Best Korean Street Foods for First-Time Visitors

Best Korean Street Foods for First-Time Visitors

No trip to Korea is complete without trying its street food. From spicy rice cakes to sweet pancakes, Korean street food is affordable, delicious, and a window into local culture. Here’s a guide to the best Korean street foods every first-time visitor should try.

1. Tteokbokki (떡볶이)

The king of Korean street food! Tteokbokki is made with chewy rice cakes cooked in a spicy-sweet gochujang (red chili paste) sauce. Often served with fish cakes and boiled eggs, it’s comforting, affordable, and found at nearly every street food stall.

2. Hotteok (호떡)

Craving something sweet? Try Hotteok, a Korean-style pancake filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. It’s crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside – a must-have in winter markets.

3. Odeng (어묵)

Also known as fish cake skewers, Odeng is a warm, savory snack served in a light broth. On cold days, you’ll see locals standing at carts, eating skewers and sipping the free hot broth provided.

4. Kimbap (김밥)

Kimbap looks like sushi, but it’s very different – filled with rice, vegetables, egg, and sometimes tuna or beef, all wrapped in seaweed. It’s cheap, filling, and perfect for a quick snack while sightseeing.

5. Bungeoppang (붕어빵)

This fish-shaped pastry is filled with sweet red bean paste. Bungeoppang is crispy on the outside and soft inside – a classic winter treat sold at roadside stalls all over Korea.

6. Twigim (튀김)

Think of Twigim as the Korean version of tempura. Vendors fry vegetables, dumplings, squid, and even hard-boiled eggs – then serve them with soy dipping sauce or tteokbokki sauce for an extra kick.

7. Dak-kkochi (닭꼬치)

Dak-kkochi are grilled chicken skewers brushed with a sweet and spicy sauce. They’re smoky, flavorful, and make the perfect snack with a beer or soft drink.

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Conclusion: Taste Korea on the streets

Korean street food is more than just a quick bite – it’s part of the country’s culture. By trying tteokbokki, hotteok, odeng, kimbap, bungeoppang, twigim, and dak-kkochi, you’ll discover why street food is one of the highlights of visiting Korea. Korea Unpacked will keep sharing Korean food and travel guides so you don’t miss these tasty experiences.