A Roundup of Souvenirs You Should Buy at Korean Supermarkets

🌸 Why Korean Supermarkets Instead of Myeongdong?

When choosing souvenirs from your trip to Korea, many of you may find yourselves wondering whether to shop at duty-free stores or along the cosmetics streets.

However, if you are buying snacks and food in bulk, local supermarkets are an appealing option.

The two main reasons are that you can buy them at local prices rather than tourist prices, and that they carry a selection of Korean limited-edition flavors not yet released in Japan.

🛍️ Start with These Supermarket Souvenirs

When you visit a Korean supermarket, we recommend checking these two items first.

① No Brand Purple Sweet Potato Chips

One of No Brand’s signature products, they can be purchased at an affordable price of around 200 won.

While priced like a Japanese snack, it features a subtly sweet purple sweet potato flavor that is distinctly Korean.

One of the reasons it is so popular is that it is light and compact, making it easy to take home.

※Prices may vary depending on the season and store.

② Mon Cher Chocolate Pie

Mon Cher, made by Lotte Confectionery, is one of the most popular souvenirs to buy in bulk at Korean supermarkets.

At 4,990 won for a pack of 12, it is ideal for handing out to multiple people, such as family, coworkers, and classmates.

The combination of moist cocoa-flavored sponge and whipped cream makes it a classic favorite in Korea as well.

※Prices may vary depending on the season and store.

🍪 The One Choice for Bulk Souvenirs

No Brand chocolate chip cookies are ideal for those who “have a lot of people to give to” or “want to buy in bulk for the workplace or school.”

No Brand is a chain that focuses exclusively on its own brands, reducing intermediary margins while pursuing a balance between quality and cost.

Rather than being a case of “you get what you pay for,” many of its products combine good value for money with practicality.

🍫 Don’t Miss the Limited-Edition Flavors

Even brands that are also commonly seen in Japan may offer different flavors in Korea.

We recommend always checking the snack section at supermarkets.

Pick 1｜KitKat × Lotus

This is a collaboration product between KitKat and Lotus Biscoff, and is a flavor that has been gaining attention in Korea.

This uniquely Korean combination pairs Lotus's caramel biscuit flavor with KitKat wafers, and it is not something you often come across in Japan.

Pick 2｜Premium Ghana Langue de Chat

The langue de chat version of Lotte's Premium Ghana series is a Korea-exclusive-style product that is not often seen in Japan.

The combination of crisp biscuit dough and chocolate makes this an easy item to recommend as a souvenir.

🏬 How to Choose Between the Four Major Chains

Trying to visit every store will eat up your travel time. It’s more realistic to narrow it down to 1–2 stores in the area where you’re staying.

✨ Summary: Korean Supermarket Souvenir Checklist

□ Stock up on No Brand purple sweet potato chips as a “lightweight souvenir that doesn’t take up much space”

□ Buy Mon Cher chocolate pies in packs of 12 for gifts to hand out

□ Choose No Brand chocolate chip cookies (bucket-style) for distribution at work or school

□ Check KitKat × Lotus and premium Ghana langue de chat cookies in the snack aisle

□ Choose snacks based on whether they are “not yet released in Japan”

□ Make a list of what you want to buy before traveling to Korea

□ Instead of visiting every store, narrow it down to 1–2 shops in the area where you are staying

□ Check business days in advance during Korean holiday periods

Simply taking one step beyond “Myeongdong for now” will greatly broaden your souvenir options.

Please use this as a reference before your trip.

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