The Best Place To Eat Street Food In South Korea

Are you planning a trip to South Korea and wondering where you can indulge in the country’s famous street food? Look no further! South Korea is a country with a rich food culture, and street food is a big part of it. From savory to sweet, spicy to mild, South Korean street food has something for everyone.

🍢 Gwangjang Market

Gwangjang Market is a foodie’s paradise, located in the heart of Seoul. The market is known for its variety of street food options, including bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and mayak kimbap (addictive seaweed rice rolls). Be prepared to wait in long lines, as the food here is popular among locals and tourists alike.

🍗 Myeong-dong

Myeong-dong is a bustling shopping district that is also home to some of the best street food in Seoul. The food here ranges from traditional Korean snacks like hotteok (sweet pancakes with a syrupy filling) to fusion dishes like Korean-style fried chicken. You’ll also find plenty of stalls selling bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste) and Korean-style corn dogs.

🍱 Namdaemun Market

Namdaemun Market is one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Seoul. Here, you can find a wide range of street food options, from gimbap (Korean-style sushi) to mandu (steamed dumplings). The market is also well-known for its kalguksu (handmade noodles in a flavorful broth) and bindaetteok.

🍢 Busanjin Market

If you’re in Busan, the country’s second-largest city, make sure to visit Busanjin Market. The market is known for its fresh seafood, but it also offers a variety of street food options. Don’t miss out on the hotteok and tteokbokki stalls, as well as the pajeon (scallion pancakes) and sundae (Korean blood sausage) vendors.

🍗 Tongin Market

Tongin Market is a hidden gem located near Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. The market offers a unique experience where you can exchange old coins for traditional Korean lunch boxes filled with various dishes. The lunch boxes include bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables and meat), tteokbokki, and kimbap (Korean-style sushi rolls).

🍱 Jeonju Hanok Village

Jeonju is a city in South Korea known for its traditional Korean food. The Jeonju Hanok Village is a must-visit for foodies, as it is home to numerous street food stalls selling local specialties. Don’t miss out on the bibimbap, which originated in Jeonju, as well as the kongnamul gukbap (bean sprout soup with rice) and kimbap.

🍢 Jagalchi Fish Market

Jagalchi Fish Market is a popular tourist destination in Busan, known for its fresh seafood. However, the market also offers a variety of street food options, including sannakji (live octopus), hoe (raw fish), and various grilled seafood dishes. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the sannakji and feel the tentacles wriggle in your mouth!

🍗 Insadong

Insadong is a cultural district in Seoul known for its traditional Korean art and crafts. It is also home to some of the best street food in the city. Try the hotteok, which is filled with brown sugar and cinnamon, or the hwae dup bap (raw fish with rice and vegetables). You’ll also find plenty of tea houses and traditional Korean restaurants in the area.

🍱 Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market

If you’re a seafood lover, you won’t want to miss the Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market in Seoul. The market offers a wide variety of fresh seafood, and there are also plenty of street food options available. Try the hoe, or raw fish, which is sliced right in front of you and served with soy sauce and wasabi.

🍢 Dongdaemun Market

Dongdaemun Market is a popular shopping district in Seoul, but it is also home to some delicious street food. Make sure to try the dak galbi (spicy stir-fried chicken), which is a specialty of the area. You’ll also find plenty of hotteok, tteokbokki, and kimbap stalls.

🍗 Seomyeon Street Food Alley

Seomyeon is a district in Busan known for its nightlife and street food. The Seomyeon Street Food Alley is a must-visit for foodies, offering a variety of delicious dishes. Try the eomuk (fish cake) skewers or the pajeon (scallion pancake) topped with seafood. You’ll also find plenty of beer and soju (Korean alcohol) stalls in the area.

🍱 Gwangalli Beach

Gwangalli Beach is a popular beach in Busan, but it is also known for its street food. Try the ssiat hotteok, which is filled with peanuts and honey, or the bungeoppang filled with ice cream. You’ll also find plenty of grilled seafood stalls and beer tents along the beach.

🍢 Namak Mandu Alley

Namak Mandu Alley is a street in Busan known for its mandu (dumplings). Here, you’ll find a variety of mandu stalls selling everything from traditional pork and kimchi dumplings to more unique flavors like squid and cheese mandu. The alley also offers a great view of Busan Harbor.

🍗 Hongdae

Hongdae is a trendy district in Seoul known for its nightlife and street art. It is also home to some great street food options. Try the hotteok filled with mozzarella cheese or the churros coated in green tea powder. You’ll also find plenty of Korean-style fried chicken and tteokbokki stalls.

🍱 Haeundae Beach

Haeundae Beach is a popular beach in Busan, and it is also known for its street food. Try the gyeran bbang (egg bread) or the odeng (fish cake on a skewer) at one of the many stalls along the beach. You’ll also find plenty of seafood options, including grilled clams and shrimp.

FAQs

1. What is street food?

Street food is food sold by vendors in public places, often from a portable food cart or stall. It is often inexpensive and easy to eat on-the-go.

2. Is street food safe to eat in South Korea?

Yes, street food in South Korea is generally safe to eat. However, it is important to use your own judgment and avoid vendors that appear unsanitary.

3. What are some popular street food dishes in South Korea?

Some popular street food dishes in South Korea include tteokbokki, hotteok, kimbap, and mandu.

4. How much does street food cost in South Korea?

Street food in South Korea is generally inexpensive, with most dishes costing between 1,000 and 5,000 won (approximately $1-$5 USD).

5. What is the best time to eat street food in South Korea?

Street food is available throughout the day and night in South Korea, but it is most popular in the evening and on weekends.

6. How do I order street food in South Korea?

Most street food vendors in South Korea will have a menu or pictures of their dishes. You can simply point to what you want and pay at the stall.

7. Are there vegetarian options available for street food in South Korea?

Yes, there are vegetarian options available for street food in South Korea. However, it is important to ask the vendor if the dish contains meat or seafood.

8. What should I do if I don’t speak Korean?

Many street food vendors in South Korea speak basic English, but it can be helpful to learn a few key phrases in Korean. You can also use a translation app on your phone.

9. Can I take street food to-go?

Yes, street food in South Korea is often served in disposable containers, making it easy to take on-the-go.

10. Are there any street food festivals in South Korea?

Yes, there are several street food festivals held throughout the year in South Korea. Some of the most popular include the Seoul Gwangjang Market Street Food Festival and the Busan Food Tourism Expo.

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