Tteokbokki and Kimbap: Seoul Street Foods You Need to Try
I’ll never forget the first time I stumbled upon the vibrant street food scene in Seoul. It was a chilly mid-April evening, and I had just arrived in the bustling capital of South Korea, completely clueless about the local cuisine. But from the moment I stepped out onto the lively streets, my senses were assaulted by the most tantalizing aromas – spicy, savory, and sweet, all mingling together in the cool night air.
As I soon learned, Koreans are notorious night owls, preferring to stay out late and indulge in the country’s legendary drinking culture. This means that the best time to experience Seoul’s legendary street food is after sunset, when the city truly comes alive with a dizzying array of carts, stalls, and tents selling all sorts of irresistible treats.
Tteokbokki: Korea’s Addictive Rice Cake Sensation
One of the first things that caught my eye was the mesmerizing sight of steaming hot tteokbokki – slices of chewy rice cakes swimming in a vibrant red sauce. As the author of that blog post noted, tteokbokki is the quintessential Korean street food, as addictive as French fries are to Americans.
I couldn’t resist the urge to try it, so I made my way over to a bustling cart and ordered a heaping plate. The first bite was an explosion of flavors – the gooey, slightly chewy texture of the rice cakes perfectly complemented by the bold, spicy-sweet gochujang sauce. It was like nothing I’d ever tasted before, and I found myself quickly reaching for more.
At just 2,000 to 4,000 won (around $1.75 to $3.50 USD) per plate, tteokbokki is an absolute steal. And the best part is, you can find it pretty much everywhere in Seoul, from the bustling night markets to the quieter side streets. It’s the perfect snack to fuel your explorations of this captivating city.
Gimbap: Korea’s Delectable Seaweed-Wrapped Rice Rolls
Another Korean street food staple that caught my eye was gimbap – the country’s answer to sushi rolls. These compact, cylindrical rice rolls are stuffed with a variety of fillings, from pickled vegetables to egg to even cheese or tuna.
As the blogger described, the street-style gimbap are often quite simple, with just a few basic ingredients like pickled veggies and egg. But they’re no less delicious for it. The harmonious blend of the slightly sweet, nutty rice, the salty seaweed, and the fresh, crunchy fillings makes for an incredibly satisfying snack.
And at just 1,500 won (around $1.30 USD) per roll, gimbap is an absolute steal. It’s the perfect on-the-go food, whether you’re rushing between subway stations or simply strolling through one of Seoul’s bustling neighborhoods.
Oden: A Savory, Warming Wintertime Treat
One Korean street food that really piqued my interest was oden, a traditional wintertime dish of skewered fish cakes simmered in a clear, savory broth. As the blogger noted, oden, also known as kkochi-eomuk, is often served as an appetizer or side dish, but it can also be enjoyed as a standalone snack.
On a chilly evening in Seoul, I simply couldn’t resist the allure of oden’s warm, comforting flavors. I made my way to a small street cart and ordered a skewer, dipping the tender, flavorful fish cakes into the soy-based dipping sauce before slurping down the broth. It was the perfect antidote to the biting cold, and I could see why it’s such a beloved wintertime treat.
At just 700 to 1,000 won (around $0.60 to $0.90 USD) per skewer, oden is an incredibly affordable and satisfying snack. And with its warming flavors and hearty texture, it’s the perfect fuel for a chilly night of exploring Seoul’s vibrant streets.
Kkultarae: A Honey-Sweet Korean Confection
One of the most mesmerizing Korean street food experiences I had was watching the making of kkultarae, a traditional Korean confection made from hardened honey and nuts. As the blogger described, the process of creating kkultarae is truly a sight to behold – the honey is kneaded by hand, then stretched and pulled into an incredible 16,384 delicate strands.
I stumbled upon a kkultarae vendor in the charming neighborhood of Insadong, and I was captivated by the vendors’ rhythmic chanting as they meticulously stretched and shaped the honey. The final product was a mound of golden, honey-sweet strands, filled with crunchy nuts like almonds and walnuts.
At 3,000 won (around $2.60 USD) for a small bag of kkultarae, it’s a bit of a splurge compared to some of the other street food options. But trust me, it’s worth every won. The honey-nut flavor is simply divine, and the delicate, gossamer-like texture is unlike anything else I’ve ever tried. It’s the perfect sweet treat to indulge in while wandering the streets of Seoul.
Twigim: Korea’s Take on Tempura
If you’re a fan of deep-fried goodness, then you’ll absolutely love twigim, Korea’s answer to Japanese tempura. As the blog post describes, twigim encompasses a wide range of deep-fried treats, from slices of sweet potato to shrimp to dumplings.
I stumbled upon a twigim vendor in the bustling Myeongdong district, and I couldn’t resist the siren call of those golden, crunchy morsels. I ordered a heaping plate and dug in, savoring the satisfying crunch of the crisp batter and the tender, flavorful fillings within.
At 2,000 to 3,000 won (around $1.75 to $2.60 USD) per plate, twigim is a pretty affordable indulgence. And with its endless variety of fillings, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Whether you’re in the mood for a veggie-packed twigim or a decadent seafood-filled one, you’re sure to find a version that hits the spot.
Tornado Potato and Corn Dog Hybrids: The Cutting Edge of Korean Street Food
As if the classic Korean street food offerings weren’t enough to tempt my taste buds, I also stumbled upon some truly innovative and downright wacky creations that showcased the creativity of Seoul’s street food vendors.
One such item that caught my eye was the tornado potato – a whole potato that’s been spiraled and deep-fried until crispy, then coated in a tantalizing blend of cheese, garlic, and MSG powder. It’s a marriage of French fries and potato chips, and the result is utterly addictive.
But the real showstopper had to be the corn dog-fry hybrid – a hot dog that’s been wrapped in a spiral of crumbled French fries, then deep-fried to golden-brown perfection. It’s a heart-stopping, greasy, utterly decadent creation that’s sure to satisfy any deep-fried cravings.
These innovative street food creations, found in the trendy Myeongdong district, are a testament to the creativity and culinary prowess of Seoul’s street food vendors. They may not be the healthiest options, but they’re certainly a lot of fun to indulge in.
Seafood Snacks: From Octopus Candy to Blood Sausage
Of course, no exploration of Seoul’s street food scene would be complete without venturing into the realm of seafood-based treats. As the blog post noted, Koreans have a deep love for all things tentacled and salty, and the streets of Seoul are positively teeming with vendors peddling a dizzying array of dried, fried, and smoked octopus and squid.
I couldn’t resist the allure of the “octopus candy” – thick, chewy slabs of smoked octopus that had been coated in a sweet, savory glaze. The texture was incredibly satisfying, and the flavor was a perfect balance of briny and sweet.
But for the truly adventurous, there was also the option to try soondae, a traditional Korean blood sausage. As the blog post described, this dish is not for the faint of heart, with its sticky, spongy texture and unmistakable pork-y flavor. But for those willing to step outside their comfort zone, it can be a revelatory experience.
Whether you’re a seafood lover or not, there’s no denying the sheer variety and creativity of the seafood-based street food offerings in Seoul. From the familiar (if a bit unusual) to the downright daring, there’s something to tantalize every palate.
Exploring Seoul’s Vibrant Street Food Scene
As I wandered the streets of Seoul, I was constantly in awe of the sheer abundance and variety of the city’s street food offerings. Around every corner, it seemed, there was a new cart or stall serving up some tantalizing treat, each one more tempting than the last.
And the best part? As that TikTok video showed, Seoul’s street food scene is open late into the night, catering to the city’s famously nocturnal population. Whether you’re craving a steaming plate of tteokbokki at 2 a.m. or a refreshing gimbap after a long day of sightseeing, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.
Of course, with so many options, it can be a bit overwhelming to know where to start. But that’s part of the fun – wandering the streets, letting your nose and your curiosity guide you, and discovering new and unexpected flavors around every turn.
And let me tell you, Hotel Stayin in Seoul is the perfect home base for this culinary adventure. Conveniently located in the heart of the city, it puts you within easy reach of all the best street food hotspots. Plus, the friendly staff can offer up insider tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your gastronomic explorations.
So pack your appetite and your sense of adventure, and get ready to dive headfirst into the vibrant, flavorful world of Seoul’s street food scene. Trust me, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
