Korean Walnut Cakes (Hodugwaja): A Popular Korean Snack You Can Find Near Subway Stations

Korean Walnut Cakes (호두과자): A Sweet Korean Snack Loved by Travelers

Have you ever seen small walnut-shaped cakes sold near Korean subway stations? They are called 호두과자 (hodugwaja), one of Korea’s most popular traditional snacks.

Many Koreans buy them on their way home or while traveling. You can often find them at subway stations, train stations, and highway rest stops.

Korean Vocabulary

– 호두 (hodu) = walnut
– 팥 (pat) = red bean paste
– 지하철 (jihacheol) = subway

Useful Korean Phrases

호두과자 얼마예요?

How much are the walnut cakes?

팥이 들어 있어요?

Is there red bean paste inside?

지하철역에서 샀어요.

I bought it at the subway station.

Mini Dialogue

A: 호두과자 얼마예요?

B: 한 봉지에 5,000원이에요.

A: 팥이 들어 있어요?

B: 네, 팥이 들어 있어요.

Cultural Tip

Traditional 호두과자 usually contains sweet red bean paste (팥), but modern versions may include cream, chocolate, or cheese fillings.

They are especially popular as gifts and travel snacks because they are easy to carry and share.

Quiz

What does “지하철” mean?

A) Walnut

B) Red Bean Paste

C) Subway

Answer: C) Subway