Jeonbyeong, Rediscovering Korea’s Classic Crackers
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Time to read 2 min
Throwback Snacks: Korean Crispy Wheat Crackers (Jeonbyeong) That Bring Back All the Feels
If you grew up in Korea and you're over 40, you probably remember this scene: the crispy, golden-brown crackers sprinkled with ginger sugar or bits of seaweed, piled high in a big box at the snack shop near the bus stop. It’s the perfect snack, just waiting to be picked up by your dad after work. And when you finally got that bag of crispy goodness, tucked in a classic black plastic bag, it felt like pure happiness!
Sure, nowadays we can buy just about anything with a tap on our phones, but no delivery app can bring back the warmth of the old market vibes or the love packed in a bag of those traditional snacks from your childhood. Today, we’re diving into the crunchy world of jeonbyeong, those crispy, nostalgic Korean wheat crackers, also known as “old-school snacks” (옛날 과자).
Table of Content
The Story Behind Jeonbyeong Cracker (Korean Wheat Crackers)
These crunchy treats made their way to Korea during the Japanese colonial era. Originally, they were inspired by the Japanese snack called senbei, but instead of using rice, Koreans put their own spin on it with wheat flour and eggs. The dough was baked and sprinkled with seaweed powder, peanuts, or ginger sugar, creating a variety of flavors that hit the spot after a long day.
Photo by Iksan Ilbo
Even though machines help with some of the baking these days, the process still needs a lot of hands-on work. Adding toppings, cutting the crackers just right—these parts are still done by hand. That's why there are fewer places making them now, and the ones that do are often called "Jeonbyeong Masters" (명가), because it’s not easy to keep up with the craft.
Why Are Jeonbyeong Crackers Round?
Ever notice how jeonbyeong crackers are neatly stacked like bricks at the snack shops? That round shape makes them super easy to eat and store. But here’s a fun fact: it takes about 3 minutes to bake a single cracker. But get this—they’re not even fully cooked when they come out of the machine! If they were baked all the way, they’d be too hard to cut or shape. So, they’re baked just 80% through, and then placed in round molds to get their iconic shape. The leftover heat finishes the baking process, giving them that perfect crispy texture.
Old-School Snacks, Reimagined
There was a time when jeonbyeong crackers fell out of style, labeled as “Grandma snacks.” People were concerned about hygiene and the traditional methods of making them. But thanks to some dedicated snack makers who wanted to preserve the tradition, modern production has stepped up its game. Today, many of these snacks are made in cleaner, automated factories with strict quality control, so you can enjoy your favorite childhood snack in a safer, tastier way.
Photo by Yongdong Bakery
At Rom America , when we bring Korean products to the U.S., we look for companies that meet international standards. And the jeonbyeong crackers from Youngdong Confectionery that we’re featuring today? They've passed all the tests, and we’re super excited to introduce them to you.
Whether you’re into the sweet kick of ginger, the nutty flavor of sesame, or the ocean vibes of seaweed, these Korean throwback snacks are the perfect treat to satisfy your cravings. Why not give them a try and take a trip down memory lane with every crunchy bite?
If you want to buy Yongdong Old-fashioned Jeonbyeong, you can check out more on our store
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