A Parent's Guide to Korean Fruits: Must-Try Seasonal Sweets for Your Kids

 If you ask my son Woobin what his favorite part of living in Korea is, he might just say "Strawberries!" and "Grapes!" One thing that surprises many foreign parents visiting Korea is the incredible quality and sweetness of our fruit. We take our fruit seriously here—often gifting high-end fruit baskets for special occasions. For a traveling family, fruit is the perfect healthy snack to keep your little ones hydrated and energized. However, because most fruits in Korea are seasonal, you need to know what to look for and when. Here is my local dad’s guide to the best Korean fruits for your kids.

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1. Winter & Spring: The Era of King Strawberries (Strawberry)

From December to April, Korea turns into a strawberry paradise. Korean strawberries are world-famous for being incredibly sweet and soft.

• Why kids love it: They are bite-sized, juicy, and have almost no sourness.

• Dad’s Tip: Look for the "Seolhyang" (설향) variety. Also, many farms near Seoul offer "Strawberry Picking" experiences, which is a top-tier activity for kids!

2. Summer: The Refreshing Trio (Watermelon, Peach, & Melon)

Korean summers are hot and humid, and nothing beats the heat like our summer fruits.

• Watermelon (Subak): Huge and crunchy. You can even buy small "Apple Watermelons" in convenience stores that are the size of a grapefruit!

• Peaches (Boksunga): We have two types: "Ttak-bok" (crunchy) and "Mul-bok" (soft and juicy). For kids, the soft ones are usually easier to eat.

• Chamoe (Korean Melon): This yellow, striped melon is unique to Korea. It has a crispy texture and white seeds that are sweet and safe to eat.

3. Autumn: The Luxury Grapes and Pears

Autumn is "Harvest Season" in Korea, and it's when the most "premium" fruits appear.

• Shine Muscat: These are seedless, skin-eatable green grapes that taste like mango. They are a bit expensive but Woobin calls them "green candy."

• Korean Pear (Bae): These are not the pear-shaped ones you see in the West. They are round like apples, massive, and incredibly watery.

• Dad's Tip: In Korea, we often drink warm pear juice with honey if a child has a cough or cold. It's a great natural remedy!

4. The Year-Round Superstar: Jeju Mandarins (Gyul)

While they peak in winter, you can find various types of mandarins from Jeju Island all year round (like Hallabong or Redhyang).

• Why kids love it: They are easy for small hands to peel and very sweet.

5. Where to Buy the Best Fruit?

• Department Stores (Ssegye, Lotte, Hyundai): The highest quality and most expensive. Great for a special treat.

• Large Marts (E-mart, Lotte Mart): Good balance of quality and price. Look for the "Sale" stickers in the evening!

• Traditional Markets: The cheapest place to buy in bulk, but you might need to wash them thoroughly.

• Convenience Stores: Great for buying pre-cut, ready-to-eat fruit cups if you're on the move.

Instead of sugary candies, why not let your children explore the diverse world of Korean fruits? From the honey-sweet strawberries in winter to the mango-flavored grapes in autumn, there’s always something delicious in season. What is your child's favorite fruit? Leave a comment below, and I'll tell you the best place to find it in Seoul right now!