Top 10 Korean Street Foods You Must Try in Seoul

Discover the Flavors of Seoul’s Street Food Culture

Seoul is a paradise for food lovers, offering a vibrant mix of flavors, textures, and aromas that reflect Korea’s dynamic culture. From sweet and spicy treats to savory bites, Korean street food is not just a meal — it’s an experience. Here are the top 10 must-try street foods you should not miss when visiting Seoul.

1. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)

Soft rice cakes drenched in a sweet and spicy gochujang (red chili paste) sauce — tteokbokki is the ultimate comfort food. You’ll find it in almost every market, especially at Gwangjang Market and Myeongdong.

2. Hotteok (Sweet Korean Pancake)

This warm, chewy pancake filled with brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, and nuts is a winter favorite. The crispy outside and gooey inside make it irresistible, especially from vendors in Insadong and Namdaemun Market.

3. Odeng (Fish Cake Skewers)

Served on skewers in a savory broth, odeng is a quick and satisfying snack. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, often enjoyed with a cup of the warm soup the skewers are cooked in.

4. Gimbap (Seaweed Rice Rolls)

Often called the Korean version of sushi, gimbap is made with rice, vegetables, egg, and sometimes meat, all rolled in seaweed. It’s portable, filling, and perfect for travelers on the go.

5. Twigim (Korean-Style Tempura)

Korean twigim includes deep-fried vegetables, squid, sweet potatoes, and more. Dip them into tteokbokki sauce for an authentic street food combo that locals love.

6. Sundae (Korean Blood Sausage)

Made from glass noodles and pig’s blood, sundae may sound intimidating, but it’s a beloved classic. Try it with a sprinkle of salt and chili powder at Gwangjang Market.

7. Dakkochi (Grilled Chicken Skewers)

Juicy, grilled chicken glazed with spicy or sweet soy sauce — dakkochi is smoky, flavorful, and satisfying. The aroma alone will make you stop at any street cart serving it.

8. Bungeoppang (Fish-Shaped Pastry)

This cute fish-shaped pastry is filled with sweet red bean paste, custard, or even chocolate. It’s crispy on the outside and soft inside — a perfect snack while strolling Seoul’s streets in winter.

9. Tornado Potato (Hweori Gamja)

A whole potato cut into a spiral and deep-fried on a stick, then sprinkled with cheese or chili powder. It’s crunchy, fun to eat, and Instagram-worthy!

10. Japchae Hot Dog

This modern twist combines Korean glass noodles (japchae) with a deep-fried hot dog — a delicious fusion of East and West. You can find it at trendy food trucks in Hongdae or Dongdaemun.

Where to Find the Best Street Food in Seoul

Some of the best street food hubs include Myeongdong Night Market, Gwangjang Market, Namdaemun Market, and Hongdae Food Street. Each offers a different vibe — from traditional flavors to trendy innovations.

Final Thoughts

Exploring Seoul’s street food scene is more than just eating — it’s a cultural journey through Korea’s rich history and culinary creativity. Whether you’re a foodie or a casual traveler, these top 10 street foods will leave you craving for more.