15 Best Korean Street Foods to Try in Seoul
Korean street food is a popular cuisine many locals and tourists in South Korea enjoy. The street food scene in Korea offers a wide variety of dishes ranging from sweet to savory and everything in between. It is a part of the Korean culture and is deeply ingrained in the daily lives of the people.
Korean street food is not only delicious but also affordable, making it a popular option for those looking for a quick bite. It is also a great way to experience the local culture and interact with the friendly street vendors. Whether you are a foodie or just looking for a unique culinary experience, Korean street food is definitely worth trying.
History of Korean Street Food
Street food has been an integral part of Korean food culture for centuries. It has evolved over time and has become an essential part of the Korean culinary experience. Street food in Korea is not just about the food, but also about the experience of eating it. The vibrant colors, bold flavors, and unique textures of Korean street food have attracted food lovers from all over the world.
Korean street food has its roots in traditional markets that date back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). During this time, street vendors sold cooked food at neighborhood markets to satisfy the hunger of the locals. The food sold at these markets was simple and included dishes like eomuk (fish cake), tteok-bokki (spicy rice cakes), and bungeo-ppang (carp-shaped bread).
During the Korean War, street food became a source of sustenance for many people who were displaced and had limited access to food. It was during this time that street food became more diverse and began to include dishes like kimbap (rice rolls), sundae (Korean sausage), and hotteok (sweet pancakes).
In the 1960s and 1970s, the Korean government implemented policies to modernize the country and improve the economy. This led to the growth of urban areas and the emergence of new types of street food vendors. These vendors sold food from carts and trucks, and their menus included a wider variety of dishes like fried chicken, gimbap, and tteok-bokki.
Today, Korean street food is an essential part of the country’s food culture. It is sold in traditional markets, on the streets, and at food festivals. The popularity of Korean street food has also spread beyond Korea, with Korean food trucks and restaurants popping up in cities all over the world.
Popular Korean Street Foods
Korean street food is known for its unique flavors and textures. From spicy rice cakes to sweet pancakes, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the most popular Korean street foods that you must try:
Tteokbokki
Tteokbokki is a beloved street food staple in Korea that is sure to satisfy your taste buds! This spicy stir-fried rice cake dish is cooked in a delectable sauce made with gochujang (red pepper paste) and other seasonings. It’s a savory snack that is both filling and satisfying. Tteokbokki is often served with small-sized garae-tteok, called tteokmyeon or tteokbokki-tteok, boiled eggs, and scallions for an extra flavor kick.
Hotteok
Hotteok is a beloved winter snack in South Korea, and for good reason! It’s a sweet pancake filled with a mouthwatering combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped peanuts, all encased in a chewy dough made with glutinous rice flour and yeast.
Originating in China, this delicacy has been a staple of Korean street food since the 19th century, and it’s easy to see why – the combination of flavors and textures make it a truly irresistible treat!
Eomuk
Eomuk is a delicious and popular Korean fishcake that is sure to surprise your taste buds! Made with a combination of ground fish, flour, and vegetables, and then deep-fried until it’s perfectly crispy, this delightful snack is often served on skewers and accompanied by a spicy sauce. Not only is it a tasty treat, but it’s also a great way to get your daily dose of protein!
Bindaetteok
If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful street food experience, you must try bindaetteok! This savory Korean mung bean pancake is a popular favorite, with a crispy outer layer and a soft, flavorful center. It’s filled with an array of delicious ingredients like ground mung beans, rice, kimchi, pork, vegetables, and egg, all perfectly seasoned to create an unforgettable taste.
And it’s served with a mouth-watering soy dipping sauce that adds a delicious finishing touch. So, if you’re craving something different and delicious, bindaetteok is the way to go!
Dak-kkochi
Dak-kkochi is a beloved South Korean street food favorite! This appetizing dish consists of succulent pieces of chicken and scallions, marinated in a sweet and savory sauce and then grilled to perfection. The outside is crispy and the inside is juicy and bursting with flavor.
Served with a spicy dipping sauce, Dak-kkochi is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Other variations of kkochi include sausages, fish cakes, and tteok-galbi, a special type of short rib patty. Come and try this delicious street food today!
Kimbap/Gimbap
Gimbap, the Korean version of sushi, is a popular street food that has been tantalizing taste buds for centuries. Wrapped in seaweed and filled with cooked rice, vegetables, fish, and meat, this delectable snack is served in bite-sized slices with a soy-based dipping sauce.
While the exact origin of gimbap is unknown, one thing is certain: its delicious flavor has been enjoyed for generations, making it a beloved treat for all ages.
Gilgeori Toast
Gilgeori Toast is a delicious Korean street food that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds! Made with eggs, cheese, and vegetables, this savory-sweet sandwich is toasted until the cheese is melted and the bread is perfectly crispy. And the best part? It’s so easy to customize! If you don’t have cabbage, just add your favorite crunchy veggies like scallions or zucchini. Or, for a modern twist, try adding different jams or your favorite condiments. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast or a tasty lunch, Gilgeori Toast is the perfect way to satisfy your cravings!
Sotteok Sotteok
If you’re looking for a unique and delicious snack that will satisfy your taste buds, then Sotteok Sotteok is the perfect treat! This beloved South Korean street food is made with garae-tteok, a type of glutinous rice cake, and Vienna sausages. The skewer is then brushed with a combination of mustard and spicy gochujang-based sauce, creating a crunchy yet soft texture that simply melts in your mouth.
Bungeo-ppang
Satisfyingly sweet and crunchy, Bungeo-ppang is the perfect winter street food! Originating from the Japanese taiyaki, this popular Korean pastry is shaped like a fish and filled with a sweet red bean paste. You can find these treats sizzling away at street stalls, freshly grilled on a waffle iron-like appliance with a fish-shaped mold. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, Bungeo-ppang is the perfect snack to keep you warm during winter!
Gyeran-ppang
Gyeran-ppang is a traditional Korean egg bread that is a popular breakfast staple in South Korea. The sweet and savory snack is made of a batter of flour, sugar, and eggs, and then baked until it’s golden brown.
With its warm, fluffy texture and whole egg in the middle, Gyeran-ppang is a delicious treat that can be found on the streets of Korea. Enjoy this popular breakfast food with a sweet and savory sauce for a truly tantalizing experience.
Kimchi Mandu
Experience the deliciousness of Kimchi Mandu – Korean Bapsang! This popular street food is filled with a mixture of kimchi, pork, tofu, bean sprouts, onions, scallions, and dangmyeon, sweet potato starch noodles. After being steamed until soft and juicy on the inside, it’s served with a soy dipping sauce for the ultimate flavor experience.
Korean street food is a must-try for anyone visiting Korea. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy or sweet, there’s something for everyone.
Street Food Culture in South Korea
Historically, street food in South Korea included traditional snacks such as eomuk, bungeo-ppang, and tteok-bokki. These snacks were sold through various retail outlets, including traditional markets and pojangmacha, which are small street food stalls that can be found on almost every street corner.
Over time, street food has evolved to include a wide variety of dishes, ranging from savory to sweet, and from traditional to modern. Some of the most popular street food items in South Korea include:
- Bibimbap: A dish that consists of a bowl of rice topped with vegetables, meat, and a fried egg.
- Kimbap: A Korean version of sushi that is made with rice, vegetables, and meat.
- Tteok-bokki: Spicy rice cakes that are cooked in a sweet and spicy sauce.
- Japchae: A dish made with glass noodles, vegetables, and meat.
- Hotteok: A sweet pancake that is filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts.
Street food vendors in South Korea take pride in their craft and often use fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create their dishes. They are also known for their innovative and creative approach to food, often experimenting with new flavors and textures.
Street food culture in South Korea is a vibrant and essential part of the country’s food scene. Whether you are a tourist or a local, exploring the street food scene is a must-do activity that will give you a taste of the country’s rich culinary heritage.
Preparation and Serving of Korean Street Food
Korean street food is known for its unique and flavorful taste. The preparation and serving of Korean street food is an art that requires skill and precision. Most Korean street food recipes involve a combination of vegetables, meat, and spices that are cooked to perfection. Here are some of the key elements involved in the preparation and serving of Korean street food.
Ingredients
The key ingredients in Korean street food recipes include soy sauce, sesame oil, carrot, sesame seeds, spinach, perilla leaf, and boiled eggs. These ingredients are used to create a unique flavor profile that is characteristic of Korean cuisine. The vegetables are typically blanched or sautéed to retain their natural flavors and textures.
Cooking Techniques
The cooking techniques used in Korean street food vary depending on the recipe. Some recipes involve deep-frying, while others are stir-fried or boiled. The goal is to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The use of spices and seasonings is also important in creating the perfect dish.
Plating and Presentation
Korean street food is often served in small portions and is meant to be eaten on the go. The presentation of the dish is just as important as the taste. Most Korean street food is served in paper cups or on skewers. The use of bright colors and garnishes such as sesame seeds and perilla leaf adds to the visual appeal of the dish.
Serving
Korean street food is typically served hot and fresh. Vendors often prepare the food right in front of the customer to ensure that it is served at the perfect temperature. The food is usually served in small portions, making it easy to eat while walking around.
In conclusion, the preparation and serving of Korean street food is an art that requires skill and precision. The use of fresh ingredients, cooking techniques, and presentation all play a role in creating the perfect dish. Whether you are a fan of spicy tteokbokki or savory egg bread, Korean street food has something for everyone.
Health Aspects of Korean Street Food
Korean street food is popular for its unique flavors and affordable prices. However, many people wonder if it is healthy to consume street food regularly. In this section, we will explore the health aspects of Korean street food.
Healthy Korean Street Food Options
Korean street food includes a variety of dishes, some of which are healthier than others. Foods such as kimbap and mandu are generally healthier, as they include various vegetables and rice, and are an affordable snack or meal to satisfy you for a few hours. Additionally, tteokbokki, a popular street food made of rice cakes and spicy sauce, can be a healthy option if made with less sugar and oil.
Salty Soy Sauce
One of the main concerns with Korean street food is its high sodium content. Soy sauce, a common ingredient in many Korean dishes, is high in salt and can contribute to high blood pressure and other health problems if consumed in excess. It is important to be aware of the amount of soy sauce used in street food dishes and to choose low-sodium options whenever possible.
Moderation is Key
While Korean street food can be a delicious and affordable option, it is important to consume it in moderation. Eating street food regularly can lead to overconsumption of calories, sodium, and unhealthy fats, which can contribute to weight gain and other health problems. It is recommended to balance street food with other healthy food options and to limit consumption to once or twice a week.
In conclusion, Korean street food can be a tasty and enjoyable experience, but it is important to be mindful of its health aspects. By choosing healthier options, being aware of the sodium content, and consuming it in moderation, you can enjoy Korean street food while maintaining a healthy diet.
Affordability and Accessibility of Korean Street Food
Korean street food is known for its affordability and accessibility. Street food vendors offer a variety of dishes at affordable prices, making it a popular option for locals and tourists alike. Korean street food is also easily accessible, with vendors found in bustling markets, near tourist attractions, and even on street corners.
One of the reasons why Korean street food is so affordable is that vendors use simple ingredients and cooking techniques. Many of the dishes are made with rice, noodles, vegetables, and meat, which are readily available and inexpensive. Vendors also use small portions, allowing customers to try multiple dishes without breaking the bank.
Another reason why Korean street food is so accessible is that vendors are often located in busy areas. Street food stalls can be found in popular markets such as Gwangjang Market and Namdaemun Market in Seoul, as well as in popular tourist destinations such as Myeong-dong and Insadong. Street food is also sold in food trucks and carts, which can be found on street corners and in parks.
In addition to being affordable and accessible, Korean street food also offers a unique culinary experience. Vendors often specialize in a specific dish, such as tteokbokki or mandu, and have perfected their recipe over time. Customers can watch as vendors prepare their food, adding to the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular Korean street food dishes?
Korean street food is known for its diverse flavors and textures. Some popular dishes include tteokbokki, which are chewy rice cakes in a spicy sauce, hotteok, a sweet and savory pancake filled with brown sugar and nuts, and gimbap, a Korean-style sushi roll filled with vegetables, meat, or seafood.
How much does Korean street food typically cost?
Korean street food is generally inexpensive, with most dishes ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 won (approximately 1 to 5 US dollars). Prices may vary depending on the location and type of food.
What is the most popular Korean street food dessert?
Bungeoppang, a fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste, is a popular Korean street food dessert. Another popular dessert is hotteok, a sweet pancake filled with brown sugar and nuts.
What are some unique Korean street food stalls to visit?
There are many unique Korean street food stalls to visit, such as the “Mayak Gimbap” stall in Seoul, which serves small, addictive gimbap rolls filled with rice, vegetables, and meat, and the “Tornado Potato” stall, which serves spiral-cut potatoes on a stick.
What is the history of Korean street food culture?
Street food has been a part of Korean culture for centuries, with traditional dishes such as eomuk, bungeo-ppang, and tteok-bokki being sold through various retail outlets. In recent years, Korean street food has gained popularity around the world due to its unique flavors and accessibility.
What are some must-try Korean street food dishes besides tteokbokki?
In addition to tteokbokki, some must-try Korean street food dishes include kimbap, hoddeok, mandu, and jajangmyeon. Kimbap is a Korean-style sushi roll filled with vegetables, meat, or seafood, while hoddeok is a sweet and savory pancake filled with brown sugar and nuts. Mandu are Korean-style dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, and jajangmyeon is a noodle dish in a black bean sauce.
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