Top 20 Street Foods in Korea

If you're heading to Korea and love food, get ready—this is the ultimate street snack lineup you don't want to miss. From spicy tteokbokki in Seoul to sweet hotteok in Busan, Korean street food is bold, fun, and absolutely delicious. Whether you're strolling through a night market or grabbing a quick bite from a street cart, these 20 must-try eats will take your taste buds on a serious adventure. We’ve broken it down by city and market, so you know exactly where to go. Come hungry—you'll want to try them all!

 

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 Seoul

 Gwangjang Market（광장시장）

• Yukhoe (육회)
• Bindaetteok (빈대떡)
• Mayak Gimbap (마약김밥)

Hongdae Night Market & Yeonnam-dong Snack Area

• Octopus Hot Dog (문어 핫도그)
• Egg Bread (계란빵)
• Seed Hotteok (씨앗호떡)

 Dongdaemun & Cheonggyecheon Night Market（동대문 & 청계천 야시장）

• Tteokbokki (떡볶이)
• Twigim (튀김)
• Eomuk (어묵)

Busan

 Bupyeong Kkangtong Market（부평깡통시장）

• Bulgogi Sushi (불초밥)
• Spicy Stir-Fried Clams (조개볶음)
• Dak-kkochi (닭꼬치) 

Jagalchi Market（자갈치시장）

• Grilled Eel (장어구이)
• Nakji Bokkeum (낙지볶음)
• Live Shrimp Sashimi (생새우회)

Jeju

Dongmun Market（동문시장）

• Jeju Black Pork Skewers (흑돼지 꼬치)
• Hallabong Juice (한라봉 주스)
• Hairtail Fish Kimbap (갈치김밥)

 

 Seoul

Gwangjang Market（광장시장）

• Address :88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea 서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 88
• Opening hours: 09:00 – 23:00

 

Yukhoe (육회) – Korean Beef Tartare

Yukhoe (육회)

Yukhoe is Korea’s version of steak tartare, made with ultra-fresh raw beef that’s finely sliced and seasoned with sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sugar. What makes Gwangjang Market’s yukhoe special is its iconic addition of julienned Korean pear, which adds a refreshing crunch and sweetness that balances the richness of the meat. Often topped with an egg yolk, this dish is surprisingly light and flavorful. It’s a must-try for adventurous foodies looking to experience authentic Korean textures and flavors in a traditional setting.

 

Bindaetteok (빈대떡) – Mung Bean Pancake

Bindaetteok (빈대떡)

Bindaetteok is a crispy, savory mung bean pancake ground fresh on traditional stone mills at Gwangjang Market. The batter is mixed with vegetables like kimchi, scallions, and sometimes pork or mung bean sprouts before being pan-fried until golden. The result is a hearty, crunchy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside pancake that's especially delicious when dipped in tangy soy-vinegar sauce. It’s a perfect companion to a cold Korean beer or a shot of makgeolli (rice wine). Warm, rustic, and comforting—this street snack captures the essence of Korean comfort food.

 

Mayak Gimbap (마약김밥) – “Addictive” Mini Seaweed Rolls

 

Don’t be fooled by their small size—Mayak Gimbap, which literally means “drug gimbap,” is addictively good. These bite-sized seaweed rice rolls are filled with simple ingredients like julienned carrots, spinach, and pickled radish, but what sets them apart is the nutty sesame oil aroma and the sweet-spicy mustard soy dipping sauce served on the side. You’ll often find long lines for these rolls at Gwangjang Market, and once you try one, you’ll understand why. Light, flavorful, and easy to eat, they’re the ultimate Korean finger food.

 

 

Hongdae Night Market & Yeonnam-dong Snack Area

• Address :Hongdae Walking Street & Yeonnam-dong Food Alley, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea 서울특별시 마포구 홍익로 일대 & 연남동 푸드거리
• Opening hours: 17:00 – 23:00 (until midnight on some weekends)

 

Octopus Hot Dog (문어 핫도그)

Octopus Hot Dog (문어 핫도그)

This isn’t your typical corn dog. The octopus hot dog features a whole baby octopus wrapped in a savory sausage, coated in batter, and deep-fried to golden perfection. Found in Hongdae’s night market area, it’s a favorite among adventurous eaters and street food lovers. You can choose spicy gochujang sauce or cheesy toppings for an extra flavor punch. The crispy outside, tender octopus inside, and slightly chewy sausage make this one unforgettable bite. It's Instagram-worthy and surprisingly tasty—perfect for those who want to try something fun and bold while exploring Seoul’s trendiest streets.

 

Egg Bread (계란빵)

Egg Bread (계란빵)

Egg bread, or gyeranppang, is a beloved Korean street snack that’s both comforting and satisfying. It’s a warm, mini loaf of slightly sweet bread with a whole egg baked right into the center. The texture is soft and cakey, while the egg adds richness and protein. In Hongdae, you’ll often find vendors adding a sprinkle of cheese or bacon bits for an extra savory twist. Whether you’re craving a quick breakfast or a late-night snack, egg bread is the perfect handheld treat that balances sweet and salty in every bite.

 

Seed Hotteok (씨앗호떡)

Seed Hotteok (씨앗호떡)

Originally from Busan, seed hotteok has made its way to Seoul—and Hongdae is one of the best places to try it. This upgraded version of the classic Korean pancake is stuffed with a mixture of brown sugar, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and crushed peanuts. Once fried, the filling melts into a sweet, nutty syrup inside a crispy golden shell. The texture is crispy outside and gooey inside—absolutely addictive! It’s the perfect snack for cooler evenings, and the crunchy seeds give it a unique twist that sets it apart from the usual sweet street snacks.

 

 

Dongdaemun & Cheonggyecheon Night Market（동대문 & 청계천 야시장）

• Address: Around Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), Euljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• Korean address:서울특별시 중구 을지로 동대문디자인플라자 일대
• Opening hours: 18:00 – 23:00 (Weekends only, typically Friday–Sunday from April to October)
• Nearest Subway Station: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (동대문역사문화공원역) – Exit 1 or 14

 

Tteokbokki (떡볶이) – Spicy Rice Cakes

 

Tteokbokki is perhaps Korea’s most iconic street food, and nowhere is it more satisfying than at Dongdaemun Night Market. This dish features chewy cylindrical rice cakes simmered in a sweet and spicy gochujang-based sauce, often served with slices of fish cake, boiled eggs, and scallions. Some vendors add cheese or ramen noodles for an indulgent twist. The contrast of heat, sweetness, and satisfying texture makes this a go-to comfort food. Perfect for a quick bite between shopping sprees or during a late-night stroll along Cheonggyecheon Stream, this dish is a true Korean classic.

 

Twigim (튀김) – Korean Tempura

Twigim (튀김)

Twigim is Korea’s answer to tempura, and it’s a street food staple at Dongdaemun and Cheonggyecheon stalls. Vendors offer an array of deep-fried goodies like sweet potato, seaweed rolls (kim-mari), squid, dumplings, and even hard-boiled eggs, all dipped in a light batter and fried until golden. Crunchy on the outside and warm inside, twigim is usually served alongside spicy tteokbokki so you can dip each piece into the fiery sauce. Crispy, greasy, and totally satisfying—it’s the perfect mix-and-match snack for night market grazing.

 

Eomuk (어묵) – Fish Cake Skewers

Eomuk (어묵)

A comforting and budget-friendly street snack, eomuk (fish cake) skewers are simmered in a hot, savory broth and served straight from the pot. At Dongdaemun night stalls, you’ll find a variety of fish cake shapes, often curled around skewers, steaming gently in vats of light anchovy stock. You’ll get a paper cup of the warm soup with every skewer—perfect for chilly evenings. It’s mild, satisfying, and a favorite among both locals and tourists. Add a little soy sauce or mustard if you want a stronger kick!

 

Busan

Bupyeong Kkangtong Market（부평깡통시장）

• Address: 48 Bupyeong 1-gil, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea
• Korean Address: 부산광역시 중구 부평1길 48
• Opening hours:Day Market: 09:00 – 19:00 Night Market: 19:30 – 24:00 (Daily, weather permitting)
• Nearest Subway Station: Jagalchi Station (자갈치역), Line 1 – Exit 7 (approx. 5-minute walk)

 

Bulgogi Sushi (불초밥) – Flame-Torched Beef Sushi

This crowd-favorite fusion snack features slices of juicy bulgogi (Korean marinated beef) laid over sushi rice, then flame-torched right in front of you for that delicious smoky finish. The vendors often add a touch of soy glaze, garlic chips, or mayo on top. You’ll find it piping hot, slightly caramelized, and packed with umami. It’s one of the most popular night market items at Bupyeong Kkangtong Market—and it’s not hard to see why. One bite of this savory melt-in-your-mouth treat and you’ll want to order a second tray.

 

Spicy Stir-Fried Clams (조개볶음)

If you're into seafood with a kick, this dish is a must. Stir-fried clams are tossed in a sizzling hot wok with gochujang (Korean red chili paste), garlic, green onions, and sesame oil. The sauce clings to every shell, infusing the meat with bold flavor. Served steaming in a foil tray, it’s spicy, juicy, and perfect for sharing—or not! Grab a cold drink and a wooden skewer, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate Busan-style street bar experience, all in the middle of a lively night market.

 

Dak-kkochi (닭꼬치) – Grilled Chicken Skewers

These grilled chicken skewers are smoky, juicy, and glazed with your choice of sauce—spicy gochujang, sweet soy garlic, or cheesy corn-style. At Bupyeong Night Market, vendors grill them fresh to order, so they’re always hot and charred just right. The meat is tender with a slight crisp on the edges, making each bite irresistible. It’s a great grab-and-go snack that pairs perfectly with a night walk through the bustling alleyways. Quick, satisfying, and totally street food approved.

 

 

Jagalchi Market（자갈치시장）

• Address: 52 Jagalchihaean-ro, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea
• Korean Address: 부산광역시 중구 자갈치해안로 52
• Opening Hours: 08:00 – 22:00 (Most food stalls open from late morning until evening)
• Nearest Subway Station: Jagalchi Station (자갈치역), Line 1 – Exit 10

 

Grilled Eel (장어구이) – Charcoal BBQ Eel

Grilled eel is a delicacy you shouldn’t miss at Jagalchi Market. Freshwater eel is marinated in a sweet-savory soy glaze and grilled over charcoal until the skin crisps and the inside stays buttery-soft. The smoky aroma, the caramelized sauce, and the melt-in-your-mouth texture make this a luxury street snack. It’s often served with dipping salt, lettuce wraps, and raw garlic for that classic Korean combo. Rich in flavor and full of protein, this dish is perfect for foodies who want to try something bold and truly local.

 

Nakji Bokkeum (낙지볶음) – Stir-Fried Baby Octopus

This spicy dish features baby octopus stir-fried in a gochujang-based sauce with garlic, onions, sesame oil, and scallions. It's fiery, chewy, and incredibly satisfying. At Jagalchi Market, it’s served either on sizzling plates or as part of quick street-style foil trays. Sometimes you’ll even see it with rice or noodles, but it’s flavorful enough to eat alone. Not for the faint of heart, but a total must-try for fans of heat and texture!

 

Live Shrimp Sashimi (생새우회)

One of Jagalchi’s most unique offerings is raw live shrimp—served freshly peeled and twitching! It might sound intimidating, but it's ultra-sweet and incredibly fresh. The shrimp is dipped in cho-gochujang (vinegared chili paste) or soy sauce with wasabi, offering a contrast of flavor and texture. It’s crunchy, ocean-clean, and thrilling to try. Adventurous eaters will love this market-exclusive experience. It’s seafood at its freshest—right at the source.

 

Jeju

Dongmun Market（동문시장）

• Address: 20 Gwandeok-ro 14-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
• Korean Address: 제주특별자치도 제주시 관덕로14길 20
• Opening Hours: 08:00 – 21:00 (Night Market opens from ~18:00)
• Nearest Bus Stop: Dongmun Rotary (동문로터리) – multiple local bus lines available

 

Jeju Black Pork Skewers (흑돼지 꼬치)

Jeju’s famous black pork gets the street food treatment here—grilled on skewers with a smoky glaze. The meat is juicy with a natural sweetness, and the edges are lightly charred for extra flavor. Often brushed with garlic soy sauce or spicy gochujang, the pork skewers are a perfect snack while strolling the night market. You’ll smell them before you see them—just follow the smoky scent! A true local favorite and a must-try for meat lovers.

 

Hallabong Juice (한라봉 주스)

Need something refreshing? Try Hallabong juice, made fresh from Jeju’s iconic citrus fruit. Hallabong is sweet, fragrant, and bursting with vitamin C. Vendors will squeeze the juice right in front of you and serve it cold, sometimes even with shaved ice. It’s the perfect palate cleanser between savory bites or just a delicious way to stay hydrated as you browse the market. Simple, healthy, and uniquely Jeju!

 

Hairtail Fish Kimbap (갈치김밥)

Jeju-style kimbap gets an upgrade with grilled hairtail fish, a local specialty. Unlike typical kimbap, this version uses seasoned rice wrapped around boneless pieces of hairtail, pickled radish, and vegetables. It’s a fusion of land and sea, with a soft texture and umami-packed flavor. Easy to eat, high in protein, and uniquely Jeju, it’s a great example of how traditional island ingredients can be adapted into a fun, portable snack.