20 Korean Street Foods You Must Try: A First-Timer's Guide
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Korean street food is one of the best reasons to visit the country. It's cheap, it's everywhere, and it's delicious. But if you've never been to Korea before, the sheer variety can be overwhelming — especially when most signs are in Korean.
This guide covers the 20 must-try Korean street foods, what they taste like, how much they cost, and where to find them. Save this list for your trip.
The Classics — Every Tourist Should Try These
1. Tteokbokki (떡볶이) — Spicy Rice Cakes
The undisputed king of Korean street food. Chewy rice cakes in a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce. It's addictive, affordable, and available on virtually every street corner. Many stalls add fish cake, boiled eggs, or ramen noodles for extra filling.
Price: ₩3,000–₩5,000 | Spice level: Medium to hot
2. Korean Fried Chicken (치킨)
Korea takes fried chicken seriously. The two main styles are yangnyeom (sweet-spicy glazed) and huraideu (classic crispy). Korean fried chicken is double-fried, making the coating extra crunchy while the inside stays juicy. Pair it with beer — Koreans call this "chimaek" (치맥), and it's practically a national pastime.
Price: ₩18,000–₩22,000 for a whole chicken | Best chains: BBQ Chicken, Kyochon, BHC
3. Kimbap (김밥) — Korean Rice Rolls
Often compared to Japanese sushi rolls, but they're quite different. Kimbap is made with seasoned rice, vegetables, egg, and meat wrapped in seaweed. It's the perfect grab-and-go snack — filling, cheap, and available at every convenience store and kimbap shop.
Price: ₩2,500–₩4,500 | Try: Chamchi (tuna) or sogogi (beef) kimbap
4. Hotteok (호떡) — Sweet Filled Pancakes
A warm, crispy pancake filled with melted brown sugar, cinnamon, and crushed nuts. Best eaten fresh when the filling is hot and gooey. This is a winter street food staple — the lines for hotteok carts get long when temperatures drop.
Price: ₩1,500–₩2,000 | Busan version: Seed hotteok (filled with seeds and nuts) — a must-try
5. Eomuk (어묵) / Odeng — Fish Cake Skewers
Thin fish cakes threaded on skewers and simmered in a clear, savory broth. You eat the fish cake and sip the warm broth from a cup. On cold days, this is pure comfort food. Available at almost every street food stall.
Price: ₩1,000–₩2,000 per skewer | Broth is usually free
Market Favorites — Find These at Traditional Markets
6. Bindaetteok (빈대떡) — Mung Bean Pancakes
Thick, crispy pancakes made from ground mung beans, vegetables, and sometimes pork. A Gwangjang Market specialty. Best eaten hot with a dipping sauce of soy and vinegar.
Price: ₩5,000–₩8,000
7. Sundae (순대) — Korean Blood Sausage
Don't be put off by the name. Sundae is steamed pork intestine stuffed with glass noodles, rice, and pork blood. It sounds unusual but the taste is mild and savory. Usually served sliced with salt and liver on the side.
Price: ₩4,000–₩6,000
8. Japchae (잡채) — Stir-Fried Glass Noodles
Sweet potato noodles stir-fried with vegetables, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Slightly sweet, slightly savory, and satisfying. Often available as a side dish at market food stalls.
Price: ₩4,000–₩6,000
9. Mandu (만두) — Korean Dumplings
Available steamed, pan-fried, or in soup. Fillings include pork and kimchi (the most common), beef, or vegetables. Market mandu are usually hand-made and far better than packaged versions.
Price: ₩3,000–₩5,000 for a plate
10. Mayak Kimbap (마약김밥) — "Addictive" Mini Kimbap
Tiny, bite-sized kimbap rolls dipped in a mustard-soy sauce. The name literally means "drug kimbap" because it's supposedly so addictive. A Gwangjang Market favorite.
Price: ₩3,000–₩4,000
Sweet Street Snacks
11. Bungeoppang (붕어빵) — Fish-Shaped Bread
A fish-shaped waffle filled with sweet red bean paste. It's a classic Korean winter snack that you'll find at street carts everywhere from November to March. The outside is crispy, the inside is warm and sweet.
Price: ₩1,000–₩2,000 for 3 pieces
12. Gyeranppang (계란빵) — Egg Bread
A soft, slightly sweet bread roll with a whole egg baked on top. Simple, warm, and perfect as a quick breakfast on the go.
Price: ₩2,000–₩3,000
13. Churros (츄러스) — Korean Style
Korean churros come in crazy flavors — injeolmi (rice cake powder), brown sugar milk tea, and matcha. They're crispier and more creative than the churros you might know from other countries.
Price: ₩3,000–₩5,000
14. Bingsu (빙수) — Shaved Ice Dessert
A mountain of fluffy shaved ice topped with red beans, mochi, fruit, or Oreo crumbs. It's Korea's most beloved summer dessert and portions are usually big enough to share.
Price: ₩8,000–₩15,000
Modern Street Food — Trending in 2026
15. Corn Dogs (핫도그) — Korean-Style
Not like American corn dogs. Korean corn dogs are coated in batter mixed with french fries, ramen noodles, or mozzarella cheese, then deep-fried and coated in sugar. Sounds wild? It's amazing. Myungrang Hot Dog is the most popular chain.
Price: ₩3,000–₩5,000
16. Egg Drop Sandwich (에그드랍)
A thick, fluffy egg sandwich on brioche bread with various fillings. It became a viral sensation and now has locations all over Korea. The "Bacon Avocado" and "Bulgogi" options are favorites.
Price: ₩4,500–₩6,500
17. Croffle (크로플)
A croissant pressed in a waffle iron — crispy outside, buttery and flaky inside. Topped with ice cream, whipped cream, or fruit. It's been one of Korea's biggest dessert trends.
Price: ₩4,000–₩7,000
18. Dalgona (달고나) — Sugar Candy
Made famous worldwide by Squid Game. A thin disc of melted sugar with a stamped shape — you try to break out the shape without cracking it. Many vendors near tourist areas still sell these.
Price: ₩2,000–₩3,000
Drinks You Shouldn't Miss
19. Soju (소주)
Korea's national alcohol. It's a clear spirit, usually 16–20% ABV, and incredibly cheap (₩1,800–₩5,000 per bottle). Flavored versions include peach, grape, and green apple. Koreans drink it with BBQ, fried chicken, or basically everything.
20. Sikhye (식혜)
A sweet, cold rice punch. Non-alcoholic and refreshing. It's the traditional drink served at jjimjilbangs and Korean restaurants. A must-try for anyone who wants a taste of traditional Korean beverages.
Photo by Pexels
Where to Find the Best Street Food
| Location | Best For | Vibe |
| Gwangjang Market (Seoul) | Bindaetteok, mayak kimbap, sundae | Famous but crowded — go early |
| Mangwon Market (Seoul) | Tteokbokki, mandu, fresh food | Local, fair-priced, less touristy |
| Myeongdong Street (Seoul) | Korean corn dogs, egg bread, churros | Touristy but fun for modern snacks |
| BIFF Square (Busan) | Seed hotteok, fish cakes | Busan's street food paradise |
| Tongin Market (Seoul) | Lunchbox with wooden coins | Unique experience, very local |
Final Thoughts
Korean street food is more than just snacking — it's a window into the country's culture, history, and creativity. From centuries-old market dishes to viral modern trends, the variety is unmatched.
Don't be afraid to point at something you can't read and just try it. Some of the best food experiences in Korea come from happy accidents at unnamed street stalls.
Useful links:
Korea Tourism Organization
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