Must-Try Korean Street Foods You’ll Love (2025 Guide)

Korean street food is one of the most exciting ways to experience the real flavors of Korea. Whether you’re visiting Seoul, Busan, or watching K-Dramas from home, these foods are iconic, delicious, and must-try for every foodie.

What You'll Discover

• Top 10 must-try Korean street foods
• What they taste like and how they’re made
• Where to find them in Korea
• Tips for street food beginners

1. Tteokbokki (떡볶이)

Spicy, chewy rice cakes simmered in a red chili sauce. Tteokbokki is the king of Korean street food and a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

2. Hotteok (호떡)

Sweet Korean pancakes filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. Crispy on the outside, gooey inside — perfect for winter streets.

3. Eomuk (어묵, fish cake)

Fish cakes served on skewers in warm broth. Often eaten with spicy dipping sauce. Cheap, comforting, and great for cold weather.

4. Gimbap (김밥)

Korean-style rice rolls wrapped in seaweed, filled with vegetables, egg, and sometimes meat or tuna. It’s healthy, portable, and tasty.

5. Twigim (튀김, Korean tempura)

Deep-fried snacks like dumplings, sweet potato, and squid. Usually served with Tteokbokki sauce for dipping.

6. Soondae (순대)

Korean blood sausage made from pig intestines stuffed with noodles and rice. Often served with salt and lung slices. A bit adventurous but beloved by locals.

7. Dakgangjeong (닭강정)

Sweet and crispy boneless fried chicken glazed in a sticky soy-garlic or spicy sauce. Highly addictive and crunchy.

8. Bungeoppang (붕어빵)

Fish-shaped pastry filled with red bean or custard. A nostalgic favorite for Koreans, especially in the winter season.

9. Korean Corn Dogs

Hot dogs (or cheese) on a stick coated in batter, deep-fried, and rolled in sugar. Some are covered with fries or ramen for extra crunch!

10. Jjinppang (찐빵)

Steamed buns filled with sweet red bean paste. Soft, warm, and sold at street stalls or train stations — especially in colder seasons.

Where to Try Them in Korea

• Gwangjang Market (Seoul): Famous for Gimbap, Soondae, and pancakes.
• Myeongdong Street Food Alley: Perfect for tourists. Try Hotteok, Tteokbokki, and Korean corn dogs.
• Busan BIFF Square: Seafood street food heaven!

Tips for First-Time Korean Street Food Eaters

• Bring cash (small bills are best)
• Don’t be afraid to ask for “not spicy”
• Most food is made fresh — watch and enjoy the process!
• Try a little of everything — sharing is common

Final Thoughts

Korean street food is more than just snacks — it's a cultural experience. Whether you're walking through a night market or browsing a food vlog, don’t miss these amazing treats that define modern Korean cuisine.

Hungry for more? Follow KOREA Unlocked for upcoming guides on Korean recipes, street food videos, and cultural tips!