Iconic Old Korean Ice Cream: Nostalgic Mart Finds

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Retro Cool: Iconic Old Korean Ice Cream Brands from Your Childhood

Classic Korean ice cream brands like Melona, Screw Bar, and Jaws Bar are the nostalgic mart finds that have graced freezers for decades. These enduring treats represent the icy delights many Koreans grew up enjoying, offering a sweet taste of childhood memories. They’ve earned their iconic status by remaining beloved staples across generations.

These aren’t just any ice creams; these are the OGs, the ones you grab after a long day at school, the perfect summer cool-down, or simply when you’re craving something sweet. They’re inexpensive, widely available, and each has a unique charm that’s kept them beloved across generations. So, let’s peel back the wrappers and dig into these retro cool classics. I grabbed most of these at the GS25 downstairs and the CU down the street – gotta cover all bases, right?

Melona (Binggrae)

Let’s kick things off with arguably the most internationally recognized Korean ice cream: the mighty Melona. If you haven’t had a Melona, stop what you’re doing and find one. Seriously. This iconic pale green bar from Binggrae has been a staple since 1992, and for good reason. Its signature cantaloupe flavor is incredibly unique – creamy, subtly sweet, and wonderfully refreshing without being overly rich. It’s not just melon-flavored; it is melon. The texture is smooth and slightly chewy, almost like a frozen mousse rather than a typical ice pop. It melts slowly, allowing you to savor every bite.

Koreans pretty much eat Melona straight from the stick, often while walking, sitting by the Han River, or just chilling at home. It’s a perfect palate cleanser after a spicy meal, too. While cantaloupe is the classic, Binggrae has introduced strawberry, banana, mango, and even coconut versions over the years, but the green one is the OG, the true king. Spice level? Not applicable, unless you count the ‘cold’ sensation!

Approximate Korean Price: Around 1,000 – 1,500 won, but often found in multi-packs or 2+1 deals at convenience stores.

Jaws Bar (Lotte)

Next up, let’s talk about a real ‘jaw’-dropper – the Jaws Bar from Lotte. Launched in 1983, this shark-shaped ice pop is a childhood favorite for many Koreans. It’s instantly recognizable with its greyish-blue ‘skin’ and a vibrant red ‘blood’ core. The blue part is a refreshing blue raspberry flavor, while the red core is a sweet strawberry. The texture is distinctly icy, more like a sorbet or a traditional ice pop than a creamy bar. It’s not too sweet, providing a tart and tangy coolness that’s perfect for a scorching summer day.

Kids (and adults who are kids at heart) love to pretend they’re eating a real shark, biting off the ‘fin’ first! It’s a fun, playful ice cream that’s all about the experience. It’s super refreshing and light, making it a great pick-me-up. There’s no spice here, just pure, unadulterated icy fruit flavor.

Approximate Korean Price: Typically 800 – 1,200 won.

Screw Bar (Lotte)

Another Lotte classic, the Screw Bar, has been twisting its way into Korean hearts since 1985. Just as its name suggests, this ice cream is literally shaped like a twisted screw! It’s one of those ingenious designs that makes eating it half the fun. You can bite it, lick it, or even twist it off the stick. The primary flavor is a unique blend of strawberry and apple, giving it a sweet, slightly tart, and incredibly fruity profile. It’s got that classic icy texture, similar to the Jaws Bar, making it super crisp and hydrating.

Koreans often eat this by untwisting it bit by bit, or sometimes, for the truly adventurous, you can push the stick out and slurp the whole thing like a frozen smoothie. It’s a fantastic choice when you want something tangy and invigorating. Absolutely zero spice, just a burst of fruity freshness.

Approximate Korean Price: Around 800 – 1,200 won.

B.B.Big (Binggrae)

Now for something a little different, and definitely more traditional: B.B.Big from Binggrae. This red bean ice cream bar has been around since 1975, making it one of the oldest and most enduring treats on this list. For those unfamiliar with red bean desserts, it might sound a bit odd, but trust me, it’s a comforting classic. B.B.Big features a creamy red bean-flavored ice cream base, often studded with actual whole or crushed red beans (azuki beans). The flavor is earthy, mildly sweet, and incredibly satisfying, reminiscent of traditional Korean patbingsu (shaved ice with red bean).

It’s less about a burst of flavor and more about a gentle, traditional sweetness. The texture is dense and creamy, with the occasional chewiness from the beans. Many Koreans, especially older generations, absolutely adore this bar for its nostalgic taste. It’s perfect for a calm, reflective snack. No spice, just a heartwarming, old-school sweetness.

Approximate Korean Price: Roughly 800 – 1,200 won.

Samanco (Binggrae)

Another gem from Binggrae, Samanco (사만코) has been charming people with its fishy facade since 1991. Don’t let the fish shape fool you – there’s absolutely no seafood flavor here! This iconic treat is essentially an ice cream sandwich, but instead of plain wafers, it uses two light, waffle-like ‘fish’ crackers. Inside, you’ll find creamy vanilla ice cream swirled with a ribbon of sweet red bean paste. They also have green tea, chocolate, and strawberry variations, but the classic red bean and vanilla is where it’s at.

The combination of the slightly chewy, slightly crispy fish-shaped cracker, the smooth vanilla ice cream, and the earthy sweetness of the red bean paste is pure genius. It offers a wonderful interplay of textures and flavors in every bite. Koreans often eat this by tearing off sections of the fish, or just munching through the whole thing like a sandwich. It’s a delightful, substantial treat that feels a bit more gourmet than your average ice cream bar. Spice level is, of course, a non-issue here.

Approximate Korean Price: Around 1,200 – 2,000 won, often part of 2+1 deals.

Pig Bar (Dwaeji Bar) (Lotte)

If you’re looking for a crunchy, creamy, chocolatey indulgence, look no further than Lotte’s Pig Bar (돼지바, Dwaeji Bar). Launched in 1983, this multi-layered delight has been a consistent crowd-pleaser. It starts with a core of vanilla ice cream, which is then coated in a rich chocolate shell. But here’s the kicker: that chocolate shell is covered in tiny, crunchy cookie crumbs! The name ‘Pig Bar’ comes from the idea that you might eat it like a pig – messily and with great gusto – because those crumbs tend to fall off!

The Pig Bar offers a fantastic textural experience: the satisfying crack of the chocolate shell, the crunch of the cookie pieces, and the smooth creaminess of the vanilla ice cream. It’s sweet, decadent, and utterly satisfying. It’s very similar in concept to a Drumstick, but with its own Korean flair. This is a treat for when you want something substantial and truly indulgent. Zero spice, 100% deliciousness.

Approximate Korean Price: Typically 1,000 – 1,800 won, but look for deals!

Pollapo (Lotte)

Let’s shift gears to another classic icy treat: Pollapo from Lotte. This iconic tube-shaped ice cream has been around since 1981, offering a simple yet incredibly refreshing experience. It’s essentially a fruit-flavored ice pop in a flexible plastic tube. While many flavors have come and gone, the most popular and enduring ones are grape and strawberry. The texture is pure ice – think crushed ice or a very firm slushy, perfect for a quick cool-down.

The magic of Pollapo lies in its eating method: you tear off the top, push up from the bottom, and slurp away. It’s common to see Koreans sharing a Pollapo, pushing it up in turns. It’s incredibly light, not overly sweet, and delivers a quick burst of fruity coolness. Ideal for kids after playing outdoors or adults needing a simple, hydrating snack. No spice, just icy, fruity goodness.

Approximate Korean Price: Around 500 – 800 won, often sold in packs.

Tank Boy (Haitai)

Finally, we have Tank Boy from Haitai, first introduced in 1993. This unique ice cream comes in a squeezable pouch, making it more of a drinkable slushy than a solid bar. The most famous flavor is pear, and it’s absolutely fantastic – a sweet, delicate, and incredibly refreshing taste that captures the essence of a Korean pear (배, bae) perfectly. The texture starts off icy, but as it melts slightly, it becomes a delightful, drinkable slush that you can slurp directly from the pouch.

Koreans love Tank Boy, especially on a hot day, for its sheer refreshment factor. You can either squeeze it out when it’s still very frozen for a more ‘ice’ experience, or let it soften a bit to enjoy it as a sweet, cold drink. It’s incredibly hydrating and unique among ice creams. A perfect choice for a light, fruity cool-down. As expected, no spice, just a clean, crisp fruit flavor.

Approximate Korean Price: Roughly 800 – 1,500 won, depending on the store.

How to Get These Iconic Old Korean Ice Cream Brands Abroad

Good news, K-food fans! Many of these classic Korean ice creams are widely available outside of Korea due to their enduring popularity. You don’t always need a plane ticket to get your hands on them. Look for these brands at:

• H Mart & Other Large Asian Supermarkets: These are your best bet. Most large Korean or general Asian grocery stores in North America, Europe, and Australia stock a good range of Binggrae, Lotte, and Haitai ice creams. Check their frozen dessert aisles!
• Local Asian Markets: Even smaller, local Asian grocery stores often carry the most popular items like Melona and Samanco. It’s always worth a look!
• Online Retailers: While less common for frozen goods due to shipping complexities, some specialized online Korean food stores might offer them for local delivery in certain areas. Amazon itself typically doesn’t ship frozen goods this way, but check for local Asian food delivery services that might partner with them or other platforms.

Availability and selection will vary by region, but Melona, Samanco, and Jaws Bar are almost universally found. Happy hunting!

Verdict

Diving into these old Korean ice cream brands has been a delicious trip down memory lane! Each one brings its own unique flavor, texture, and nostalgia. For pure refreshing fun, the Jaws Bar and Screw Bar are fantastic. If you want something traditionally Korean and comforting, B.B.Big is your friend. For a complete experience with textures, Samanco and Pig Bar are excellent. And for an absolute classic that everyone loves, you can never go wrong with a Melona or a Pear Tank Boy.

My top recommendation for first-timers would be Melona – it’s a universally loved classic for a reason. But I highly encourage you to try them all if you can! These aren’t just desserts; they’re a piece of Korean culture, enjoyed by millions for decades.

Overall Score: 9/10 (for the sheer variety, nostalgia, and consistent deliciousness of these classics)

FAQ

Are Korean ice creams generally less sweet than Western ice creams?

Often, yes. Many traditional Korean desserts, including some ice creams like B.B.Big or the classic Melona, tend to have a more subdued, natural sweetness compared to many Western counterparts. This is appealing to many who find other ice creams overly sugary.

Do these old Korean ice cream brands ever release new flavors or limited editions?

Absolutely! While the core flavors of these classics remain, brands like Binggrae and Lotte are constantly innovating. You’ll frequently find new fruit flavors, seasonal specials (like pumpkin or sweet potato), or collaborations. Product lineups can change, so it’s always fun to check the freezer section to see what’s new!

Can I find vegan or dairy-free options among Korean ice creams?

While most of the traditional, older ice creams on this list contain dairy, the Korean market is increasingly catering to dietary restrictions. You might find some fruit-based ice pops (like Pollapo or some variations of Tank Boy) that are naturally dairy-free. For explicitly vegan options, you’d need to check ingredient labels carefully, as dedicated vegan ice cream lines are still a developing niche but growing in popularity in Korea.

More Mart Finds

• Essential Korean Ice Popsicles & Frozen Treats
• Other Binggrae Ice Cream Gems Beyond Melona
• Korean Ice Cream Cones: A Sweet Guide to Popular Toppings & Flavors
• Korean Pudding & Jelly: Sweet Wobbly Desserts