{"id":83286,"date":"2023-10-06T06:17:52","date_gmt":"2023-10-06T06:17:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/?p=83286"},"modified":"2023-10-06T06:17:56","modified_gmt":"2023-10-06T06:17:56","slug":"street-food-in-seoul","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/street-food-in-seoul\/","title":{"rendered":"Street Food in Seoul: 14 Must-Try Dishes and Tips for Hardcore Foodies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Street food in Seoul is a popular and integral part of the country’s food culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are planning a trip to Korea or just curious about the country’s food culture, you are in for a treat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Korean street food is not only delicious but also a reflection of the country’s rich culinary history and diverse regional cuisines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n From savory snacks to sweet treats, there is something for everyone when it comes to street food in Seoul, so let’s dive in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korean street food is famous for its strong flavors, vibrant presentation, and the use of fresh and locally sourced ingredients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The most commonly found street food in Seoul include tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), kimbap (rice rolls), hotteok (sweet pancakes), mandu (dumplings), fried chicken, and a variety of skewered meats and vegetables. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Street food vendors can be found almost everywhere in the city, particularly in popular tourist destinations and markets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you are a food enthusiast or simply seeking a quick snack, trying out street food in Seoul is an essential experience during your trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you’re in Seoul, bingeing on street food is an absolute must. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are a few popular Seoul street food dishes to get you started on your culinary adventure in Korea’s capital:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This snack is made of chewy rice cakes swimming in a spicy, sweet sauce. Bite into the soft texture of the rice cake and experience the fiery kick it offers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You’ll find tteokbokki stalls all around Seoul, but Myeongdong and Sindangdong are particularly famous for this dish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re craving something sweet while tasting street food in Seoul, you’ve got to try hotteok. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These sweet, chewy pancakes are stuffed with a delicious mix of brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, and nuts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The crispy edges and melty filling are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Head to any busy street market such as Namdaemun or Gwangjang, and you’ll see hotteok vendors serving fresh batches of this treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also known as eomuk, odeng is a type of fishcake skewered on wooden sticks and cooked in a delicious broth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s not just about the fishcake itself \u2013 the highlight is drinking the warm, savory broth from a cup after enjoying the skewer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This street food can be found on almost every corner, perfect for warming you up during Seoul’s chilly months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You might think this looks like sushi, but kimbap is truly a Korean classic and an absolute must when trying out the street food in Seoul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your choice of vegetables, pickled radish, egg, and meat are rolled up in seasoned rice and seaweed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Conveniently packaged in bite-sized pieces, it’s great for eating on-the-go. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You’ll have no problem finding kimbap at any street food market \u2013 it goes hand-in-hand with street food culture in Seoul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Japchae is a beloved Korean street food dish consisting of stir-fried glass noodles with an assortment of vegetables and meat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Though it began as a simple dish during the Joseon Dynasty in Korea, it has evolved into a flavorful and colorful dish enjoyed by people of all ages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The main component of japchae is the glass noodles, made from sweet potato starch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These noodles provide a unique, chewy texture that makes japchae stand out from other noodle dishes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sundae is a tasty street food favorite not just in Korea but in many parts of the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Made predominantly from pig’s blood and other ingredients, it has made its way from local markets to international food scenes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The essential elements of Sundae are pig’s blood, glass noodles, and boiled intestines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The process begins with the mixing of pig’s blood, glass noodles, and various seasonings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This mixture is carefully stuffed into cleaned pig intestines, then steamed or boiled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The result is a rich, flavorful sausage that can be enjoyed either hot or cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jajangmyeon is a popular street food in Seoul that originated from Chinese cuisine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It features wheat noodles topped with a thick black bean sauce, often mixed with diced pork, vegetables, and sometimes seafood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This dish has been embraced by Koreans who have adapted it to their own taste, making it a beloved staple for many.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The sauce, known as chunjang, is made by fermenting black soybeans. The final product is a rich, savory, and slightly sweet sauce that melds perfectly with the chewy noodles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The base ingredients for the sauce usually include diced onions, zucchini, and cabbage, but variations can include other vegetables such as carrots or potatoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When ordering Jajangmyeon from a street vendor or a restaurant, customers can typically choose from a few different options. Some of the most common ones are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jajangmyeon is often enjoyed with a side of pickled radish, which provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the dish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, many people like to accompany their Jajangmyeon with tangsuyuk, a crispy deep-fried pork dish that’s coated in a sweet and sour sauce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Twigim is a popular and diverse Seoul street food that offers a tasty assortment of deep-fried vegetables and seafood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The word “twigim” itself means “deep-fried,” making it an umbrella term for various fried delights. Some of the most common ingredients include zucchini, sweet potato, and shrimp. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They are all coated in a light tempura-like batter before being fried to a golden crisp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Street vendors, known as pojangmacha, frequently sell twigim in bustling areas where people gravitate towards affordable and portable snacks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to being a popular snack, twigim is also a staple element in many traditional Korean meals, often served as a side dish or accompaniment to alcoholic beverages such as soju and makgeolli. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This connection to Korean drinking culture has earned twigim its nickname, “anju,” meaning “dish to go with alcoholic drinks.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Twigim is typically served with a savory dipping sauce, which adds an extra layer of flavor to the crispy treats. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Soy sauce, vinegar, and gochujang (Korean red chili paste) are among the key ingredients in the sauce to provide a perfect balance between salty, sweet, and spicy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The contrasting flavors harmonize beautifully with the crispy, golden-brown exterior and soft, tender interior of each bite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eomuk, also known as fish cake soup, is a popular street food in Seoul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This savory dish has a unique taste, as it combines fish paste with various vegetables. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Vendors can be spotted throughout Korean streets, whipping up delicious steaming bowls filled with the warm, comforting soup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The main ingredient in Eomuk is fish paste, usually made from white fish such as pollock or cod. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The paste is combined with flour, salt, sugar, and other spices, then formed into flat, sheet-like cakes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These fish cakes are then boiled in a light, savory, and slightly sweet broth, which typically contains dashi (a traditional Japanese broth), soy sauce, and sugar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additional ingredients like radish, spring onions, and hard-boiled eggs are often added to enhance the dish’s flavors and textures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eomuk can be enjoyed in various forms such as skewered, deep-fried, or stirred with rice cakes and vegetables. Here are some popular variations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Seoul, Eomuk is not only considered a delicious street snack, but it is also believed to have various health benefits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s high in protein, low in fat, and provides a good amount of omega-3 fatty acids. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pajeon is a popular street food in Seoul made from a simple batter of flour, water, and eggs, mixed with chopped green onions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The batter is then fried in a pan, creating a crispy and savory pancake. Pajeon can be enjoyed as a delicious snack or as a satisfying meal that’s perfect for sharing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Street food vendors and restaurants across Korea serve different varieties of pajeon, adding ingredients like seafood, kimchi, or vegetables. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some common types of pajeon include haemul pajeon (seafood pancake) and kimchi pajeon (kimchi pancake). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Regardless of its ingredients, this flavorful and crowd-pleasing dish is best enjoyed with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dakkochi, or Korean chicken skewers, is a popular street food found in many corners of Seoul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sold by street vendors and traditional food markets, it appeals to both tourists and locals alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The dish is made from tender chunks of chicken marinated in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and red pepper paste. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The marinade plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The marinated chicken pieces are then skewered onto wooden sticks and grilled to perfection over an open flame. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The result is a slightly charred and mouth-watering snack that is both convenient and delicious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many different variations of dakkochi, with some vendors adding vegetables like green onion, pepper, and mushrooms to the skewers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This not only adds a pop of color but also contributes an interesting texture and contrasting flavors to the dish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dakkochi can be found at traditional food markets, nighttime food festivals, and even sporting events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The eye-catching fish-shaped pastry is filled with sweet red bean paste, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The origin of Bungeoppang can be traced back to Japan, where a similar pastry called Taiyaki is enjoyed. The main difference between the two is the batter’s composition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Bungeoppang often uses a waffle-like batter, resulting in a crispier texture, while Taiyaki has a more pancake-like consistency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bungeoppang comes in various flavors, although the classic red bean paste remains the most popular. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some street vendors have introduced creative fillings such as chocolate, cream cheese, and even ice cream. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The fish-shaped pastry is not only a tasty snack but also a symbol of prosperity, making it a popular gift during special occasions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mandu are a popular street food in Seoul, known for their delicious taste and variety of fillings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These Korean dumplings are typically made with a thin flour dough that is filled with ingredients such as pork, beef, vegetables, or tofu, and then folded into a crescent or round shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are different types of Mandu, each with unique fillings and preparation methods. Some are steamed, offering a soft and tender texture, while others are fried for a crispy exterior. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, Mandu can be found in soups like Mandu-guk, a flavorful broth filled with these tasty dumplings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gyeran-ppang is a popular and delicious street food in Seoul that offers a perfect blend of taste and convenience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s made by pouring a simple batter into special molds, adding an egg on top, and then baking the mixture until it’s golden and fluffy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The aroma of Gyeran-ppang easily attracts passersby, and it’s not uncommon to see long queues of people waiting to get their hands on this tasty treat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The bread is usually served warm, making it a wonderful snack on a chilly day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gyeran-ppang is typically enjoyed by people of all ages due to its delicious taste and affordability. It’s often eaten on-the-go, as the molded shape makes it easy to hold and eat without making a mess. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This street food can easily be found in many busy areas throughout Seoul, such as street markets, food trucks, and even some cafes or convenience stores. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Street food in Seoul is known for its unique flavors and if you’re wondering where to find the best street food in Seoul, here are a few unmissable spots: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Myeongdong is a bustling shopping district that offers a wide variety of street food. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As you stroll through the lively streets, you’ll find numerous food carts and vendors offering mouth-watering treats such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t forget to try the tornado potatoes or the deep-fried cheese lobster tails, which are some of the unique offerings in this area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Located near Gyeongbok Palace, Insadong offers a more traditional experience when it comes to street food in Seoul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This area is known for its teahouses, antique shops, and traditional art galleries. Some of the must-try street food options here include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dongdaemun Food Street is located near one of Seoul’s most famous shopping districts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It specializes in late-night street food, making it perfect for satisfying those late-night cravings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some popular dishes and snacks you’ll find here are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n To experience Seoul’s street food culture to its fullest, be sure to attend one of the city’s popular pojangmacha – roadside tents that serve a variety of dishes and drinks late into the night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here, you can sample soju or makgeolli, traditional Korean alcoholic beverages, alongside a plate of pajeon, a savory Korean pancake packed with fresh seafood or vegetables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some tips to make tasting street food in Seoul experience even better:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Explore the hotspots:<\/strong> Some of the best places to find street food in Seoul are Myeongdong<\/em>, Hongdae<\/em>, and Gwangjang Market<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t shy away from wandering around these areas, trying out different stalls, and comparing the tastes and flavors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Keep an open mind:<\/strong> Be adventurous with your choices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Seoul’s street food offers a wide variety of unique dishes like tteokbokki<\/em> (spicy rice cakes), hotteok<\/em> (sweet pancakes), and odeng<\/em> (fish cakes). <\/p>\n\n\n\n You never know, you might just find your new favorite dish!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Cash is king:<\/strong> Make sure to have cash in smaller denominations, as many street food vendors don’t accept credit cards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Hygiene is important:<\/strong> Look for stalls that seem clean and well-maintained. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You’ll want to enjoy your food without worrying about potential health issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Learn some basic phrases:<\/strong> Knowing a few Korean phrases can make your street food adventure smoother. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, “Eolmayeyo?<\/em>” (How much is it?) and “Mashisseoyo!<\/em>” (It’s delicious!) can come in handy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At Gwangjang Market, you should definitely try Bindaetteok (mung bean pancake), Mayak Kimbap (addictive mini rice rolls), and Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t forget to taste the famous Sannakji (live octopus) if you’re feeling adventurous!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korean night markets offer a wide variety of food options. You will find dishes like Tteokbokki, Kimbap, Hotteok (sweet pancakes), Odeng (fishcake skewers), and Mandu (Korean dumplings). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, you can enjoy different types of traditional Korean street food, snacks, and desserts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the most popular street foods in Korea are Tteokbokki, Kimbap, Hotteok, Odeng, Mandu, Twigim (deep-fried snacks), and Bungeoppang (fish-shaped bread). <\/p>\n\n\n\n The options are endless, so don’t hesitate to explore and try new dishes too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Street food dishes in Seoul are generally affordable, with prices ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 KRW. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Snacks and smaller bites may cost as low as 1,000 KRW, while more substantial dishes or popular items could be around 3,000-5,000 KRW.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korean street food reflects the nation’s rich culinary heritage, emphasizing bold and diverse flavors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many dishes are made with staple ingredients like rice, fishcakes, and gochujang (red pepper paste). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Street food vendors also often serve dishes in paper cups or ecofriendly containers, showcasing a commitment to sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the best street food spots in Seoul include Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gwangjang Market, and Namdaemun Market. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Each location boasts a unique atmosphere and different offerings, so be sure to explore a few areas in order to experience the full range of Seoul’s vibrant street food scene.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Street food in Seoul is a popular and integral part of the country’s food culture. If you are planning a trip to Korea or just curious about the country’s food culture, you are in for a treat. Korean street food is not only delicious but also a reflection of the country’s rich culinary history and…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":83303,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[52,203,206],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/83286"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=83286"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/83286\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":83307,"href":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/83286\/revisions\/83307"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/83303"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=83286"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=83286"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=83286"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
What Is Street Food in Seoul Known For?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Popular Street Food in Seoul to Try<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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2. Hotteok (sweet pancakes filled with cinnamon, brown sugar, and nuts)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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3. Odeng (fish cake skewers)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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4. Kimbap (rice rolls filled with vegetables, meat, and egg)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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5. Japchae (Stir-fried Glass Noodles with Vegetables and Meat)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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You may also like:<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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6. Sundae (Korean blood sausage)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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7. Jajangmyeon (noodles in black bean sauce)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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8. Twigim (deep-fried vegetables and seafood)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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9. Eomuk (Fish Cake Soup)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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10. Pajeon (Green Onion Pancake)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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11. Dakkochi (Chicken Skewers)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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12. Bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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13. Mandu (Korean dumplings)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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14. Gyeran-ppang (egg bread)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Street Food Locations in Seoul<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Myeongdong<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Insadong<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Dongdaemun Food Street<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Pojangmacha<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tips for Eating Street Food in Seoul<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Street Food in Seoul: FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What are the must-try dishes at Gwangjang Market?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What types of food can be found in Korean night markets?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Which street foods are most popular in Korea?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How much do street food dishes typically cost in Seoul?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What aspects of Korean culture are reflected in street food?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Where can I find the best street food in Seoul?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n