Chedric AngelesContributed by How To Getaway With Ched
Of all the countries I’ve visited, South Korea offers the most diverse selection of street foods. Beyond the variety, the unique presentation of Korean street snacks is a sight to behold. From skewers and shells to foil-wrapped treats and dumplings, there’s something for everyone. Let’s explore some of the delicious options I encountered in Myeongdong, one of South Korea’s most popular tourist destinations. We’ll start with the sweetest treats and work our way toward the tangy, savory, and spicy options.
Also read: 15 Must-Try Korean Dishes for Non-Spicy Food Lovers
1. Ice cream waffles
Image credit: Pinterest
We usually see these delicious treats in a restaurant, served on classy ceramic plates. In Korea, ice cream waffles are considered as street food. Although not an authentic Korean food, one must give this a try!
Price: ₩3,000 – ₩4,000
2. Foot-long ice cream cones
Twirling an ice cream is a skill that entails a lot of time to practice. But it’s an easy thing to do for those street vendors selling these foot-long ice cream cones. You can choose from a variety of flavours – mango, strawberry, banana, chocolate, blueberry, etc. You can make it a combo of two flavours too! I would highly suggest you head over to 32 Parfait that’s located in Myeongdong.
Price: ₩2,000
3. Jipangyi (Korean cane ice cream)
Image credit: Freshly Diced | Flickr
If the usual ice cream cone doesn’t give you any unique experience, then you can buy this ice cream served in a cane-shaped cone. It’s worth the try for its cone is made out of corn. It has already been internationalised and franchised in different countries across the globe such as Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Macau, China, United Arab Emirates, Mexico, and New York, USA.
Price: ₩1,000
4. Bungeoppang (Fish bread)
Basically, this one is made from ingredients of waffle batter. And yes you’re right, it is not a fish-filled bread. It is just a fish-shaped waffle. The stuffing that makes this street food special is the red bean paste, a Korean-favourite dessert filling. Perhaps the best Koreanised sweet street food! Definitely a cheap steal!
Price: ₩2,000
5. Gyerranppang
Another worth-a-try Korean street food, this oval-shaped waffle topped with whole egg can be found in hawker stalls in every corner of Myeongdong district (and most Seoul City areas). It’s best when the yolk is uncooked!
Price: ₩2,000
6. Dalgona or Bbopgi
Image credit: allkpop.com
It’s a light cookie snack which is surprisingly made up of only two ingredients: baking soda and white granulated sugar. A piece can be shared by two persons since it’s too sweet (although that’s optional). It’s definitely one of the cheapest sweet Korean street foods!
Price: ₩1,000
7. Eomuk kkochi (fish cakes)
Image credit: Chloe Lim | Flickr
Eomuk kkochi is probably the most affordable yet delicious Korean street food you can find that comes with a complimentary fish broth soup. It is absolutely worth a try! It is seen in most hawker stalls and subway stations. It has its Japanese street food counterpart oden.
Price: ₩500 – ₩1,000
8. Gimbap
Who doesn’t know this Korean version of Japanese sushi/maki? It comes in different flavours – tuna, chicken, cheese, beef, kimchi, etc. These rolls are the best on-the-go snack to try when you’re in Seoul.
Price: ₩1,000 – ₩3,000
Also read: What To Eat in Seoul: Your Guide To Non-Kimchi Korean Food
9. Soondae or sundae
Image credit: Ron Dollete | Flickr
No, we’re done talking about ice cream, this isn’t about it anymore. This Korean street food is actually common worldwide, which every country has its own variation. Koreans made a twist in which other than the thickened pig blood, it also contains japchae (glass noodles), glutinous rice and barley. Give it a shot and compare it to your hometown’s version!
Price: ₩3,000
10. Dak kkochi
Image credit: Chloe Lim | Flickr
It’s basically grilled chicken on a skewer dipped into different kinds of sauce, but usually sweet and spicy. It can be seen displayed next to eomuk kkochi in most hawker stalls.
Price: ₩2,000 – ₩3,000
11. Jjinmandu
Mandu is similar to Chinese jiaozi and Japanese gyoza. South Korea has a lot of variations of it. The one pictured above is a kimchi mandu that contains kimchi, japchae, and vegetables, topped with generous servings of blow-torched melted cheese. You have an option if you like it with spicy or original sauce.
Price: ₩3,000
12. Tteokbokki
The one in the middle is Tteokbokki
This cylinder-shaped sticky glutinous rice drench in spicy Korean sauce must be on your list of must-try Korean street foods. Although it is also served in most Korean restaurants, some hawker stalls serve better versions of it.
Price: ₩2,500 – ₩3,000
13. Gyeran-Ppang egg bread
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A popular Korean street food, gyeran-ppang, is a simple yet satisfying treat. It consists of a round piece of bread with a fried egg on top. You can find them in Myeongdong and other areas of Seoul. Gyeran-ppang are affordable and make a great breakfast or late-night snack. However, be cautious when eating them, as the egg yolk is often runny that may cause a mess.
Price: ₩1,000
14. Korean-style corndogs (Gamja hotdogs)
Image credit: adieth.nugraha via Canva Pro
Gamja hotdogs, a Korean street food sensation, have gained global popularity. These deep-fried treats are a beloved indulgence in Seoul. Similar to corn dogs, gamja hotdogs feature a sausage and cheese filling, but they’re coated in a crispy panko breadcrumb batter. The hot dogs are then deep-fried to a golden brown and finished with a sweet and savoury coating of sugar and ketchup.
Price: ₩2,000 – ₩3,000
15. Mandu Korean Dumplings
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Mandu, Korean-style dumplings, are a versatile street food option. They come in various fillings, such as meat, kimchi, and shrimp, and can be enjoyed steamed or fried. You’ll find mandu at street food stalls in Myeongdong and Hongdae, as well as in traditional markets. Each portion typically includes around five dumplings. Steamed mandu shops are easy to identify by the large clouds of steam emanating from their entrance as the dumplings are prepared.
Price: ₩3,000 – ₩5,000
Also read: Korean-Food Lovers Guide To Where To Eat In Seoul
Are you satisfied yet? Now, which one would you pick?
