Korea’s vibrant street food culture is one of the highlights for food lovers around the world. From bustling night markets in Seoul to seaside stalls in Busan, street food here is more than a snack—it’s an experience. In this guide, you’ll not only discover the top 10 Korean street foods but also learn simple recipes and the best spots in Korea to enjoy them.
1. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)
Chewy rice cakes simmered in gochujang (Korean chili paste) sauce.
Simple Recipe:
- Rice cakes, fish cakes, cabbage, gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, garlic.
- Simmer everything together until thick and spicy.
Where to Eat:
- Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town (Seoul) – the birthplace of modern tteokbokki.
- Myeongdong Street Food Alley – famous for quick and flavorful versions.
2. Hotteok (Sweet Pancakes)
Warm, crispy pancakes filled with sugar, cinnamon, and nuts.
Simple Recipe:
- Dough made from flour, yeast, milk.
- Filling of brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped walnuts.
- Fry until golden brown.
Where to Eat:
- Nampodong (Busan) – Busan-style hotteok with seeds is a must-try.
- Insadong (Seoul) – traditional hotteok with a cultural twist.
3. Odeng (Fish Cake Skewers)
Comforting skewers served in a hot anchovy broth.
Simple Recipe:
- Buy Korean fish cakes, skewer them.
- Simmer in broth made from anchovies, radish, soy sauce, and garlic.
Where to Eat:
- Gwangjang Market (Seoul) – classic fish cake stalls.
- Busan Jagalchi Market – fresh seafood-based odeng.
4. Kimbap (Korean Rice Rolls)
Korean-style sushi rolls with rice, vegetables, and sometimes meat.
Simple Recipe:
- Seaweed sheets, rice, sesame oil, spinach, carrots, pickled radish, egg, and beef.
- Roll tightly, slice, and serve.
Where to Eat:
- Gwangjang Market (Seoul) – famous for giant kimbap rolls.
- Any Korean train station – the best travel snack.
5. Dakgangjeong (Sweet Crispy Chicken)
Bite-sized fried chicken glazed in soy or spicy sauce.
Simple Recipe:
- Coat chicken bites in potato starch, fry until crispy.
- Toss with soy sauce, garlic, honey, and chili flakes.
Where to Eat:
- Gangnam (Seoul) – trendy fried chicken stalls.
- Edae (Ewha University area) – affordable chicken snacks for students.
6. Korean Corn Dog
Crunchy on the outside, cheesy inside—often rolled in sugar or potatoes.
Simple Recipe:
- Skewer sausage and mozzarella.
- Coat with batter, breadcrumbs, or diced potato.
- Deep fry and sprinkle sugar.
Where to Eat:
- Myeongdong – the most Instagram-famous corn dogs.
- Hongdae – unique flavors like squid-ink or ramen-crusted corn dogs.
7. Japchae (Stir-Fried Glass Noodles)
Sweet potato noodles stir-fried with vegetables and soy sauce.
Simple Recipe:
- Cook glass noodles.
- Stir-fry with carrots, spinach, mushrooms, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Where to Eat:
- Gwangjang Market – authentic homemade-style japchae.
- Insadong – often served as part of traditional meal sets.
8. Bungeoppang (Fish-Shaped Pastry)
Cute pastry stuffed with red bean, custard, or chocolate.
Simple Recipe:
- Pancake batter in a fish-shaped mold.
- Fill with red bean or custard.
- Grill until golden brown.
Where to Eat:
- Myeongdong & Hongdae winter stalls – best during cold months.
- Busan BIFF Square – famous snack street.
9. Sundae (Korean Blood Sausage)
Unique sausage made from noodles, pig’s blood, and spices.
Simple Recipe (simplified):
- Steamed glass noodles and vegetables stuffed in sausage casing.
- Steam and slice. Serve with chili salt.
Where to Eat:
- Sillim-dong Sundae Town (Seoul) – famous sundae restaurants.
- Traditional markets nationwide.
10. Twigim (Korean Tempura)
Fried delights like squid, dumplings, and vegetables.
Simple Recipe:
- Coat vegetables, shrimp, or dumplings in flour and batter.
- Deep fry until crispy.
Where to Eat:
- Gwangjang Market – especially popular with tteokbokki dipping sauce.
- Busan street stalls – fresh seafood twigim.
🌟 Famous Street Food Areas in Korea
- Myeongdong (Seoul): Best for variety & tourist-friendly stalls.
- Gwangjang Market (Seoul): Traditional market with authentic taste.
- Hongdae (Seoul): Trendy, creative, and Instagrammable snacks.
- Nampodong & BIFF Square (Busan): Best for Busan-style hotteok and seafood.
- Dongdaemun Night Market: Open late with endless food options.
Final Thoughts
Korean street food is a journey for your taste buds. Whether you’re exploring the lively streets of Myeongdong or enjoying the seaside stalls in Busan, every bite tells a story. And if you can’t fly to Korea, try the recipes at home—you’ll bring a piece of Korea to your kitchen.