Saeukkang: The Shrimp Cracker That Won Korea’s Heart

Imagine you’re at a cozy Korean movie night, the glow of the screen flickering as laughter fills the room. On the table, alongside bowls of ramyeon and cans of soda, sits a vibrant red bag that’s practically a national treasure: Saeukkang, Korea’s beloved shrimp cracker. These crispy, shrimp-flavored bites, shaped like crinkle-cut fries, have been a staple since 1971, when Nongshim first introduced them. With a subtle seafood sweetness and a satisfying crunch, Saeukkang isn’t just a snack—it’s a piece of Korean life, as comforting as a warm bowl of tteokbokki on a rainy day.


A Crunchy Origin Story

Saeukkang, which literally means “shrimp cracker” (saeu for shrimp, kkang as a playful sound), was born from a mix of ingenuity and family whimsy. Nongshim’s founder, Shin Choon-ho, drew inspiration from a Japanese snack called Kappa Ebisen but wanted to make it distinctly Korean. After over a year of trial and error—using a staggering 360 tons of flour and heaps of shrimp to perfect the recipe—Saeukkang hit the shelves. The name itself came from Shin’s daughter, who adorably mispronounced “Arirang” (a traditional Korean folk song) as “Arikkang.” That playful spirit stuck, and Saeukkang was born. By 2013, over 7.5 billion bags had been sold, and today, it’s a global sensation, found in 76 countries from Walmart in the U.S. to Taobao in China.

What’s the magic? It’s simple: a blend of wheat flour, ground shrimp (about 8% per cracker), and a touch of seasoning—think salt, sugar, and a hint of umami from kelp and anchovy extracts. The dough is shaped into thin, rippled strips, baked (not fried) for a lighter texture, and packed with a savory shrimp flavor that’s subtle yet addictive. At roughly 130 calories per 75g bag, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that pairs perfectly with a cold beer or a hot cup of tea.

A Taste of Togetherness

Saeukkang isn’t just about flavor—it’s about jeong, that untranslatable Korean sense of deep, heartfelt connection. In Korea, snacks like these are rarely eaten alone. You’ll find Saeukkang at family gatherings, shared among friends during late-night study sessions, or munched on at highway rest stops during Chuseok road trips. The crackle of the bag opening is a universal signal: it’s time to bond. Kids and adults alike chant its iconic slogan, “Grab some here, grab some there, your hand keeps reaching for Saeukkang!”—a jingle that’s been stuck in heads for over 50 years.

The cracker also carries a cultural wink. Shrimp, a key ingredient, ties back to Korea’s coastal heritage, where seafood is a way of life. In the port city of Gunsan, fishermen once protested when Nongshim considered switching to imported shrimp due to pollution concerns—a testament to how deeply Saeukkang is tied to local pride. (Nongshim eventually compromised, using the top 10% of Gunsan’s shrimp.) And in 2021, for its 50th anniversary, Saeukkang went luxe with a “Black” version, doubling the shrimp content, adding black truffle, and tweaking the shape for an even crispier bite. It was a nod to tradition while keeping things fresh for a new generation.

Why It’s Irresistible

Bite into a Saeukkang, and you’ll get a light, airy crunch that melts into a savory-sweet shrimp flavor—not overpowering, but just enough to keep you reaching for more. The texture is reminiscent of Cheetos, but less greasy, with a delicate seafood note that lingers. Some love the original, while others swear by the spicy version, which adds a gentle kick without overwhelming the shrimp. Be warned, though: the bag might carry a fishy whiff when you first open it (it’s the dried shrimp!), but the taste is pure magic.

Saeukkang’s charm lies in its balance—it’s not too salty, not too sweet, just right for snacking any time of day. It’s the kind of treat that sparks nostalgia for Koreans, reminding them of childhood picnics or movie marathons, while offering foreigners a crunchy gateway into Korean flavors. Whether you’re dipping it into soup (as some fans suggest) or eating it straight from the bag, Saeukkang delivers a little burst of joy in every bite.

Where to Find It

In Korea, Saeukkang is everywhere—convenience stores, supermarkets, even street stalls. Internationally, you can snag a bag at Asian markets or online retailers like Amazon. Nongshim offers variations, from the classic 75g pack to a deluxe 400g bag for sharing, plus flavors like spicy or truffle-infused. If you’re ever in Seoul, grab a bag, find a spot by the Han River, and snack like a local. It’s not just a cracker—it’s a taste of Korea’s heart, one crispy bite at a time.

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