In recent years, the number of Korean items available for purchase in Japan has increased, but in this article we have carefully selected souvenirs that are only available in Korea and are hard to find in Japan. We will introduce the latest recommended souvenirs, from sweets that can be purchased at department stores and stylish cafes to food that can be purchased at local convenience stores and supermarkets.
*Product prices are based on the current rates as of April 2025.
A hot topic in Korea! Popular sweets that are adaptations of traditional sweets
Korea is the birthplace of trendy sweets, such as "Croffles," a fusion of croissants and waffles, and "Tteokkaron," a cute take on macarons. In fact, modern takes on traditional sweets are garnering attention. One of the most popular is "Yakgwa," a traditional Korean sweet made from deep-fried dough mixed with flour and honey, with a rustic doughnut-like texture. This new food sensation that has evolved from Yakgwa is a hot topic among Korea lovers! We will introduce a selection of sweets that have updated Korean traditions, including Yakgwa.
Traditional sweets transformed into modern treats at 1994 Seoul yakgwa
Gift set (7 pieces) 22,000 won (approximately 2,200 yen in Japanese yen)
1994SEOUL is a brand that offers stylish arrangements of yakgwa. The flagship store is located in Yeonnam-dong, an area where many fashionable cafes are located.
The moist Yakwa, made with honey and sesame oil, has been transformed into a modern sweet with the addition of flavors such as matcha, soybean flour, and peanut butter. The chic box packaging makes it a great souvenir. The perfect balance of Korean tradition and trends makes this a high-class sweet that is typical of Korea.
Available at 1994 Seoul Main Branch, Hyundai Department Store (The Hyundai Seoul), etc.
| address | ： | [Main store] 20-12 Seongmisan-ro 23an-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul [Hyundai Department Store] 108, Yeouido-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul |
|---|---|---|
| ： | @1994seoul.yeonnam |
Kachi's yakgwa sweets are gaining attention for their sophisticated appearance
Yakgwa set (8 pieces) 13,000 won (approximately 1,300 yen in Japanese yen)
"Kachi" is a sweets brand that offers a modern take on the traditional Korean dessert "Tteok (rice cake)". The store's name "Kachi" contains three meanings: "magpie", a type of crow commonly seen in Korea, "value", and "together". The stylish appearance and sophisticated taste make it popular among young people.
While the famous Korean rice cakes only last for a day, Yakgwa has a long shelf life, making it the perfect souvenir. It has a sticky, chewy texture and a simple taste with just the right amount of sweetness. The individual packaging features Korean motifs such as magpies, tigers, and pine trees, making it a great gift.
Available at Lotte Department Store Main Branch
| address | ： | [Lotte Department Store Main Branch] 81 Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Lotte Department Store Main Branch, 1st basement floor |
|---|---|---|
| ： | @kachi_seoul |
Traditional Korean ingredients in one piece: "Yeonggwajeom Haru" caramel
Snack set (12 pieces) 15,000 won each (approximately 1,500 yen in Japanese yen)
"Yeonggwajeom Haru" offers a modern take on the traditional Korean sweet "Yeonggwa," which originated in the 18th century.
Its appeal is its soft and fluffy texture, similar to fresh caramel, which is made using ingredients such as agar and fresh cream. To create this texture, it took about five years of research and development to refine the recipe and develop an original flavor.
There are over 10 flavors to choose from. The "Yomogi Kinako" flavor, which uses traditional Korean ingredients, is characterized by its elegant taste, which is a harmonious blend of mugwort grown in a special region of Korea and fragrant roasted soybean flour.
For those who want to try a variety of flavors, we recommend "AFTERNOON TEA TRIO." You can enjoy a wide variety of flavors such as Earl Grey, Matcha, and Cafe Mocha. Why not try a special dessert that combines tradition and modernity?
Available at Yeonggwajeom Hall main store
| address | ： | 1F, 12, Donggyo-ro 16-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul |
|---|---|---|
| ： | @projectharu.kr |
The latest souvenirs that are a delight to receive
Korean sweets are attractive for their sophisticated design and unique taste. Here we introduce a selection of popular sweets that are perfect as gifts. With their stylish packaging and authentic taste, they are sure to make a special gift.
Sold out! Annyeong sandwiches from "PARIS BAGUETTE" that can only be bought at the airport
Annyeong sandwich (10 pieces) 16,000 won (approximately 1,600 yen in Japanese yen)
"Annyeong Sandwich," sold by the popular Korean bakery chain "PARIS BAGUETTE," is a limited edition sweet that can only be purchased at Incheon Airport and Gimpo Airport. It has become a hot topic among travelers and is a popular item that keeps selling out.
The thick cookie dough is designed with the Korean word "안녕 (Annyeong = Hello)" and is sandwiched between caramel, butter cream, and macadamia nuts. It also contains perilla seeds, a Korean staple, creating an exquisite balance of savory flavor and rich sweetness. It's not just cute to look at, but also has a great texture and flavor.
Available for purchase at Incheon Airport Terminal 1, 3rd floor, Gimpo Airport, etc.
| address | ： | [Incheon International Airport] 272, Hangang-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon Metropolitan City [Gimpo Airport] 38 Haneul-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul |
|---|---|---|
| web | ： | PARIS BAGUETTE official website (foreign language site) |
WORKERBEE's Caramel & Propolis Candy in a Cute Package
Propolis candy, Earl Grey honey caramel, 3,000 won each (approximately 300 yen in Japanese yen)
"WORKERBEE" is a brand created by a blending honey manufacturer that adds natural ingredients to honey. Popular products include "Propolis Candy," which is gentle on the throat and uses propolis extracted from beehives, and "Earl Grey Honey Caramel," which combines the flavor of Earl Grey with a slightly sweet caramel taste.
The simple yet sophisticated package design is one of its charms. It is perfect as a gift or to give away to others. The price is reasonable, so it is recommended for those looking for a stylish Korean souvenir.
Available at Lotte Department Store Main Branch, Shinsegae Department Store Yeongdeungpo Times Square, etc.
| address | ： | [Lotte Department Store Main Branch] 81 Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul Lotte Department Store Main Branch B1 [Shinsegae Department Store Yeongdeungpo Times Square] Dingle Dining, 9, B1, Yeongdeungpo-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul |
|---|---|---|
| web | ： | WORKERBEE official website (foreign language site) |
Famous K-POP idols also use "FRITZ" drip bags
Drip bag 11,000 won (approximately 1,110 yen in Japanese yen)
"FRITZ" is a popular cafe that also has a store in the building of "HYBE Entertainment," the company that represents K-Pop idols such as BTS. In addition to being a cafe, it also sells coffee beans wholesale, and is known for the high quality of its products.
The "drip bag" is an item that allows you to easily enjoy Fritz's authentic coffee at home. The blend features a fruity aroma and a deep, rich flavor with a hint of sweetness, making it an irresistible item for coffee lovers.
The retro and stylish packaging design is also appealing. You can enjoy the Korean cafe atmosphere at home, so it's a perfect souvenir for fans of HYBE idols or those who like to go cafe hopping.
Available at FRITZ Touka stores etc.
| address | ： | [FRITZ Tohwa Branch] 17, Sechang-ro 2-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul |
|---|---|---|
| ： | @fritzcoffeecompany |
Dotori Garden's Granola: Recreate the Popular Greek Yogurt at Home
Cinnamon Banana Crunch Granola 12,500 won (approximately 1,250 yen in Japanese yen)
"Dotori Garden" is a bakery and cafe with a natural atmosphere. "Dotori" means "acorn" in Korean, and the acorn-shaped madeleines are a popular item at this shop.
Dotori Garden's Yasukuni branch is a popular Greek yogurt specialty store in Japan, and is also a hot topic on social media. The store offers a variety of menu items topped with fruits and real honeycomb.
For takeout, they sell granola with plenty of nuts and dried fruits, which is also used in the Greek yogurt for eat-in, and is recommended as a souvenir. If you buy the granola, you can easily enjoy Greek yogurt like you would in a Korean cafe at home. The cute packaging featuring the store's characters is also a highlight.
Available at Dotori Garden Anguk store etc.
| address | ： | 19-8, Gye-dong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul |
|---|---|---|
| ： | @dotori__seoul |
Convenient items that can be purchased at supermarkets and convenience stores
There are plenty of items that can be purchased at local supermarkets and convenience stores. Here are some items that you can easily buy.
Only available in Korea! "MUJI" canned kimchi and spicy corn snacks
(From the left) Chinese cabbage kimchi 2,900 won (about 290 yen in Japanese yen), old-fashioned corn snack spicy flavor 1,900 won (about 190 yen in Japanese yen)
Muji, a lifestyle brand well known in Japan, has also expanded into Korea. Muji in Korea has a wide selection of original foods that cannot be purchased in Japan and is popular with tourists.
Among the many products available only in Korea, we recommend the canned "Chinese cabbage kimchi" that is full of the delicious flavor of fermentation using Korean Chinese cabbage, and the "Old-fashioned Corn Candy, Spicy Flavor," which has a spicy taste made with sugar and chili powder that you won't be able to stop eating. Both have a uniquely Korean flavor and are reasonably priced, making them ideal souvenirs.
MUJI Gangnam store, etc.
A new standard souvenir from Korea!? OLIVE YOUNG's soybean mayo chips
Master bean mayonnaise sticky rice chips 3,500 won (approximately 350 yen in Japanese yen)
You'll definitely find the drugstore "OLIVE YOUNG" when walking around Seoul. It's popular among cosmetics lovers as "Oliyoung", but it also has a wide selection of sweets. The most popular items are the original Oliyoung products.
Bagel chips, thinly sliced bagels, are so famous that they are even available at lifestyle stores in Japan, but what is less commonly seen in Japan are Meijin Mame Mayo Mochi Rice Nori Chips. These healthy chips are made primarily from soybeans, and the rich flavor of seaweed and mayonnaise is addictive. They are also recommended as a snack. One bag contains 155 kcal, making them the perfect snack for health and beauty conscious people.
Available at Olive Young
Lotte ZERO tablets are compact and perfect as souvenirs
Lotte ZERO Mint Candy, Peach Mint Candy, 3,500 won each (approximately 350 yen in Japanese yen)
If you want to easily get souvenirs, we recommend Korean convenience stores! They are reasonably priced and a treasure trove of products that can only be found in Korea, so they are also ideal for choosing souvenirs to give to others.
The Lotte ZERO mint candy series is a popular item that is sweet even though it does not contain sugar. It is pocket-sized and easy to carry, making it perfect for snacking or as a palate cleanser. There are also seasonal flavors, so it is recommended to buy multiple types and have your child choose the one they like.
Available at supermarkets, convenience stores, drug stores, etc.
Immerse yourself in the mood of a famous TV drama!? "Squid Game" sweets
Baked Potato Slim 1,700 won (approximately 170 yen in Japanese yen)
The Korean drama "Squid Game" is popular in Japan. If you go to a convenience store or supermarket in Korea, you will find many snacks, breads, ramen, and other items related to the "Squid Game". These are irresistible items for fans who want to experience the world of the drama.
Among the many varieties, we recommend the "Baked Potato Snack Slim Spicy Flavor," a snack sold at the convenience store "GS25" that allows you to experience cutting out dalgona molds. This biscuit-like snack is made from potatoes and is thinly baked, with a design that makes it easy to cut out the mold. It's a bit difficult to cut out neatly, but it makes a great souvenir for fans of the drama!
Available for purchase at convenience stores such as GS25
Get souvenirs that can only be bought locally in Korea
There is a wide variety of Korean souvenirs, from trendy sweets that would make a great gift to snacks that can be purchased at convenience stores. Please use this as a reference when you are unsure what souvenir to choose.
Related article
![Image: [Experience Report] Transform into your favorite K-POP idol! The reality of Korean makeup](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2025/03/31/43a135a7aace3df4fe5ce1350375e2e53c11aa5a.jpg)
The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
