Top 5: Street Foods of Korea

Hotteok/Hoddeok © Shantaya Brinson | The Pink Expat

Fall and winter months in South Korea can be brutally frigid and snowy. On the plus side, the food carts and stalls start to sell delicious snacks that appeal to all and are perfect for chasing away the chill.

Tteokbokki

This popular snack is always served piping hot and consists of rice and fish cakes covered in a spicy red sauce.

Hotteok/Hoddeok

This dish is only available during the cold months, but it’s worth the wait. Sweet dough is popped onto a hot plate, molded into a pancake and filled with melted cinnamon or syrup. It’s both crunchy and gooey and absolutely yummy.

Corn Dogs © Shantaya Brinson | The Pink Expat

Corn Dogs

Americans might think they know a thing or two when it comes to corn dogs, but it’s a completely different ballgame in South Korea. Hot dogs are battered with everything from sweet bread, corn flakes and even French fries. They are topped with ketchup, spicy mustard and even sugar.

Mandoo

This Korean dumping is a staple in restaurants and on street corners. They come with a variety of fillings like meat, potatoes, vegetables and sweet bean paste.

Red Paste Fish-Shaped Pastries

Given its vibrant red color, the sweetness of red paste might surprise first-time tasters. From September to March, it’s not uncommon for street venders to scoop the red paste into warmed dumplings and every kind of pastry imaginable. Many of these snacks are shaped like fish.