Places you can get Korean snacks around Metro Manila
Watching K-dramas is better when you have snacks. Because seeing their characters munching Korean snacks makes the viewers crave too. Here are accessible places to buy Korean snacks for your next K-drama marathon.
Convenience stores
The easiest and fastest way to acquire Korean snacks is to visit the nearest convenience store in your area. They offer different kinds of ramyun, rice balls, and even egg drop sandwiches we usually see on K-dramas.
Pros: Accessible and hassle-free shopping. Cons: It’s way pricier and has limited stocks.
Grocery
Supermarkets have become more diverse and offer Korean snacks to customers. You can purchase chips, kimchi, Korean drinks, and even frozen products.
Most groceries have mandu, frozen tteokbokkis, and fish cakes. I also like it when they offer a wide range of Korean spices and sauces such as Gocuchang and (Korean sauce I forgot). Seaweed snacks can also be found here.
The selection of ramyun is also wider in supermarkets. They also offer jjangmeyeon noodles in several brands.
Pros: A wider selection of goods. Prices are cheaper compared to convenience stores. Cons: Most are not ready to eat. You have to make time for grocery shopping.
Korean superstores
Nothing beats buying Korean products from authentic Korean superstores. These are usually run by Korean themselves so you can rest easy that you’re having the best quality foods.
Compared to groceries, they offer a more comprehensive selection of different Korean foods. Others even sell Korean side dishes perfect if you’re trying to recreate a K-drama like dinner.
My favorite thing about Korean superstores is they offer multiple flavors and brands of Korean ice cream. Among my personal favorites are Samanco and Melona.
Pros: Perfect place to fulfill your Korean food cravings. Prices are also reasonable. Cons: Usually not as accessible as groceries. Some stores have Hangul signages, make sure to equip yourself with Google Lens which can translate the text in packaging.
These places might not be South Korea but they offer the delicacies in our friendly neighborhoods. For quick and easy Korean foods craving, they can be your best option around Metro Manila.
