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Korean food is known for its bold and unique flavors, and street food is a great way to get a taste of the country’s iconic dishes. From savory snacks to sweet treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a guide to some of the most popular street foods you’ll find in Korea.
Tteokbokki is a spicy stir-fried dish made with chewy rice cakes, fish cakes, and sweet red chili sauce. This popular street food is usually served with a side of kimchi and is a favorite among both locals and visitors.
Odeng is a type of fish cake made with white fish and wheat flour. It’s served on skewers and can be found in many street stalls throughout Korea. The skewers are usually served in a savory broth and can be topped with seasonings such as sesame oil and green onions.
Hotteok is a type of Korean pancake filled with a sweet mixture of brown sugar, honey, and nuts. The pancakes are deep-fried until they’re golden brown and served hot. They make a great snack or dessert and can be found at street stalls throughout the country.
Gimbap is a popular Korean dish made with cooked rice and various fillings such as carrots, spinach, and egg. The ingredients are rolled up in seaweed and served in bite-sized pieces. Gimbap is usually served with a side of kimchi or other pickled vegetables.
Bindaetteok is a savory pancake made with ground mung beans, vegetables, and kimchi. The ingredients are mixed together and then fried until golden brown. This popular street food is usually served with a side of soy sauce and is a great snack or light meal.
Sannakji is a popular Korean street food made with live octopus. The octopus is cut into small pieces and then served with a side of sesame oil and salt. This dish is usually served immediately after it’s cut so the pieces are still moving.
Bbang is a type of sweet bread filled with a variety of ingredients such as red bean paste, nuts, and seeds. The bread is usually served warm and makes a great snack or dessert. It can be found in many street stalls throughout Korea.
Korean street food can be found in many places throughout Korea. Here are a few popular spots to check out:
Myeong-dong Street in Seoul: This popular shopping district is known for its street food stalls, which offer a variety of Korean snacks and dishes such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet pancakes), and fried chicken.
Address: Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Google Map:
Gwangjang Market in Seoul: This historic market is a great place to try traditional Korean street food such as bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), kimbap (rice rolls), and mayak gimbap (small rice rolls).
Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Google Map:
Haeundae Market in Busan: This market is known for its fresh seafood and street food, including hotteok, eomuk (fish cake), and ssiat hotteok (sweet peanut-filled pancakes).
Address: 22-1 Gunam-ro 41beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
Google Map:
Jeonju Hanok Village in Jeonju: This traditional village is famous for its food, including bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables and meat), kongnamul gukbap (bean sprout soup with rice), and jeon (savory pancakes).
Address: 99 Girin-daero, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
Google Map:
Dongmun Market in Jeju: This market is a great place to try local Jeju specialties such as black pork skewers, mandu (dumplings), and heukdwaeji (black pork belly).
Address: 5 Namhyeon-dong, Jecheon-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea
Google Map:
There are many other locations throughout Korea where you can find street food, so don't be afraid to explore and try new things!
From savory snacks to sweet treats, Korean street food offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full meal, there’s no shortage of delicious options to choose from. So next time you’re in Korea, don’t forget to sample the local street food!
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