Seoul’s street food is more than just a snack — it’s a cultural adventure. I spent so many time tasting everything from spicy rice cakes to sweet fish-shaped pastries.
Here are my top recommendations, based on what I personally enjoyed most.
1. Tteokbokki (떡볶이)
The first thing I ate in Seoul — chewy rice cakes simmered in a spicy gochujang sauce. The sauce is rich, sweet, and has a slow-burning heat. The smell hits you first — sweet, spicy, and savory. Often topped with fish cakes and boiled eggs.
📍 Best spot: Gwangjang Market or Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town.
2. Hotteok (호떡)
Imagine biting into a fluffy pancake and finding a pool of molten brown sugar, cinnamon, and crushed nuts inside.
A sweet pancake stuffed with brown sugar, cinnamon, and crushed nuts. When you bite into it, the syrupy filling almost burns your tongue (in the best way). Crispy outside, soft inside.
📍 Best spot: Namdaemun Market.
3. Mandu (만두)
Korean dumplings come steamed, boiled, or fried — I recommend Myeongdong’s crispy fried ones. Stuffed with pork, kimchi, and glass noodles, they’re juicy and full of flavor. Dip them in soy sauce with vinegar for a tangy bite.
📍 Best spot: Bukchon Hanok Village street vendors.
4. Korean Fried Chicken (치킨)
Forget everything you know about fried chicken — Korean style is twice-fried for that ultra-crispy skin. Crispy, juicy, and coated in sticky sauces like soy-garlic or spicy gochujang. Best enjoyed with an ice-cold beer.
📍 Best spot: Hongdae’s late-night chicken joints.
5. Bungeoppang (붕어빵)
Fish-shaped pastries filled with sweet red bean paste — crunchy outside, soft inside. When I saw it for the first time, I thought that it may be made of fish but it’s not. I bought a bag near Ewha Womans University and ate them as I walked. In winter, these are pure happiness in your hands.
📍 Best spot: Near Myeongdong Cathedral in winter.
6. Kimbap (김밥)
Often called Korea’s sushi roll, but with its own twist — rice, vegetables, egg, and sometimes tuna or bulgogi, all wrapped in seaweed. Like sushi rolls, but filled with vegetables, pickled radish, and sometimes tuna or bulgogi. Great for on-the-go snacking.
I grabbed mine from a convenience store before a train ride to Busan — fresh, filling, and cheap.
📍 Best spot: Any Gimbap Cheonguk chain.
7. Soondae (순대)
Blood sausage might sound intimidating, but in Korea, it’s delicious. I tried it at a night market in Dongdaemun — steamed and sliced, served with salt or chili powder. The chewy texture and mild flavor were surprisingly addictive.
📍 Best spot: Gwangjang Market.
8. Bindaetteok (빈대떡)
These mung bean pancakes are golden and crispy, with chopped kimchi and pork inside. Savory mung bean pancakes fried until golden. Crunchy outside, soft inside, often served with kimchi.
📍 Best spot: Gwangjang Market’s pancake stalls.
9. Fishcake / Odeng (오뎅)
Flat fishcakes simmered in hot broth. Perfect on a cold day, especially when you sip the soup.
📍 Best spot: Street carts in Insadong.
10. Tornado Potato (회오리 감자)
A whole potato spiral-cut, deep-fried, and dusted with cheese powder. I had mine while watching street performances in Hongdae — crispy, fun to eat, and Instagram-worthy. Crunchy fun to eat.
📍 Best spot: Myeongdong street stalls.
11. Egg Bread / Gyeranppang (계란빵)
Small oval-shaped bread with a whole egg baked inside. Slightly sweet and very filling.
📍 Best spot: Near Gyeongbokgung Palace gates.
12. Fried Seaweed Roll (김말이)
Seaweed wrapped around glass noodles, battered, and fried. Usually served alongside tteokbokki, it soaks up the spicy sauce beautifully.
📍 Best spot: Street carts in Dongdaemun.
13. Kimchi (김치)
You can’t leave Korea without trying fresh kimchi. My favorite was at a traditional restaurant in Insadong, where it was crunchy, spicy, and perfectly fermented.
Not just a side dish — in markets you’ll find fresh kimchi made on the spot. Spicy, tangy, and alive with flavor.
📍 Best spot: Any stall in Gwangjang Market.
14. Kkochi (꼬치)
Meat or fish skewers grilled over charcoal, glazed with sweet or spicy sauce. The smoky aroma is irresistible.
📍 Best spot: Hongdae nightlife area.
15. Korean Corn Dog (핫도그)
This is not your average corn dog — battered hot dogs rolled in sugar, cheese, or even french fries before frying. Gooey, crunchy, and addictive.
📍 Best spot: Myungrang Hot Dog chain in Myeongdong.
16. Seafood Pajeon (파전)
Green onion pancake with squid, shrimp, and mussels. Crispy edges, chewy middle.
📍 Best spot: Near Noryangjin Fish Market.
17. Japchae (잡채)
Sweet potato glass noodles stir-fried with vegetables and soy sauce. Light but flavorful.
📍 Best spot: Gwangjang Market.
18. Hodugwaja (호두과자)
Walnut-shaped cakes filled with red bean paste and walnut pieces. Sweet and nutty.
📍 Best spot: Train stations & street carts
19. Patbingsu (팥빙수)
Shaved ice dessert topped with sweet red beans, fruits, and condensed milk. The ultimate summer treat.
📍 Best spot: Cafes in Hongdae or Myeongdong.
20. Dak-kkochi
Dak-kkochi, spicy chicken skewers, I really liked it when I tried it for the first time. Whenever I get the chance to hang out with friends, we have it. It’s an amazing feeling enjoying it with your friends at night.
A must-try! Customers can pick their preferred type based on the sauce or whether they want cheese added. I tried a few skewers, but I found the spicy one to be the most delicious.