🌙Top Korean Street Foods in Seoul Markets - 10 Street Foods to Try in Seoul Night Markets

10 Must-Try Korean Street Foods in Seoul Night Markets

Seoul’s night markets aren’t just food destinations — they’re cultural playgrounds where sizzling griddles, smoky skewers, and sweet aromas pull in visitors from all over the world. Whether you’re walking down the bright alleys of Myeongdong or exploring the hidden stalls of Dongdaemun Night Market, here’s your ultimate guide to 10 of the most iconic and delicious Korean street foods you must try.

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1. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)

The undisputed queen of Korean street snacks. Chewy rice cakes swimming in a fiery red gochujang sauce — sweet, spicy, and addictive. Pair it with fish cakes (eomuk) for the full experience.

Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)

2. Hotteok (Sweet Syrup-Filled Pancakes)

A winter favorite, hotteok is a golden, crispy pancake stuffed with brown sugar, cinnamon, and crushed peanuts. Fresh off the griddle, it's gooey and comforting with every bite.

Hotteok (Sweet Syrup-Filled Pancakes)

3. Eomuk (Fish Cake Skewers)

Served in a warm broth, these savory skewers are cheap, filling, and perfect for chilly nights. You’ll find them at nearly every night market stall.

Eomuk (Fish Cake Skewers)

4. Gimbap (Korean Seaweed Rolls)

Korea’s answer to sushi, gimbap is a rice roll filled with vegetables, pickles, egg, and occasionally meat or tuna. A convenient finger food to keep you fueled while exploring.

Gimbap (Korean Seaweed Rolls)

5. Bungeoppang (Fish-Shaped Pastry)

This cute fish-shaped pastry is filled with red bean paste (or sometimes custard), making it a nostalgic sweet treat for locals and tourists alike.

Bungeoppang (Fish-Shaped Pastry)

6. Dak-kkochi (Chicken Skewers)

Marinated chicken grilled on a stick and brushed with sweet and spicy sauce. A smoky, protein-packed option with bold flavors.

Dak-kkochi (Chicken Skewers)

7. Tornado Potato

A whole potato spiral-cut and deep-fried on a stick, often seasoned with cheese, onion, or hot pepper powder. It's crispy, salty, and fun to eat.

Tornado Potato

8. Korean Corn Dog (Gamja-hotdog)

Forget American corn dogs — Korean versions are next-level. Coated in batter and deep-fried with options like mozzarella filling, potato cubes, and sugar dusting. Don’t forget the ketchup and mustard.

Korean Corn Dog (Gamja-hotdog)

9. Mandu (Korean Dumplings)

Crispy-fried or steamed, these dumplings come with various fillings like pork, kimchi, or glass noodles. Delicious alone or dipped in soy sauce.

Mandu (Korean Dumplings)

10. Jjinppang (Steamed Red Bean Buns)

Soft and pillowy, these buns are filled with warm red bean paste and steamed on-site. A fluffy, mildly sweet way to end your night market feast.

Jjinppang (Steamed Red Bean Buns)

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🛍️ Where to Find These Street Foods

• Myeongdong Night Market – The most tourist-friendly with English menus and photo displays.
• Dongdaemun Night Market – Great for late-night shopping and local vibes.
• Gwangjang Market – More traditional, indoor-style, known for bindaetteok and mayak gimbap.
• Noryangjin Market (Night Section) – A seafood lover’s dream.

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✨ Pro Tips for First-Time Visitors

• 💵 Bring cash – Most stalls still prefer it over cards.
• 📸 Ask before filming – Be respectful of vendors.
• 🕒 Best time to go: 6 PM – 11 PM (weekends are busier but livelier)
• 🌶️ Spice alert! – Many dishes are spicy. Ask for "less spicy" (덜 매운 맛 / deol maeun mat) if needed.

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