20 Best Korean Street Food: What to Eat in South Korea

One of the main reasons I keep coming back to South Korea is the street food. I could spend hours wandering through the night markets, soaking up the smells, the sizzling sounds, and the energy all around me.

Korean street food is fun, fast, and full of flavor. You grab one snack, then another, and before you know it, dinner has turned into a full-on food adventure.

Here are my favorite Korean street snacks that you should definitely try on your trip.

Savory Korean Street Food

Tteokbokki (떡볶이)

Tteokbokki is easily one of the most loved Korean street foods. You’ll spot it bubbling away in big red pans at nearly every market in Seoul. It’s spicy, chewy, and just a little sweet.

The rice cakes are soft yet satisfyingly firm, coated in rich gochujang sauce that clings to every bite. The flavor hits strong at first, then slowly builds with warmth

Most stalls mix in fish cakes, boiled eggs, or noodles, turning it into a full meal. I think that’s what makes it so addictive. It’s simple, warm, and filling.

If you’re not great with spice, ask for a milder version. And if you see rose tteokbokki on the menu, try it. It’s creamy, rich, and a little easier on the tongue.

Odeng (오뎅)

Cold day? Grab odeng. These fish cake skewers sit simmering in a big pot of clear, savory broth that smells like the sea and home at once.

The vendor usually hands you a hot cup of that broth along with your skewer. Each bite of fish cake is soft and light, perfect between spicier snacks like tteokbokki.

I always sip the broth slowly, even after I’m done eating. It’s part of the experience. You’ll find odeng stands everywhere from subway exits to busy markets, and honestly, it never gets old.

Dakkochi (닭꼬치)

If there’s one smell that makes me instantly hungry, it’s dakkochi grilling over open flames. These chicken skewers are glazed with a shiny sweet-and-spicy sauce that caramelizes beautifully.

The chicken stays juicy inside, with a bit of char that gives it that smoky flavor you can taste even before you take a bite.

Vendors usually tuck bits of green onion between each piece for crunch. I like to order one spicy and one soy-glazed just to mix things up. 

You’ll spot dakkochi stalls all over Seoul, outside subway stations, near parks, or side streets. It’s hot, satisfying, and one of the easiest Korean street foods to fall in love with.

Mandu (만두)

Mandu are the dumplings you see steaming in baskets or sizzling in oil at almost every market. They come fried, steamed, or both.

The filling changes from place to place. Pork, noodles, tofu, kimchi… sometimes all mixed together. Each bite is juicy and full of flavor.

I usually go for fried mandu because that crunch is addictive. But on cold days, a soft, steaming dumpling dipped in soy sauce hits differently. Cheap, filling, and so comforting.

If you see kimchi mandu, don’t hesitate to try it. It’s tangy, spicy, and the best version to try on a chilly day.

Twigim (튀김)

Twigim is Korea’s version of tempura, but crunchier and way more fun.  Street stalls line up trays of golden snacks like sweet potato, squid, seaweed rolls, and sometimes whole boiled eggs.

You pick your favorites, pay per piece, and watch them fry it fresh right in front of you. The best part? Dipping it into tteokbokki sauce for that extra spicy kick.

I always go for sweet potato and stuffed seaweed rolls. The contrast between crispy and soft never gets old. It’s the perfect Korean street snack when you just want something simple and delicious.

Sundae (순대)

I know what you’re thinking. Blood sausage? Really? But sundae is one of those Korean street foods you have to try at least once. It’s soft, chewy, and just salty enough to keep you reaching for another bite.

You’ll find it at most markets and street stalls across Seoul. Some places even make a stir-fried version with glass noodles and spicy sauce, or sundae soup.

I like to grab a few pieces while walking through Gwangjang Market or Sillim-dong’s “Sundae Town.” 

Cup Chicken / Dakgangjeong (닭강정 / 컵치킨)

If you see people walking around with paper cups full of crispy fried chicken, that’s cup chicken, one of the most popular Korean street foods.

The chicken is fried until golden, then coated in a sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce.

Every vendor has their own version. Some make it extra garlicky, others add sesame seeds or nuts for texture. It’s cheap, easy to eat, and perfect for exploring Seoul’s night markets. 

Cupbab (컵밥)

Cupbab is basically a rice bowl in a cup, and it’s one of the best cheap eats you’ll find in Korea. You get a base of rice, then it’s topped with things like fried egg, meat, stir-fried veggies, and sauce.

You’ll find it in student areas or near busy subway stations. It’s simple, filling, and full of flavor. I love that you can just mix everything and eat on the go, so no fuss, no mess.

Kimbap (김밥)

You can’t talk about Korean street food without mentioning kimbap.

It looks a little like sushi, but the taste is completely different. The seaweed roll is filled with rice, vegetables, pickles, egg, and sometimes beef or tuna.

The smaller version, mayak kimbap, is a street food favorite, especially at Gwangjang Market. They’re small, bite-sized, and served with a light dipping sauce. I often grab a roll or two when I need something quick between exploring. 

Tornado Potato / Hweori Gamja (회오리감자)

I don’t think I’ve ever walked past a tornado potato stall without stopping. It’s a whole potato sliced into a spiral, stretched onto a stick, and fried until it’s perfectly golden and crispy.

Vendors usually sprinkle it with cheese powder or chili flakes, and I always go for the cheesy one. It’s salty, light, and seriously addictive. 

I love how fun it is to eat while walking through a night market or festival. It’s simple, yes, but that’s exactly what makes it so good.

Hot dogs (핫도그)

The tornado hot dog is one of the most eye-catching Korean street food you’ll find.

It’s part sausage, part potato, and all about crunch. Vendors dip the sausage in thick batter, coat it with diced potato, then fry it until golden and crispy.

Once it’s out of the fryer, they sprinkle a bit of sugar and drizzle sauces like ketchup, mayo, or honey mustard. The sweet-and-salty combo sounds odd at first, but it works.

There are so many versions now. You’ll find some with melty mozzarella inside, others with half cheese and half sausage.

I’ve tried both and honestly, they’re dangerously good. If you spot one while wandering through a night market, don’t overthink it. Just get one.

Haemul Pajeon (해물파전)

If you’re wondering what to eat in a Korean market that feels cozy and filling, haemul pajeon is the answer. 

It’s a savory seafood and scallion pancake. Crispy on the edges, soft in the middle, it’s full of flavor.

You’ll usually spot vendors layering thick batter with squid, shrimp, and green onions until it turns golden brown. The smell alone is enough to stop you in your tracks. I like to dip each piece into soy sauce mixed with vinegar and chili flakes for that salty-tangy bite.

Locals often enjoy it with a glass of makgeolli, Korea’s cloudy rice wine, especially on rainy days. But honestly, it’s great any time. Try it in Seoul’s Hoegi Station Pajeon Alley. It’s one of my favorite spots for this classic Korea street food.

Sweet Korean Street Food

Hotteok (호떡)

If I had to pick one sweet Korean street food to eat every winter, it would be hotteok.

Picture a crispy pancake stuffed with brown sugar, cinnamon, and crushed nuts that melt into syrup as it cooks. It’s warm, gooey, and just the right kind of sweet.

I always stop to watch vendors press the dough flat on the griddle. That sizzling sound means it’s almost ready. The outside turns golden and crisp, while the center stays soft and chewy.

Some stalls add honey or green tea, but I always go for the classic (and occasionally the cheese one).

You’ll find hotteok everywhere in winter, from Myeongdong to Namdaemun Market. Just follow the buttery, sugary smell. I usually grab one, take a bite too soon, burn my tongue a little… and still finish it anyway.

Bungeoppang (붕어빵)

Bungeoppang is another popular Korean street food you’ll see everywhere once the weather turns cold.

It’s a fish-shaped pastry with a crisp shell and a warm filling, usually sweet red bean paste, custard, or sometimes chocolate. It’s one of Korea’s most loved winter street snacks, perfect for when you want something simple to hold and snack on.

I like mine straight from the mold. It’s crisp on the outside, soft and steamy inside. Vendors flip the fish-shaped molds fast, and you can smell the batter cooking from a few stalls away.

Gyeranppang (계란빵)

Soft, warm, and a little sweet, gyeranppang (egg bread) is my go-to comfort snack in South Korea. It’s baked in small molds with a whole egg cracked on top, so every bite is a mix of fluffy bread and creamy egg.

I usually grab one while walking through a Seoul street market in the morning. It’s quick, filling, and feels almost like a mini breakfast. Some vendors sprinkle cheese or parsley on top, and the smell is unreal.

Jjinppang (찐빵)

You know that smell of warm dough and steam that stops you in your tracks? That’s jjinppang. These soft buns sit puffing away in bamboo baskets outside subway stations and markets all over Korea.

The dough is sweet and airy, and the fillings change depending on where you go. Red bean paste if you want classic. Kimchi or pork if you’re in the mood for something savory. The first bite always burns a little, but it’s worth it.

Goguma Mattang (고구마맛탕)

The moment you spot a pile of shiny golden sweet potatoes at a market, stop. Goguma mattang is calling your name. The chunks are fried until crisp, then tossed in caramelized sugar that glistens like glass.

The texture is the best part: crisp on the outside, buttery and soft inside. I usually grab a small bag and eat them while they’re still warm, even if it means sticky fingers.

Some stalls sprinkle sesame seeds or drizzle a little honey on top, and that extra sweetness makes it even better.

Yeot Gangjeong (엿강정)

You’ll see yeot gangjeong stacked neatly at traditional markets and festival stalls all over Korea. It’s a crunchy, nutty snack made from puffed rice, sesame seeds, and syrup.

They’re light, crisp, and have that toasted, nutty flavor that reminds me of homemade granola bars but better. They’re also one of the easiest Korean sweets to bring home since they stay fresh for days.

There are lots of modern versions now with almonds, matcha, or quinoa, but I still like the classic sesame one.

Dalgona (달고나)

If you’ve seen Squid Game, you probably already know dalgona. It’s that thin, golden sugar candy with fun shapes pressed into the middle: hearts, stars, umbrellas.

Watching vendors make it never gets old. They melt sugar, stir in baking soda, and pour the foamy caramel onto metal plates before stamping the design. The taste is sweet and toasty, a mix of caramel and nostalgia.

I can never resist breaking off the edges slowly, trying not to crack the shape in the center. It’s a little game, a little snack, and a perfect slice of old-school Korea that’s made a big comeback.

Korean Ice Cream

If you’re visiting South Korea in the warmer months, you have to try the ice cream. I’m not kidding. Iit’s everywhere. Markets, convenience stores, even random corners in busy streets.

Melona is my go-to. It’s creamy, fruity, and that sweet melon flavor is so refreshing on a hot day. Then there’s Samanco, the fish-shaped ice cream sandwich filled with red bean paste and vanilla ice cream. It’s like a frozen version of bungeoppang, and honestly, I think it tastes even better cold.

And if you spot one of those foot-long soft serve cones, get one just for the experience. The swirl is impossibly tall, the texture is light and milky, and it melts faster than you can finish it.

Before You Go

If you’re still planning your trip, start with Korea travel tips for everything you need to know before you go. Want to know what things actually cost? Take a look at my Korea travel cost or how to travel South Korea on a budget. They’ll help you plan without cutting back on all the good food.

Getting around is easy once you know how. My guides to train travel and the KTX high-speed train make it simple to explore beyond Seoul. And if you happen to visit in autumn, you can’t miss Seoul fall foliage spots. They’re beautiful that time of year.