Top 10 Most Popular Street Foods in Seoul, South Korea

Dakbal is a spicy dish made from chicken feet marinated in a flavorful gochujang sauce, served with roasted peanuts and fresh vegetables. It's a favorite among tourists visiting South Korea. The chicken feet are thoroughly cleaned, and their odor is removed by soaking in milk before being briefly boiled in hot water. Then, they are tossed in a fiery red sauce and cooked over high heat to absorb all the flavors. To enjoy it the traditional way, pair it with bean sprouts and rice wrapped in seaweed. After tasting the chicken feet and sauce, add a generous portion of bean sprouts into the sauce and savor the dish. If you’re a fan of spicy food, head over to Hongmi Dakbal at 502-1 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea, known for its super spicy version of Dakbal.

• Price: 4000 - 17000 won

Odeng, or Korean fish cakes, are a delicious and affordable street food often considered a hidden gem of the local cuisine. Made by mixing minced fish with starch, rice flour or plain flour, sugar, salt, and rice wine, the dough is shaped into cakes or strips and then boiled, skewered on wooden sticks. In Korea, you'll find these fish cakes sold everywhere—from upscale malls and restaurants to humble street corners and local markets. They're incredibly easy to find and perfect for a quick snack.

There are three types of Odeng:
- Served in a broth made from radish, green onions, and dried seaweed, with soy sauce on the side.
- Fried and served with mustard and tomato ketchup.
- Fish cake soup with a hint of chili, chopped green onions, and soybeans.

• Price: 500 won /skewer
• Famous location: Home Sweet Home, Mapo-gu, Jandari-ro 20-13, Seoul, South Korea

Patbingsu is a traditional Korean dessert perfect for cooling off in the summer. It is considered one of the oldest and most beloved treats in Korea, originally derived from red bean porridge. The dish evolved when someone combined sweetened red bean paste with crushed ice, making it a refreshing option for hot weather.

Upon its creation, Patbingsu quickly gained popularity and spread across the country, with its traditional ingredients like red beans (pat), rice cakes (bingsu), and shaved ice. In modern times, additional toppings such as chopped fruit, sweetened condensed milk, and syrup are often added. However, you shouldn’t miss the traditional version of Patbingsu when visiting South Korea.

Meal Top, located on the 5th floor of Hyundai Department Store, Apgujeong-dong 429, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea, is a long-standing establishment specializing in Patbingsu for over 30 years. They offer both the classic and various modern variations of this dessert.

• Opening hours: 10:30 AM - 9:30 PM
• Price: 500 - 12000 won

Injeolmi Toast is a popular Korean dessert that features toasted bread filled with chewy rice cakes and drizzled with honey. It is then sprinkled with a mix of red bean powder, soybean flour, and sesame seeds. When in Seoul, this treat is a must-try, as it's truly delicious! However, because it’s quite sweet, it’s best avoided by those who aren’t fond of sugary foods or those with diabetes.

If you're in Seoul, visit the famous Sulbing cafe located at 22, Myeongdong 4-gil, Jung-gu | Namgyeong Bldg. 2F, where you can enjoy both Injeolmi Toast and Patbingsu.

• Price: 4500 - 6000 won

Spicy Rice Cake Tteokbokki is not only popular in South Korea but has also gained attention in neighboring countries, including Vietnam. The dish is made from soft, smooth rice cakes (tteok), cooked in a savory anchovy broth and spicy gochujang sauce. It is often served with fish cakes, sausages, cabbage, boiled quail eggs, and sometimes noodles. Over time, Tteokbokki has evolved into various delicious variations, with vibrant red sauce making the dish as visually appealing as it is tasty.

In addition to traditional ingredients like fish cakes, eggs, and bean sprouts, tteokbokki can also be stir-fried with seafood like squid, clams, and shrimp, adding more depth and flavor. The spicy, warming taste is beloved by people of all ages in Korea, making it a go-to street food. There's nothing better than enjoying a steaming, spicy plate of Tteokbokki in chilly weather – it's sure to win you over instantly.

Korean Kogo is a popular street food sold in many bustling markets. This dish combines the classic American hotdog with crispy fries, giving it a unique twist. Shaped like an ear of corn, the outer 'bun' is similar to a hotdog bun but is coated with small pieces of crispy fries, making it crunchy and satisfying. Biting into the crispy exterior, you'll discover a savory, flavorful filling, often accompanied by a dash of spicy sauce for an extra kick.

Today, the Korean Kogo comes in various versions to suit different tastes, with fillings such as beef sausage, cheddar cheese, rice cakes, or more cheese. Though simple in appearance, this dish surprises with its layers of flavor and textures. The inside features a chewy, flavorful sausage, while the outer layer is wrapped in gooey, stretchy mozzarella cheese, providing a rich, savory experience that's beloved by people of all ages.

If you're a true fan of Korean cuisine, you've likely heard of Gimbap, one of the most iconic dishes that has contributed to Korea's culinary fame. Gimbap is incredibly popular in Korea, with nearly every street-side eatery serving it. As you stroll through Seoul, you can grab a portion of these rice rolls filled with ingredients like seaweed, egg, cucumber, pickled radish, and tuna. It's an affordable, unique, and satisfying meal!

The ingredients for this seaweed rice roll are simple yet versatile, including white rice, seaweed, vegetables, meats, eggs, sausage, fish, and more, depending on your preferences. This dish is deeply ingrained in Korean food culture, often enjoyed during picnics, outdoor events, or as a light lunch. It's convenient and typically served with Kimchi. In Vietnam, this dish has also gained popularity and is often found at Korean restaurants, where it's a top seller.

Tornado Potato is a popular snack in Korea. Potatoes are sliced into spiral shapes, skewered on long sticks, and deep-fried until crispy. The dish is often seasoned with various spices such as chili powder, cheese, and barbecue sauce, with occasional additions like sausages. The crispy, tempura-coated spiral fries are incredibly fragrant and delicious.

Additionally, the Tornado Potato has seen many variations in its toppings, making it even more flavorful and appealing to different tastes. Common toppings include onions, cheese, honey, and more. Its unique shape and irresistible flavor make it a snack you won’t be able to resist!

Pajeon, often referred to as Korean-style pizza in the West, is a savory pancake made with green onions, seafood (or pork, beef), and topped with a light, fluffy batter and beaten egg. This dish is traditionally served with a dipping sauce and enjoyed with a glass of Dongdongju during rainy days in Korea. The crispy exterior and soft interior of the Pajeon, combined with its delicious soy-sesame dipping sauce, create a perfect comfort food experience.

• Price: 7000 won
• Location: Nakseo Pajeon, a popular spot for Pajeon, located at 319-40 Hwigyeong 1(il)-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Sannakji, a dish featuring live octopus, is considered one of the most bizarre yet fascinating foods in Korean cuisine. This unique delicacy involves small octopuses, sliced into pieces and served while still wriggling, often with a drizzle of sesame oil, sesame seeds, and sometimes accompanied by fresh vegetables. The key is to chew thoroughly before swallowing, as the tentacles can be a choking hazard. For the freshest Sannakji, a visit to the Noryangjin Fish Market is highly recommended.