Saewookkang 새우깡

Saewookkang 새우깡 in a 4-piece pack.

Here's the front and back. Though I can't understand most of what's written on the back, I enjoy the illustrations like a child reading a picture book. In my mind, it goes like: "We get fresh shrimps from the sea. And then we cook it as soon as possible to maintain the freshness and flavor (we add salt to taste and some special herbs & spices). You can then eat it for a picnic near the sea. THE END."

I was inspired by some Korean photo I saw at Komusin (years ago). But I can't seem to get it right. ^^;;

Here's another try. Ah... it just looks like Jenga. 

I give up on stacking them. Take a closer look at those shrimp crackers/snacks.

Product Name: Saewookkang 새우깡... 새우 (Saewoo) is the Korean word for "shrimp". But when I check google translate, it says "lobster"...? I think Lobster is just 로브스터. And then 깡...? I dunno, but maybe it has something to do with how the shrimps were cooked or prepared. *shrugs*

Hole in the Pocket: Freebie from ♥.

First Impression: We have a similar snack here in the Philippines and it's made by Oishi, a food corporation. The color of the package and presentation are almost the same, but Saewookkang 새우깡 is more comprehensive and artsy. The giant shrimp is enough to tell you, without even knowing what 새우 means, that it is shrimp flavored.

Taste Buds say: It's crunchy and not too salty compared to our country's version. It's not loaded with powder flavoring. I like the simple combination of shrimp taste and cracker like texture (huh..?^^;). Its grooves and indentations are there for a better grip (...just made that up for lack of nothing better to say).

Reminds me of: Oishi prawn crackers!

K-rating: 4/5...a light and crunchy shrimp snack. ^^~

Goraebap 고래밥

Here's the front and back of Goraebap 고래밥's box.

Of course, I wouldn't pass on the opportunity to show my English prowess. The matching activity doesn't only help in teaching English names of animals, but also introduces you to 4 of the sea creatures that you'll meet inside. It also has a website: www.goraebab.com, but I can't open it. I wonder why... must be my settings or something.

I like how most Korean snacks have this kind of packaging / box where it opens in the middle (like a box of Kleenex). Look! Cute drawings inside too! Must be an activity, but I'm too lazy to try and translate. ^^;;

~ Funky Sea Creatures ~

I tried to "catch them all", but I missed three: turtle, octopus, and shrimp.  I'll update this as soon as I open my second box. *pinky promise*

Product Name: Goraebap 고래밥...  고래 is Korean for "whale" and 밥 can mean "rice", "meal", or "food" depending on how you use it in a sentence. Most blogs and info in the net translates Goraebap 고래밥 as "whale food", of course it doesn't literally mean that you're a "whale" if you eat it. I think its name goes with the whole theme of marine animals. By the way, typing 고래 밥 in google translate gave me "Bob whale" and was a quick laugh. Kkk...good thing I don't have a fat friend whose name is Bob cause I'd be tempted to you know..secretly call him 고래밥 behind his back. >_<;


Hole in the Pocket: This was from ♥. Surely it's not more than Php 70 in your friendly neighborhood Korean store.


First Impression: How cute is that 3D whale with a bump on its head? Although whale food in reality is mainly krill and plankton, they might actually snack on fish or squid every now and then. I doubt they eat turtles, dolphins or octopus though. The package gives me an impression that the whale is thinking about its food and is quite happy about it.  


Taste buds say: The box says 볶음양념 맛 ("stir-fried in sauce flavor")... and it tastes like a generic "vegetable" flavored snack with a little more zing. Still delicious though and much closer to "chicken barbecue" in flavor if you ask me. It's crunchy and you'll actually feel like a whale devouring small sea creatures for pleasure. I find it more satisfying to throw 5-6 pieces (sometimes even more) into my mouth and chomping away.


Reminds me of: Vegetable snacks (e.g. Regent's Snacku Rice Crackers).


K-rating: 4/5 ... 'coz I'm tired of categorizing animal crackers.

Custard (Lotte) 카스타드 (롯데)

Lotte's Custard (Original) 롯데 카스타드 오리지널

~ 행복 찾기... Finding Happiness ~

Individually wrapped custard cupcakes for your happiness.

The custard wasn't overflowing, but it was soft and delectable.

Product Name: Custard 카스타드... plain creamy custard.

Hole in the Pocket: I dunno, this was a direct import from ♥. Just check your friendly neighborhood Korean grocery store. 

First Impression: Packaging is simple and kind to the eyes (with all the green). The custard cake looks packed with creamy filling. Also looks like mamon (Filipino sponge cake).

Taste buds say: Yummy, a little on the sweet side, but still tastes good. I like eating it with tea or other unsweetened drinks (water? yes, that too). Although it's not good to eat when you're trying to fight hunger, because you might need 3 - 4 pieces to even feel a wee bit full. It's just great as a light snack in between meals.

Reminds me of: Mamon and other custard cupcakes...^^;;

K-rating: 3/5 ... simply custard.

Magic Pop 매직팝

A Bundle of Magic Pop. 15 pieces of 100% natural and healthy circular discs to munch on.

매직팝 (Magic Pop) Korean Snack 

One rice pop is as big as a single-serve salad plate.

Somewhat bigger than a CD, so it's probably right to say that it's wider than 한예슬 Han Ye Seul's face.

Product Name: Magic Pop 매직팝... It's probably because it magically pops out from a machine like a flying saucer or a frisbee. As a matter of fact, it was the popping sound that attracted me to check out the Magic Pop stall in the first place... okay, okay.... also the "free taste" area and because it claimed to be a Korean snack. ^^;; By the way, don't confuse 팝 ("pop" in hangul) and 밥 (meaning "rice" in Korean), they  also sound different.

Hole in the Pocket: Php 39.00 

First Impression: It looked like those Japanese rice cookies. Upon reading Magic Pop 매직팝... I found myself singing inside my head in the tune of f(x) / Big Bang feat. 2NE1's "Lollipop". Instead of saying "lollipop", of course I changed it to "magic pop". Oh gosh, there's also Hyuna's "Bubble Pop". The Magic Pop stall also plays on loop a video of Jan Di from Boys Over Flowers selling Magic Pop on the street (Yeah! That proves that it's a Korean snack...^o^). Here's a facebook page dedicated to it.

Taste buds Say: It's crunchy and light. By light I mean, not too salty or sweet, it's just the right sweetness and saltiness combined. You can actually be heard munching on it even from 5 feet away, so avoid eating it in a quiet place where you'll most likely make an echo or be clearly heard (e.g. church, classroom, cave, theater, etc). Magic Pop is something to keep one's mouth busy on nibbling and because it's not deep fried or loaded with flavoring, it's a healthier choice (low calorie and zero oil) compared to sodium-rich junk foods. However, if you're looking forward to feeling full... this is not the snack for you.

Reminds me of: Kettle Corn's Sweet and Salty Twister popcorn to a lesser extent. 

K-Rating: 4/5... not bad, not bad at all.