Finding Sweet Treats in the Korean Ice Cream Aisle

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Alright, my fellow K-food adventurers!

One scorching afternoon last summer, I ducked into a neighborhood CU, desperate for a reprieve from the Seoul heat. My gaze instantly fell upon the convenience store’s ice cream freezer, a sparkling wonderland of vibrant colors and captivating shapes. It was a dizzying kaleidoscope of frozen treats, some with utterly baffling names, all promising a sweet escape from the humid Korean summer or a cozy indulgence any time of year.

But let’s be real, navigating that aisle can be a bit daunting if you don’t know your Melona from your Samanco. You’re probably wondering, “How to buy Korean ice cream without accidentally picking up something I won’t like?” or “What are the real local favorites?” Well, fear not! I’ve been on a personal mission (a very delicious mission, I might add) to sample my way through Korea’s frozen treats, and I’m here to give you the honest lowdown. Forget the glossy ads – this is what actually tastes good, what Koreans actually eat, and what’s worth grabbing on your next trip or searching for at your local Asian market. Let’s get scooping!

Korean Ice Cream: The Must-Try List!

Melona (Binggrae)

Okay, let’s kick things off with the absolute OG, the reigning champion, the one and only Melona! You seriously cannot talk about Korean ice cream without bowing down to Melona. I grab one of these almost every other day at the GS25 downstairs, especially when the weather is brutal. It’s a simple, rectangular ice cream bar, but its honeydew melon flavor is pure perfection. It’s sweet, but not cloyingly so, with a wonderfully refreshing, almost creamy yet slightly icy texture that just melts in your mouth. Some people say it tastes a bit like a honeydew bubble tea, and I can totally see that. There are other flavors now – strawberry, banana, mango – but the honeydew is the quintessential Melona. Koreans love this for a quick, cooling treat. It’s usually around 1,000-1,500 won, but sometimes you can find them on a “2 for 1” deal, which is when I stock up!

Samanco (Binggrae)

Next up is another Binggrae classic that always brings a smile to my face: Samanco. This isn’t just an ice cream; it’s an experience! It’s a fish-shaped waffle sandwich filled with vanilla ice cream and a sweet red bean paste swirl. Yes, a fish! Don’t let the shape scare you – it’s just for fun. The waffle exterior is soft and slightly chewy, a great contrast to the smooth vanilla ice cream. And the red bean paste? It’s sweet, earthy, and perfectly complements the creamy vanilla without being overwhelming. Some varieties now come with chocolate instead of red bean, but the original red bean is my go-to. I’ve seen tourists get a kick out of these, and locals enjoy them for their unique texture and traditional flavor. It’s a bit larger than Melona, usually priced around 1,500-2,000 won.

Jaws Bar (Haitai)

Feeling a bit nostalgic? The Jaws Bar is pure childhood in a wrapper for many Koreans, and for me, it’s a fun, vibrant treat. Shaped like a shark (hence “Jaws”), this ice cream bar has an outer layer of slightly tart orange-flavored ice surrounding a softer, sweeter strawberry-flavored core. It’s less creamy than Melona and more of an icy pop, making it incredibly refreshing. The initial bite through the “shark skin” is satisfyingly firm, then it softens up. It’s a playful treat that’s perfect for cooling down quickly. You won’t find any complex flavors here, just pure, fruity fun. Kids adore these, but honestly, so do I after a long walk! You can usually snag one for about 800-1,200 won, making it one of the more affordable options.

Screw Bar (Lotte)

Another Lotte superstar that’s been around forever is the Screw Bar. True to its name, it’s a twisted, helix-shaped ice pop, typically a vibrant red color. The main flavor is strawberry, but with a surprising hint of apple that gives it a unique tang. It’s an ice pop, so expect a solid, icy texture that you really have to work at, which is part of its charm! You can bite into it, or for the true Screw Bar experience, twist and squeeze it as it melts. It’s tart, sweet, and incredibly refreshing, especially on a hot summer day. There’s a certain satisfaction in untwisting it as you eat. It’s a definite Korean classic, and you’ll see people of all ages enjoying this playful treat. Price-wise, it’s usually in the 800-1,200 won range, similar to Jaws Bar.

Subak Bar (Lotte)

Is there anything more summery than watermelon? The Subak Bar (Subak means watermelon in Korean) captures that summer vibe perfectly. This ice cream bar is shaped like a slice of watermelon, complete with a green rind and even tiny chocolate bits for seeds! The red part is distinctly watermelon-flavored, sweet and refreshing, while the green “rind” is a subtle lemon or lime flavor, adding a nice tart contrast. The texture is mostly icy, similar to Jaws Bar or Screw Bar, making it another excellent choice for beating the heat. It’s a visual treat as much as it is a flavor one, and kids absolutely love its playful design. It’s usually around 1,000-1,500 won, and a seasonal favorite you’ll see pop up more often in warmer months, though it’s available year-round.

World Cone (Lotte)

For those who prefer a classic ice cream cone, the World Cone from Lotte is your answer. This is probably the most widely available and popular ice cream cone in Korea. Think of it as Korea’s answer to a drumstick, but with its own unique charm. It features a generous swirl of vanilla ice cream, often topped with a chocolate disc and a sprinkling of peanuts or chocolate bits. The cone itself is crunchy, and like many good cones, there’s often a bit of chocolate at the very bottom, which is always a delightful surprise! It’s creamy, satisfying, and hits all the right notes for a standard, reliable ice cream cone. You can find different flavors, but vanilla is the most common. It’s a bit pricier than the bars, typically around 1,800-2,500 won, reflecting its larger size and more substantial feel.

Pangtoa (Lotte)

If you’re into ice cream sandwiches, Pangtoa is a must-try. This isn’t your average ice cream sandwich; it often comes in a soft, slightly chewy cake-like exterior, rather than hard biscuits. The most common varieties are chocolate and vanilla. The chocolate version features rich chocolate ice cream sandwiched between two soft chocolate ‘biscuits’, while the vanilla has vanilla ice cream. What sets it apart is that soft, almost bread-like texture of the ‘sandwich’ part – it’s not crumbly. It’s really satisfying and feels a bit more substantial than a typical ice cream bar. It’s perfect for when you want something that feels a bit more like a dessert. I usually grab the chocolate one when I’m craving something rich and comforting. Prices are usually in the 1,500-2,000 won range.

Pig Bar (돼지바 – Lotte)

Last but certainly not least for our top picks is the legendary Pig Bar, or Dwaeji Bar. Don’t worry, no pigs are involved in its making! The name supposedly comes from its somewhat lumpy, ‘pig-like’ appearance (or perhaps its rich, indulgent nature). This is a multi-layered masterpiece: a core of vanilla ice cream, wrapped in a thin layer of strawberry syrup/jam, then coated in a thick layer of chocolate, which is finally covered in crunchy chocolate cookie crumbs. Phew! It’s a textural carnival: creamy, gooey, crunchy, and absolutely delicious. The combination of vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate is a classic for a reason, and the cookie crumbs add that perfect textural contrast. This is a truly satisfying, indulgent treat that’s a favorite among many Koreans. It typically costs around 1,200-1,800 won.

Before moving on, a quick note on “spice level”: Unless it’s a very specific, limited-edition novelty flavor (which is rare for mainstream ice cream), Korean ice creams are universally not spicy. So no worries about a surprise fiery kick when you’re just trying to cool down!

How to Get It Abroad

So, you’re abroad and craving some of these delightful Korean frozen treats? Don’t despair! While you might not find every single flavor or limited edition, many of the most popular items are readily available outside of Korea. Your best bets are:

• H Mart: If you have an H Mart (or any large Korean supermarket chain) near you, you’re in luck! They almost always have a dedicated freezer section for Korean ice cream. You’ll definitely find Melona, Samanco, World Cone, Jaws Bar, and often Screw Bar and Pig Bar there.
• Local Asian Markets: Even smaller independent Asian grocery stores often carry a selection of popular Korean ice creams, especially Melona, due to its global popularity. Check the freezer aisles!
• Online Retailers (like Amazon): While it’s harder to ship frozen goods, sometimes you can find multipacks of specific items like Melona bars on Amazon or other online Asian grocery platforms. Just be mindful of shipping costs and ensure they can maintain the frozen state during transit. Availability can vary greatly here.
• Specialty K-Food Stores: Some larger cities have dedicated Korean food stores that might carry a wider selection.

Prices abroad will naturally be higher than in Korea due to import costs, but they’re usually worth it for a taste of authentic Korean sweetness!

Verdict

Korean ice cream offers a fantastic blend of unique flavors, fun shapes, and refreshing textures that go beyond your typical vanilla and chocolate. From the creamy, iconic Melona to the playful, fruity Jaws Bar and the satisfyingly complex Pig Bar, there’s truly something for everyone. My ultimate recommendation? You absolutely have to try Melona and Samanco – they are quintessential Korean ice cream experiences. For a fun, fruity cool-down, Jaws Bar or Screw Bar are excellent picks. For a more substantial dessert, World Cone or Pig Bar hit the spot. I’m giving the overall Korean ice cream experience a solid 9/10 for its sheer variety, innovative takes on frozen treats, and consistent deliciousness. It’s an essential part of the K-food journey!

FAQ

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

This is a common perception, but it really varies by product! Some, like the fruity ice bars (Jaws Bar, Screw Bar), are quite sweet and tart. Others, like Melona, have a balanced sweetness. Overall, they’re not drastically different in sweetness levels from Western counterparts; it’s more about the specific flavors and textures they offer.

What is the most popular Korean ice cream?

Without a doubt, Melona (Binggrae) takes the crown for popularity, both within Korea and internationally. Its distinct honeydew flavor and creamy texture have made it an iconic and beloved treat. Samanco and World Cone are also incredibly popular and widely consumed.

Do Korean convenience stores have ice cream all year round?

Absolutely! While ice cream sales naturally surge during the hot and humid Korean summers, convenience stores and supermarkets keep their freezers stocked with a wide variety of ice cream products all year long. Koreans enjoy ice cream as a dessert or treat no matter the season, so you’ll always find your favorites ready for the taking.

More Mart Finds

• Essential Korean Ice Popsicles & Frozen Treats
• Iconic Old Korean Ice Cream: Nostalgic Mart Finds
• Other Binggrae Ice Cream Gems Beyond Melona
• Korean Ice Cream Cones: A Sweet Guide to Popular Toppings & Flavors