plus the reliability of knowing that everything you’re buying has been tested and approved by millions of travelers before you. These aren’t just random snacks – they’re cultural ambassadors in crinkly packages.
Whether you’re bringing back treats for curious friends, comfort food for yourself, or trying to recreate the flavors of Korea in your own kitchen, these snacks will transport you right back to the streets of Seoul with every bite. They’re more than food – they’re edible memories of your time in one of the world’s most dynamic and delicious countries.