When you've been a Hallyu fan for a long time, especially Korean Dramas, it's not just the plots, actors, and locations that may hav...
Aside from the exotic Korean food, we tend to see scenes in KDramas wherein they deliciously, and even frustratingly, consume food and drinks that they grabbed in a convenience store.
For those who want to try Korean convenience store food and drinks the next time they visit the Land of the Morning Calm, or for those who can't go but want to try their luck in finding physical and online stores in the Philippines that sell these goodies, here are a few to keep in mind!
Samgak Gimbap
Photo from: KG 2 Korean Mini Grocery
Samgak gimbap is a triangle-shaped version of the more well-known gimbap, or South Korean rice roll. It is made with vegetable and meat fillings that are stuffed inside a rice (bap) ball, shaped into a triangle (samgak), and then wrapped in dried seaweed (gim).
It can also have different fillings inside, such as ham and kimchi, bulgogi, and tuna and mayo. Samgak gimbap is a popular convenience store food among Koreans looking for a quick and light meal. It can be eaten cold, straight from the fridge, or warmed in the microwave if you prefer.
Ramyeon
Photo from: KG 2 Korean Mini Grocery
What if samgak gimbap isn't enough? Koreans typically combine it with ramyeon to have soup as part of a small meal.
Meanwhile, you can also try eating ramyeon on its own. Ramyeon has to be one of the most popular Korean food, not only among Koreans but also with non-Koreans. It is the Korean equivalent of instant noodles, and convenience stores in Korea are a haven for ramyeon enthusiasts! You can try a variety of ramyeon, but the most popular are Shin Ramyun, or classic Korean noodles in spicy beef flavor, and Chapagetti, which is an instant version of jjajangmyeon, or black-bean-style noodles.
Instant Tteokbokki
Photo from: Idol Raffy’s K-Mart
Tteokbokki is a popular Korean street snack that you may have heard of. However, you can have a taste of this spicy and chewy rice cake without visiting Korean restaurants or streets. Instant tteokbokki is available in a variety of flavors, such as hot and spicy, cheese, and jjajang, and can be purchased at a decent price in convenience stores!
Stick Sausage
Stick sausage is another popular Korean snack that you can buy in convenience stores, peel, and eat on the go! These stick sausages, unlike traditional sausages, are made of pollock paste and sometimes have thin cheese bits inside.
Choco Pie
Photo from: SojuQueen Korean Foodmart
When you are looking for something sweet, you can head to a convenience store and find Lotte's Choco Pie, which is a popular Korean snack that is even known internationally! This sweet Korean treat consists of a marshmallow filling between two layers of cake and then completely covered in chocolate. Apart from eating Choco Pie as is, Koreans also enjoy it with coffee or milk, or by microwaving it for a few seconds and eating it melted.
Banana Milk
Photo from: allkpop
In terms of beverages, you should definitely try Binggrae's banana-flavored milk. With nearly fifty years on the market, there is no doubt that this convenience store beverage has captivated Koreans, and it has even offered other flavors such as strawberry, lemon, and coffee.
Fruit Soju
Photo from: K Ave Korean Mart Vigan
If you want to try South Korea's widely-known alcoholic drink, soju, but want to start with something lower in alcohol content, you can go for the fruit soju sold in convenience stores. It is easier to drink and enjoy due to the low alcohol content and fruit flavors such as tangerine, grapefruit, blueberry, peach, and watermelon.
Have you tried any of these Korean convenience store food and drinks? Share your favorites with us in the comments! You can also follow our official Facebook and Twitter pages for more information about the richness of Korean food!
Written by: Niña Shane Cantero
Niña Shane Cantero is a Digital Marketing intern at PS Media Enterprise and an incoming fourth-year BA Broadcasting student at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines—Manila.
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