Top 20 Delicious South Korea Street Foods

20 Delicious Street Foods in South Korea:


 South Korea is famous for its vibrant street food culture, with an array of delicious and often unique snacks available from food carts and stalls. Here are some of the most popular South Korean street foods:

South Korean street food is full of exciting flavors, from sweet and spicy to savory and crispy. It’s a great way to experience the culture and food traditions of the country while enjoying delicious and satisfying snacks!

1. Tteokbokki (떡볶이)

A beloved Korean street food, Tteokbokki consists of chewy rice cakes (tteok) in a sweet and spicy sauce made with gochujang (Korean red chili paste), sugar, and soy sauce. Often served with fish cakes (eomuk) and boiled eggs, it’s a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick snack.

2. Hotteok (호떡)

Hotteok is a popular winter snack: a pancake-like dough stuffed with a sweet filling made of brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts. When fried, it becomes crispy on the outside while remaining gooey and sweet inside.

3. Gimbap (김밥)

Similar to sushi, Gimbap consists of rice, vegetables, and often meat or fish wrapped in seaweed. It’s a popular street food because it’s easy to eat on the go. Gimbap comes in various flavors, from simple veggie fillings to more elaborate options with beef, egg, or tuna.

4. Odeng (오뎅)

Odeng refers to skewered fish cakes that are boiled in a savory broth. The skewers are often served with a cup of the broth for dipping. It’s a popular snack on cold days, and you can find it at many street vendors in Korea.

5. Bungeoppang (붕어빵)

Bungeoppang is a fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste or custard. The dough is crisp and golden on the outside, while the filling is soft and sweet. It’s a favorite street food during the colder months.

6. Mandu (만두)

Korean dumplings, called Mandu, can be steamed, boiled, or pan-fried. These bite-sized dumplings are filled with a mix of meat (usually pork), vegetables, and sometimes noodles. They are often served with dipping sauce.

7. Sundae (순대)

Sundae is Korean blood sausage made from pig's intestines stuffed with rice, noodles, and blood. It’s often served with a sprinkle of salt and pepper and sometimes accompanied by a side of kimchi or a spicy dipping sauce.

8. Churros

Though not originally from Korea, churros have become a popular street food in the country. The dough is deep-fried and coated with cinnamon sugar, and they are often served with a dipping sauce, such as chocolate or condensed milk.

9. Jipangyi (지팡이)

A sweet, crispy snack shaped like a cane or staff, Jipangyi is a hollow, crunchy pastry filled with chocolate, cream, or caramel. This treat is a favorite for kids and adults alike, especially for those who enjoy a sweet, crunchy snack.

10. Tornado Potato (회전감자)

Tornado Potato consists of a whole potato that’s skewered, spiraled, and deep-fried until crispy. It’s then dusted with a variety of seasonings, such as cheese powder, BBQ flavor, or chili. It’s a fun and crispy snack that’s easy to carry while exploring the streets.

11. Dakkochi (닭꼬치)

Dakkochi is skewered, grilled chicken that’s coated with a sweet and spicy sauce. The chicken is tender, and the sauce gives it a flavorful kick. It’s often sold on the streets during festivals or at night markets.

12. Hoddeok (호떡)

Another type of hotteok, this one is stuffed with a syrupy mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts. It's particularly popular during the winter months, and the crispy, sweet exterior is deliciously contrasted by the warm, gooey interior.

13. Gyeranppang (계란빵)

A small, round, savory egg bread that’s made by placing an egg on top of a batter-filled mold and then baking it. It's often served warm and has a soft, fluffy texture with a slight sweetness from the batter and a savory taste from the egg.

14. Banchan (반찬)

While banchan refers to a variety of small side dishes typically served with a main meal, they’re often sold individually as snacks in many street food stalls. These might include kimchi, pickled vegetables, and savory pancakes like Pajeon (green onion pancakes).

15. Sikhye (식혜)

A traditional Korean sweet rice drink made from malted barley and sweetened rice. It’s often served chilled and has a refreshing taste, perfect for hot days.

16. Corn Dogs (핫도그)

Korean-style corn dogs are often coated in a thick batter and then deep-fried, with a crispy, chewy texture. Some versions include a filling of cheese inside, or a sweet potato crust, making them an extra indulgent street snack.

17. Bingsu (빙수)

A refreshing dessert made from shaved ice, Bingsu is topped with various ingredients such as sweet red beans, fresh fruits, condensed milk, or matcha syrup. It’s a favorite during the summer months to cool down and satisfy a sweet tooth.

18. Kkwabaegi (꽈배기)

This is a deep-fried, twisted doughnut-like pastry covered in sugar. It's crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside, and it's perfect for a sweet snack while wandering the streets of Korea.

19. Beondegi (번데기)

Beondegi is steamed or boiled silkworm pupae, which is a popular and unusual street food snack in South Korea. It’s savory, salty, and sometimes served with a spicy dipping sauce. It’s a great source of protein and an adventurous choice for food lovers.

20. Gungjung Tteokbokki (궁중떡볶이)

A milder and less spicy version of traditional tteokbokki, this dish is made with chewy rice cakes, stir-fried vegetables, and a soy-based sauce. It’s often served at royal court banquets but is available in street food markets as well.

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