Trying Korean Snacks!

So in the summer of this year I stumbled upon a music video called Call Me Baby by a boy group known as EXO. For those of you who don't know, they just so happen to be a Korean pop group. Now I'm no stranger to kpop music. I heard my first kpop song back in ehh, 2012 I wanna say. I enjoyed it but because of the language barrier I didn't really look much more into it! But this time was different. I don't know what switched in me between then and now, but after watching EXO's music video I suddenly needed to listen to all of their music, watch every music video and interview I could find and know all of their names. I was obsessed! Fast forward 4 months later and I'm completely engulfed in the world of kpop. I've expanded my music library to include even more boy groups, girl groups, solo artists, and rappers. Not only that, but I've been learning up on Korean culture, the country's geography, and I've even begun trying to learn the language! When you come across a barrier you can either find a way to overcome it or walk away, right? My curiosity is taking me over. Which brings me to today's topic which is: Korean snacks! I found a website online called HMart that sells different Korean foods, ingredients, snacks, etc. and you can get them delivered to wherever you live here in the states. Since I wouldn't have to pay ridiculous international shipping fees from ordering from overseas I decided to jump on it and get an assortment of interesting looking snacks, try them, and then give you my thoughts!

Banana Kick (바나나킥)

These were by far my favorite. The look and texture of these is the exact same to a Cheeto puff here in the states. But I would say that these are a lot less...dense? I guess. They practically melt in your mouth. And they have that sweet artificial banana flavor that I'm totally down for.

Would rate: 10/10

                                                        Shrimp Crackers (새우깡)

Now, I hate shrimp. Loathe entirely. But from blogs and videos I've seen everyone praise this snack so much so I figured I should see what the hype was about. When I first opened the bag I was scared shitless because this stuff was so pungent. It smelled like cat food tbh. BUT don't be fooled because these actually aren't that bad! They taste nothing like they smell. And they also don't taste like I'm sucking on the bottom of the ocean floor which is what I imagined. 

Would rate: 6/10

  Onion Rings (양파링) 

This was another snack that I've seen everywhere. It looks harmless and it is. They taste kinda like Funyuns but with the texture of those Mexican doritos. What are they called? Duros. Yum.

Would rate: 8/10

White Chocolate Pepero 

If you've seen any kpop group on a variety show you know what this is and know about the pepero game which was created by satan to wreck my feels and set my bias ships sailing. Pepero is basically the same thing as Japanese pocky. They're biscuit sticks coated in flavored creme. I'm obsessed with these things. I've seen them in strawberry, chocolate, matcha, the flavors go on. This one tastes just like a Hershey's Cookies 'n' Creme bar but on a biscuit stick.

Would rate: 10/10

Yakgwa (약과)

I purchased these because they were said to be a traditional Korean dessert. Also because they're cute. They're shaped like little flowers! The ingredients are pretty simple, just wheat flour, sesame oil, and honey. They came individually wrapped which I think I see why. They're so oily! I thought they were going to be a lot sweeter too. The taste reminds me of a donut without icing. Or a funnel cake without the powdered sugar. So a funnel cake without the fun.

Would rate: 5/10

 Japanese Style Red Bean Mochi

This is the only non-Korean thing I got and these things are crazy! I've heard of mochi before and nothing but great things about it. I've also noticed that a lot of Korean desserts are made with red bean. And when I think of beans I don't think of dessert, so I've been pretty curious about the taste. Though not as sweet as american desserts, red bean is still pretty damn good. But the crazy thing about mochi is the texture! The dough balls are made out of rice flour and they're insanely gooey. Chewy like a gummy fruit snack, but with the taste of flour? They're a trip and I love them.

Would rate: 9/10