Top 10 Korean Convenience Store Snacks for Kids: A Local Dad's Pick

 If you are traveling in Korea, you will see a convenience store (CVS) like CU, GS25, or 7-Eleven on almost every corner. For parents, these are like small "oasis" spots. Whether you need a quick bribe to keep your child quiet on the bus or a healthy late-night snack at the hotel, the CVS has it all. As a dad to 5-year-old Woobin, I've tested countless snacks to see which ones are the biggest hits. Here is my curated list of the best Korean convenience store snacks for your little ones!

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1. Banana Flavored Milk (Binggrae)

This is a legendary Korean drink. It comes in a cute, chubby jar that is easy for kids to hold.

• Why kids love it: It’s sweet, creamy, and iconic.

• Dad’s Tip: Look for the "Light" version (blue label) if you want to cut down on sugar for your kids.

2. Pororo Drinks

You cannot escape Pororo, the "Little Penguin," in Korea. These fruit-flavored drinks have a special push-pull cap that prevents spilling.

• Why kids love it: The character is a superstar, and the bottle is fun to play with.

• Dad’s Tip: They are great for travel because even if the bottle tips over, the drink won't leak everywhere.

3. Strawberry & Blueberry Yogurt Drinks (K-Yogurt)

In the dairy section, you'll find small bottles of drinkable yogurt. They are packed with probiotics, which is great for keeping your child's digestion on track while traveling.

4. Cheese Sticks (Sangha Farm)

Look for the individually wrapped cheese sticks. They are made from high-quality milk and aren't too salty.

• Dad’s Tip: These are perfect for a quick protein boost between sightseeing stops.

5. Roasted Seaweed (Kim)

Yes, the same seaweed used for Gimbap! Most CVS sell small, snack-sized packs.

• Why kids love it: It’s salty, crispy, and very light.

• Dad’s Tip: If your child refuses to eat a meal, just buy a pack of seaweed and a bowl of "Haet-ban" (instant rice) from the CVS. It’s a lifesaver.

6. Saussage Sticks (Cheon-ha-jang-sa)

These are fish-and-meat based snack sausages. They are soft and peelable.

• Note: Make sure your child doesn't have a seafood allergy before trying these.

7. Baked Sweet Potato & Chestnut (Chestnut-land)

For a healthier option, look for bags of "Gun-goguma" (baked sweet potato) or "Gun-bam" (peeled chestnuts). They are 100% natural and filling.

8. My-Gumi (Grape Jelly)

Korean jellies are famous for their texture. My-Gumi is shaped like grapes and made with real fruit juice.

• Caution: These can be a choking hazard for very small toddlers, so always supervise!

9. Pinkfong/Baby Shark Vitamins

Technically "candy" but sold as peach-flavored vitamin tablets near the counter. They are the ultimate "distraction tool" for Woobin.

10. Milk Bread (Samlip)

Soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast in the hotel room before you head out for the day.

Korean convenience stores are open 24/7 and are incredibly clean and safe. They are the perfect place to explore new flavors with your children without spending a lot of money. Which of these snacks would your child want to try first? If you've already visited a Korean CVS, tell me which snack was your kid's favorite in the comments below!