Why Korean Snacks Are a Big Hit in Australia
Korean food culture has taken Australia by storm — not just with K-BBQ and fried chicken restaurants, but also with snacks, instant noodles, and packaged foods that people are eager to try. From spicy tteokbokki to sweet honey butter chips, Korean treats are known for bold flavours, unique textures, and creative packaging.
Buying directly from Korea means you can access limited-edition seasonal items, special flavours not sold outside the country, and often cheaper prices compared to local import shops.
Popular Korean Snacks and Food Worth Bringing Home
1. Honey Butter Chips
Launched in 2014, these sweet-and-salty potato chips became a national craze. You’ll find seasonal versions like maple syrup, truffle, or purple sweet potato only in Korea.
2. Choco Pie
The classic marshmallow-filled chocolate cake by Orion or Lotte is a must-have. They now come in premium editions like matcha green tea and red bean.
3. Binggrae Banana Flavoured Milk
This iconic drink comes in banana, strawberry, and melon flavours — perfect for fans of K-drama scenes where characters sip from the round bottle.
4. Samyang Instant Noodles
Known for their nuclear-level spicy Buldak Bokkeum Myun, Samyang also offers cheese, curry, and carbonara versions.
5. Market O Real Brownie
Soft, rich brownies individually wrapped — ideal for gifts or afternoon tea.
6. Pre-Packaged Tteokbokki Kits
Spicy rice cakes you can make at home, complete with sauce packets and sometimes even fish cakes.
7. Seaweed Snacks (Gim)
Light, crispy, and available in sesame, wasabi, or olive oil flavours — perfect as a healthy snack or with rice.
8. Pepero
Korea’s answer to Pocky, available in unique options like almond crush, nude cream filling, and seasonal strawberry cheesecake.
Where to Buy Korean Snacks Online
To get the freshest and widest selection, try these trusted Korean online stores:
- Coupang – Huge range of snacks, often with bulk discounts.
- Gmarket – Great for variety packs and promotional bundles.
- 11st Street (11번가) – Regular flash sales on popular items.
- SSG.com – Department store-level packaged goods and gift sets.
💡 Tip: Search for “해외배송불가” (no international shipping) items — these often have the most exclusive flavours, perfect to buy via a forwarding service.
Food Import Rules for Australia
Before you start filling your cart, be aware of Australia’s strict biosecurity laws:
- Allowed: Commercially packaged, shelf-stable snacks (chips, candy, instant noodles).
- Prohibited: Fresh fruit, fresh meat, dairy products, and homemade food.
- Declare Everything: Even packaged snacks should be declared when entering Australia.
If you’re using a shipping service, check if they have any prohibited food list — some carriers avoid liquids, sauces, or perishable items.
Step-by-Step: Importing Korean Snacks to Australia
- Select Your Favourite Products – Focus on sealed, dry, and non-perishable foods.
- Check Regulations – Both Australian customs and the shipping service’s rules.
- Shop from Reliable Korean Retailers – Look for sellers with high ratings and recent reviews.
- Use a Parcel Forwarding Service – Many Korean stores don’t ship directly to Australia.
- Choose Consolidation – Combine multiple snack orders into one shipment to save on shipping.
Why Use Buy&Ship for Korean Snack Shopping
Most Korean e-commerce sites don’t offer overseas delivery. That’s where Buy&Ship Australia makes the process simple:
- Korean Warehouse Address – Use it when checking out from Coupang, Gmarket, or other Korean stores.
- Affordable Shipping – From AUD 28 for the first 2 lbs.
- Consolidation Service – Combine multiple snack orders into one parcel.
- Trackable Delivery – From Korea to your door in Australia.
How It Works:
- Sign up with Buy&Ship Australia.
- Shop at your favourite Korean snack store.
- Send purchases to the Korean warehouse.
- Consolidate, pay for shipping, and track delivery.
Packing Tips for Korean Snacks
- Bubble Wrap Fragile Items – Especially glass bottles or delicate packaging.
- Avoid Hot Weather Shipments – Chocolate items can melt in transit.
- Separate Strong Odours – Kimchi-flavoured snacks should be sealed to avoid scent transfer.
FAQs: Korean Snacks to Australia
Q: Can I bring Korean instant noodles to Australia?
Yes, as long as they are commercially packaged and do not contain prohibited meat or dairy.
Q: Are there limits on how many snacks I can import?
There’s no strict limit for personal use, but large quantities may attract inspection or GST.
Q: Can I buy Korean snacks in bulk to resell in Australia?
Yes, but you’ll need to comply with import licensing and labelling requirements.
Whether you’re a K-drama fan craving banana milk or a foodie on the hunt for the spiciest ramen, shopping directly from Korea gives you access to flavours and products unavailable in Australia. With a service like Buy&Ship Australia, you can safely and affordably bring the best of Korea’s snack culture right to your doorstep.