Korean street food (길거리 음식, gilgeori eumsik) is one of the most exciting and affordable culinary experiences in Asia. The streets of Seoul, particularly around Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gwangjang Market, and Insadong, come alive every day with vendors serving sizzling, steaming, and utterly irresistible food that you simply cannot find anywhere else in the world.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a K-drama fan who has been dreaming about Korean food for years, this guide covers the 15 must-try street foods that will make your Seoul trip unforgettable.
1. 떡볶이 (Tteokbokki) — Spicy Rice Cakes
Tteokbokki is perhaps the most iconic Korean street food. Chewy cylindrical rice cakes are simmered in a fiery, sweet-spicy sauce made from gochujang (red pepper paste), fish cakes, and green onions. The sauce is addictively good — spicy enough to make your eyes water, sweet enough to keep you coming back for more.
Where to try it: Literally everywhere — any street food stall in Seoul will have tteokbokki. Gwangjang Market has some of the most famous versions.
Price: approximately 3,000–5,000 KRW (about $2–4 USD)
2. 순대 (Sundae) — Korean Blood Sausage
Do not be put off by the name — Korean sundae is a comforting street food made from pig intestines stuffed with glass noodles, vegetables, and blood. It is typically served with tteokbokki sauce or a simple salt and pepper dip.
Price: approximately 3,000–4,000 KRW
3. 핫도그 (Hotdog) — Korean Corn Dog
Korean corn dogs have taken social media by storm — and for good reason. Unlike American corn dogs, Korean versions come coated in various crispy exteriors including rice flour, potato cubes, panko breadcrumbs, and even ramen noodles. Fillings range from classic mozzarella cheese to squid ink or half-cheese-half-sausage combinations.
Must-try brands: Myungrang Hotdog and Mix Cheese Hotdog stalls in Myeongdong
Price: approximately 2,000–5,000 KRW
4. 붕어빵 (Bungeobbang) — Fish-Shaped Pastry
Bungeobbang is a beloved winter street food — a golden, crispy pastry shaped like a fish and filled with sweet red bean paste. Despite the fish shape, it tastes like a warm, slightly sweet waffle. Modern versions now come filled with custard cream, chocolate, and even pizza ingredients.
Best time to find it: Autumn and winter months (October through February)
Price: approximately 1,000 KRW each
5. 호떡 (Hotteok) — Sweet Pancakes
Hotteok is a thick, chewy pancake filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and crushed peanuts or walnuts. When pressed flat on the griddle, the filling melts into a gloriously sweet, syrupy center. It is the perfect winter street snack.
Price: approximately 1,000–2,000 KRW
6. 어묵 (Eomuk / Odeng) — Fish Cake Skewers
Eomuk — also called odeng — consists of processed fish cake sheets threaded onto skewers and simmered in a light, savory broth. The broth itself is served free in small cups alongside the skewers, making this one of the most warming and satisfying cold-weather street foods in Korea.
Price: approximately 500–1,000 KRW per skewer
7. 닭꼬치 (Dak Kkochi) — Grilled Chicken Skewers
Juicy chunks of chicken are marinated and grilled over charcoal until lightly charred, then coated with a sweet and spicy sauce. These skewers are ubiquitous throughout Seoul’s street food markets and are perfect for eating while walking.
Price: approximately 3,000–4,000 KRW
8. 계란빵 (Gyeran Bbang) — Egg Bread
Gyeran bbang is a fluffy, slightly sweet bread loaf baked with a whole egg inside. The result is a savory-sweet combination that is enormously satisfying and filling. It is one of the most photographed street foods in Seoul.
Price: approximately 1,500–2,000 KRW
9. 마라탕 (Malatang) — Spicy Sichuan Hot Pot
While technically originating from China, malatang has become enormously popular in Korea and is now a staple at street food markets. You choose your own ingredients — vegetables, meat, noodles, tofu — which are then cooked in a numbing, spicy Sichuan broth. The price is calculated by weight.
Price: approximately 8,000–15,000 KRW depending on ingredients chosen
10. 꿀타래 (Kkultarae) — Honeycomb Candy
Kkultarae is a traditional Korean candy made from honey and maltose that is pulled into thousands of fine, silky threads and wrapped around a filling of chopped peanuts and sugar. Watching vendors make it is almost as satisfying as eating it — it looks like delicate white cotton candy but tastes like a crispy, sweet wafer.
Best place to find it: Insadong street market
Price: approximately 2,000–3,000 KRW
Useful Korean Food Phrases
Learning a few food-related Korean phrases will make your street food adventure significantly more enjoyable:
- 이거 주세요 (Igeo juseyo) — I will have this, please
- 맛있어요! (Masisseoyo!) — It’s delicious!
- 맵지 않게 해주세요 (Maepji aneuge haejuseyo) — Please make it not spicy
- 얼마예요? (Eolmayeyo?) — How much is it?
- 하나 더 주세요 (Hana deo juseyo) — One more, please
- 포장해 주세요 (Pojanghe juseyo) — To go, please
Best Seoul Street Food Markets
- Gwangjang Market (광장시장): One of Seoul’s oldest and most authentic traditional markets — try bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap here
- Myeongdong (명동): The highest concentration of street food stalls, perfect for first-time visitors
- Hongdae (홍대): Trendy and creative street food scene popular with university students
- Insadong (인사동): Traditional market atmosphere with classic Korean sweets and snacks
- Dongdaemun (동대문): Best late-night street food scene — vendors are open until the early morning hours
Explore more Korean travel guides and food tips in our Korean Life & Travel section, and start learning Korean food vocabulary in our free Korean class!