When exploring Korean supermarkets, you’ll quickly notice that many snack brands dominate the shelves. Among them, Haitai stands out as one of the most recognizable and beloved snack companies in South Korea.
Founded decades ago, Haitai has produced many snacks that Korean consumers grew up enjoying. Some of these products have even become cultural icons, appearing in convenience stores, supermarkets, and homes across the country.
If you’re curious about Korean snack culture or looking for new treats to try, Haitai is a great place to start. In this guide, we’ll introduce five signature snacks from Haitai that represent the brand’s creativity and popularity.
What Is Haitai?
Haitai is one of South Korea’s oldest and most established snack manufacturers. The company has been producing confectionery and snack products for generations and is known for creating both classic treats and innovative new flavors.
Over the years, Haitai has built a strong reputation for products that are affordable, widely available, and enjoyable for people of all ages.
One reason the brand remains popular is its ability to balance tradition with new trends. Some of its products have been around for decades, while others became viral sensations thanks to social media and changing consumer tastes.
Today, Haitai snacks can be found in nearly every Korean supermarket and convenience store.
5 Signature Haitai Snacks You Should Try
If you’re exploring Korean snacks for the first time, these five products are some of the best examples of what Haitai has to offer.
1. Honey Butter Chips (허니버터칩)
Perhaps the most famous snack from Haitai is Honey Butter Chips.
When these chips were first released, they quickly became one of the biggest snack trends in Korea. Demand became so high that stores often sold out within minutes, and some consumers even resold the chips online at higher prices.
The appeal of Honey Butter Chips comes from their unique flavor combination. The chips mix sweet honey with rich buttery seasoning, creating a balance of sweet and savory tastes that many people find addictive.
This flavor profile was somewhat unusual at the time of release, which helped the snack stand out in the crowded Korean snack market.
Even today, Honey Butter Chips remain one of the most iconic Korean snacks and are often recommended to tourists looking for something uniquely Korean.
2. Ace Crackers (에이스 크래커)
Another long-standing product from Haitai is Ace Crackers.
Unlike some flashy snack products, Ace Crackers are simple and versatile. They are light, crispy crackers with a slightly salty taste, making them perfect as a snack on their own or paired with cheese, jam, or spreads.
Because of their mild flavor, Ace Crackers are often enjoyed with coffee or tea. Many Korean households keep them stocked as an everyday snack.
The product’s longevity shows how a simple concept can remain popular when executed well.
3. Matdongsan (맛동산)
Matdongsan is another classic snack produced by Haitai.
This snack features crunchy biscuit sticks coated with a sweet syrup and covered with peanuts. The result is a satisfying combination of crispy texture and nutty sweetness.
Matdongsan has been around for many years and remains popular among people who enjoy traditional-style Korean snacks.
The snack’s nostalgic reputation makes it particularly popular with older generations who grew up eating it.
4. Homerun Ball (홈런볼)
One of the more playful snacks from Haitai is Homerun Ball.
These snacks are small, round pastry balls filled with chocolate cream. They resemble miniature cream puffs but with a crispier shell.
Homerun Ball has a light texture that makes it easy to eat in large quantities, which is one reason it has remained popular for decades.
The product’s name and baseball-themed branding also give it a fun identity that appeals to younger consumers.
Haitai has also released Dubai-style versions of both Homerun Ball and Jayusigan — see how they rank among Korea's top Dubai-style snacks.
5. Oh Yes! (오예스)
Another famous snack from Haitai is Oh Yes!, a chocolate-covered cake snack.
Oh Yes! features a soft cake layer with creamy filling, coated in chocolate. Its rich flavor and smooth texture make it a satisfying dessert-style snack.
The product is often compared to other chocolate cake snacks in the Korean market, but many fans appreciate its balanced sweetness and soft texture.
Because of its individually wrapped packaging, Oh Yes! is also a convenient snack for lunchboxes or quick treats.
Why Haitai Snacks Are Popular In Korea
There are several reasons why Haitai continues to be one of the most popular snack brands in South Korea.
A Mix of Classic and Trendy Products
Haitai offers both nostalgic snacks and new trend-driven products. This balance helps the brand appeal to multiple generations.
Creative Flavor Combinations
Korean snack companies are known for experimenting with flavors, and Haitai has been especially successful in creating combinations that capture consumer attention.
Honey Butter Chips are a perfect example of how a unique flavor idea can become a nationwide phenomenon.
Wide Availability
Haitai snacks are sold in nearly every Korean supermarket and convenience store, making them easy to find for both locals and tourists.
Where to Buy Haitai Snacks
If you visit South Korea, you can easily find Haitai snacks in major retail chains such as Emart, as well as other supermarkets and convenience stores.
Many Asian grocery stores around the world also carry Haitai products, making it possible for international consumers to explore Korean snack culture without traveling to Korea.
In addition, Korean snack subscription boxes and online retailers have made these products more accessible to global audiences.