Korean street food, or “bunsik”, is a must-try for anyone exploring Korean cuisine. Found in bustling city markets, subway stations, and late-night stalls (called pocha), these affordable, delicious snacks are loved by locals and tourists alike. Street food captures the essence of Korean flavors in bite-sized portions, perfect for casual dining on the go. Here’s a guide to some of the most popular Korean street foods you should try!
1. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)
Tteokbokki is one of the most iconic Korean street foods, known for its chewy rice cakes simmered in a spicy-sweet gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) sauce. This dish is easy to spot thanks to its bright red color and the steam rising from large pans at street food stalls.
- How to Enjoy: Tteokbokki is often enjoyed with fish cakes (eomuk), hard-boiled eggs, or fried tempura for added flavor and texture. The sweet and spicy sauce makes it addictive, with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
- Must-Try Tip: For an extra treat, pair tteokbokki with a side of sundae (Korean blood sausage) or tempura for a complete street food experience.
2. Hotteok (Sweet Korean Pancakes)
Hotteok is a favorite winter snack that’s warm, sweet, and satisfying. These pancakes are filled with a mixture of brown sugar, honey, and cinnamon, which caramelizes as the pancake is fried, creating a gooey, sweet center.
- How to Enjoy: Hotteok is best eaten hot, with each bite offering a crisp, chewy exterior and a sweet, molten filling. Some stalls also add seeds or nuts to the filling, giving it extra crunch and flavor.
- Must-Try Tip: Look for hotteok stalls in popular markets like Myeongdong in Seoul or Nampo-dong in Busan, where they’re often prepared fresh on the spot.
3. Gimbap (Korean Rice Rolls)
Gimbap is Korea’s version of a rice roll, similar to sushi but with a distinctly Korean twist. It consists of steamed rice and various fillings—such as egg, spinach, pickled radish, and meat—wrapped in seaweed (gim) and sliced into bite-sized pieces.
- How to Enjoy: Gimbap is a perfect on-the-go snack that’s easy to eat and packed with flavor. Many vendors offer different varieties, including tuna, bulgogi (marinated beef), and cheese gimbap.
- Must-Try Tip: Try mayak gimbap (“narcotic” gimbap) if you see it on the menu. It’s a smaller version of gimbap served with a special dipping sauce that’s slightly sweet and addictive.
4. Odeng (Fish Cake Skewers)
Odeng or eomuk skewers are another street food classic, especially popular during colder months. These fish cakes are served on skewers and simmered in a savory broth, which is perfect for warming up on a chilly day.
- How to Enjoy: Take a skewer, dip it in soy sauce or gochujang if available, and enjoy with a sip of the hot broth. Vendors will often provide cups so you can pour yourself some soup alongside your skewers.
- Must-Try Tip: Look out for odeng stalls near subway stations or markets. In Busan, you’ll find special versions of eomuk that are unique to the region, offering different flavors and fillings.
5. Bungeoppang (Fish-Shaped Pastry)
Bungeoppang is a sweet pastry shaped like a fish, filled with red bean paste, and cooked until golden brown. The crispy outer shell and soft, sweet filling make it a popular treat, especially during the winter.
- How to Enjoy: Bungeoppang is best eaten fresh off the griddle while it’s still hot and crispy. Some stalls also offer variations filled with custard or cream for a twist on the classic flavor.
- Must-Try Tip: Look for taiyaki (similar Japanese pastries) or try boong-uh bbang filled with ice cream if you want a cool treat in warmer months.
6. Dakkochi (Chicken Skewers)
Dakkochi is a popular street food that features skewered pieces of chicken, grilled and brushed with a savory or spicy sauce. Each skewer is bursting with flavor, making it a perfect snack for those who enjoy grilled food.
- How to Enjoy: Choose from various sauces, such as sweet soy or spicy gochujang, and enjoy the juicy chicken right off the skewer. Each bite is tender, slightly charred, and full of smoky flavor.
- Must-Try Tip: Look for yakitori-style dakkochi stalls at night markets, where the skewers are grilled fresh and served piping hot.
Why Korean Street Food is a Must-Try
Korean street food isn’t just about grabbing a quick snack—it’s a way to experience the heart of Korean culinary culture. It’s affordable, delicious, and offers a taste of both traditional and modern Korean flavors. Street food stalls are often lively and social, allowing you to connect with locals, try new dishes, and immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Korean life.
Whether you’re enjoying the spicy kick of tteokbokki or the sweetness of hotteok, each bite of Korean street food offers a new adventure. So, the next time you’re in Korea, head to a local market or night food street and dive into the delicious world of Korean street food.