Korean Dictionary
How to say "Korean Confectionery" in Korean
“Korean Confectionery” in Korean is 과자 (pronounced "gwaja").
과자
gwaja
Usage & Context
Gwaja refers to Korean snacks and confectionery, ranging from traditional rice cakes to modern snack chips. Popular Korean gwaja brands include Haitai, Lotte, and Orion.
Example Sentence
편의점에는 다양한 종류의 과자가 있다.
There are various types of snacks at the convenience store.
How to use 과자 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Korean Confectionery” is 과자, romanized as gwaja.
Usage tip
Use this word with ordering phrases, taste descriptions, and polite requests when speaking in a restaurant.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 과자.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'gwah-jah' — 과 like 'gwah' (a smooth 'g' + 'wah'), and 자 like 'jah'. Keep both syllables short and even.
More Example Sentences
A kindergarten teacher describing snack time.
아이들이 과자를 서로 나눠 먹었어요.
The kids shared their snacks with each other.
Recommending a find to a coworker.
마트에 새로 나온 과자가 정말 맛있어요.
The new snack at the supermarket is really tasty.
A college student venting on social media.
시험 기간엔 과자를 너무 많이 먹게 돼요.
During exam season I end up eating way too many snacks.
Cultural Context
과자 covers everything from classic Korean brands like 새우깡, 포카칩, and 초코파이 to seasonal convenience-store hits that trend on social media. The Korean snack market is famously fast-moving — 편의점 chains release dozens of limited-edition 과자 each year, sparking viral 'snack run' videos. Nostalgia plays a big role too: older brands like 양갱 and 전병 connect generations, while 외국 과자 (foreign snacks) are sought after as specialty imports.
Editorial note
We test food and dining words like 과자 inside ordering situations, because the natural Korean phrase often includes a polite request ending.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
과자 좀 사러 가자.
Let's go buy some snacks.
과자 하나 먹을래?
Want a snack?
이 과자 진짜 맛있어요.
This snack is really good.
Related Expressions
쿠키
kuki
Cookie
과자 가게
gwaja gage
Snack shop
간식
gansik
Snack / between-meal food
전통 과자
jeontong gwaja
Traditional Korean confectionery (한과)
More Korean Food & Dining Words
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