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What Is the Taste of Authentic Korean Food and Snacks?

BY Quentin Lange

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K-pop has made it into the Western mainstream listening charts, with artists like BTS and BLACKPINK topping charts and selling out global tours. Like the catchy tones of a pop song, Korean cuisine is riding the K-wave and entertaining tastebuds with its addictive flavors and textures. Moon-hyun Yoon, CEO of HBAF, a manufacturer of Korean snacks, says that this cultural phenomenon deserves worldwide attention. "The international success of Korean culture—spanning music, TV and film—sparked curiosity about Korea as a whole, and naturally, its cuisine gained traction as part of that cultural wave," he explains. Korean food-related exports have continued to smash through records year-on-year, surpassing $13 billion in 2024. Korean food has become a cultural touchpoint for younger generations online; food challenges, known as mukbang videos, are amassing billions of views online.

Finding Success With a Bold Approach

HBAF exemplifies the success that Korean snacks producers are finding. Starting as an almond importer, they have quickly grown into a powerhouse with brick-and-mortar stores in multiple countries and over 80 flavors of almonds and popcorn. HBAF isn't resting on its laurels; it remains agile and is investing in the United States to produce its snacks locally and gain a foothold in the market. "I believe that to expand further into the international market, we need to continuously refine our designs and adjust our strategies," he says.

HBAF

HBAF - Multi-flavor almonds. Credit: Courtesy of HBAF Co., Ltd. HBAF - Multi-flavor almonds. Credit: Courtesy of HBAF Co., Ltd.

Health and Technology Going Hand-In-Hand

Innovation goes beyond flavor and into the way that Korea prepares its food. With an ever-increasingly tech-savvy demographic, Korean food culture is leveraging the inherent healthiness of traditional cuisine whilst combining it with cutting-edge technology. Hurom supports a healthy diet with its juicers that leverage its unique juicing technology. CEO Jae Won Kim describes how the screw-based vertical slow juicer operates at lower temperatures and speeds, preserving vital nutrients. "Our mission is to promote a healthier lifestyle. We are passionate about health, and our goal is to create a healthier world," he says. When talking about health, the benefits of tea cannot be overlooked and Osulloc is leading the way in revitalizing traditional Korean tea culture. When its founder, Sungwhan Suh, set foot on the idyllic island of Jeju and saw its pristine environs, he knew immediately it was the perfect home for Korean tea. "Osulloc is a genuine tea maker, in control of every step, from cultivation to production, distribution, and packaging," Osulloc President Hyuck Jae Seo says.

Approachability Meets Authenticity

It isn't simply innovative flavors and the K-wave that are responsible for Korea's success; its traditional dishes are bridging the gap between consumers and Korean culture. Maeil Foods' philosophy of creating truly delicious flavors for their distinctly Korean products, like gangjang (soy sauce), that can enhance a variety of dishes, traditional and novel. CEO Sang Ho Oh says, "While people worldwide enjoy their traditional hometown dishes, discovering new flavors from different cultures can also bring joy." FOODWARE brings traditional Korean dumplings, called mandu, to consumers worldwide and has found incredible success adapting traditional Korean flavors to global tastes. CEO Dong Sick Shin says the company customizes its offerings for each region but maintains authenticity. "We prioritize maintaining the traditional flavor of Korean mandu regardless of where it is sold," he says. This sentiment of combining quality ingredients with flavors tailored to international markets while staying true to the essence of Korean food culture is prevalent throughout the industry. Suji's Cuisine produces ready-to-eat meals that carry that sense of Korean culture to locales that might not have another outlet. CEO Suji Park says, "To bridge this gap, we need to focus on introducing a broader range of dishes and flavors to global markets while also creating opportunities for consumers to learn about the richness of Korean culinary culture."

Maeil Foods

Maeil Foods - XL Korean Ramen. Credit: Courtesy of Maeil Foods Co., Ltd. Maeil Foods - XL Korean Ramen. Credit: Courtesy of Maeil Foods Co., Ltd.

The global success of Korean culture, from K-pop to cuisine, is a tale of innovation, tradition and authenticity. As Korean food continues to gain popularity, it bridges cultural gaps, bringing a taste of Korea to the world and fostering greater international appreciation for its culinary traditions.

All interviews were conducted by The Worldfolio and can be found at www.theworldfolio.com.

This report has been paid for by a third party. The views and opinions expressed are not those of Newsweek and are not an endorsement of the products, services or persons mentioned.

What is the taste of authentic Korean food and snacks?