Street food in South Korea is an institution. During your trip, you'll notice numerous street vendors (pojangmacha) and food trucks, lining Korean streets – several thousand in Seoul's neighborhoods alone! More than simple snacks, take-away dishes are a way to discover the country… Here's an overview of the best culinary specialties.

Tteokbokki: the king of street food in South Korea
   

Tteokbokki is one of the most renowned take-away dishes in South Korea, particularly in Seoul. These are small elongated rice cakes (shaped somewhat like penne pasta), served with corn syrup and a sweet spicy sauce called gochujang. This street food staple is often accompanied by hard-boiled eggs, vegetables, or meat.

Odeng (eomuk): the fish snack

Imported to South Korea during the Japanese occupation (1910-1945), odeng owes its name to its origins: the Japanese stew oden. Also called eomuk in Korean, this snack is a white fish and flour croquette, presented as a skewer and served in a cup filled with fish broth (eomukguk). Its price varies depending on the number of skewers consumed – so be sure to keep your sticks before checking out!

Dalkgangjeong and dalkkkochi: the emblematic skewers

Very crispy, dalkgangjeong are pieces of fried chicken, coated in a rich marinade made with corn syrup, honey, chili paste, and crushed peanuts. These sweet skewers are accompanied by grilled green onions, and sometimes even cheese. There's also a very spicy version of this recipe: dalkkkochi. A portion costs 10,000 ₩ (approximately €7).

Sundae: the typical and unique dish

Pronounced soon-day, this Korean specialty is a kind of blood sausage, made from intestines (pork or beef), sticky rice, rice vermicelli, garlic, and green onions. This filling-like mixture is steamed, sliced, then served as a skewer. Depending on the recipe, sundae can also be garnished with slices of liver or lungs… A tip? Season it with a pinch of salt to bring out all its flavors! Its average price is around 18,000 ₩ (€12.50).

Tokkebi: the Korean hot dog
   

Also called corn dog, tokkebi is a sausage coated in a kind of breading (panko). Very popular with both adults and children, this Korean hot dog is topped with pickles, mustard, and ketchup – and is sometimes even dusted with sugar. Depending on the recipe, it can also include cheese, potato pieces, or noodles. Served on a stick, it's a signature street food item in Korea, at a bargain price (around €1).

Gyeranppang:

Gyeranppang are "egg breads" that are very popular among Koreans. Served hot, these oval toasts are appreciated for their softness and their balance of sweet and savory flavors. They're often eaten during lunch breaks, as they're small, easy to eat, and nutritious. Some pojangmacha offer variations with ham and cheese inside. Expect around €1 per bread.

Mandu: the essential dumplings
   

Mandus are meat dumplings that can be fried, steamed, or pan-fried. Depending on the region, you'll also find recipes filled with vegetables or kimchi (spicy fermented cabbage). Whatever the filling, mandus should be dipped in a soy sauce. A portion costs between €2 and €5.

Hotteok: Korean pancakes

Street food also includes sweet treats. Among the most beloved, discover hotteoks – small Korean pancakes with a flowing center, traditionally made with walnuts, cinnamon, and brown sugar… The pancake recipe can vary: you might find versions with peanuts or green tea! A secret? The best hotteoks are said to come from Busan…

Hodugwaja: the nut-shaped dessert
   

Another take-away dessert? Hodugwajas, in other words small cakes originating from Cheonan, made with red bean paste and crushed walnuts. These little sweets shaped like walnuts – first made in the 1930s – are much loved by locals and found at every street food stand.

Myeongdong: the best street food neighborhood in Seoul

While street food is widespread throughout South Korea, the iconic neighborhoods are located in Seoul – notably Myeongdong, renowned for its numerous food trucks, wide variety of snacks, and local specialties. South Korea's capital also has three markets famous for their take-away dishes: Gwangjang, Namdaemun, and Myeong-Dong's night market.