Korean street food has made a bold entrance onto the global culinary stage. From sizzling skewers in Seoul to crunchy corn dogs in New York City, these dishes have earned legions of fans for their bold flavors, comforting textures, and undeniable visual appeal. Whether you’re wandering through Gwangjang Market or scrolling TikTok for late-night food inspiration, Korean snacks and bites offer a flavorful bridge between tradition and trend.
Here’s a guide to must-try Korean street foods and where to find them—from Seoul’s alleys to Korean-American hotspots in the U.S.
- Hotteok (Sweet Korean Pancakes)
A winter street food classic, hotteok is a chewy, griddled pancake stuffed with brown sugar, cinnamon, and crushed peanuts. The filling caramelizes as it cooks, creating a gooey center surrounded by a golden, crispy crust.
Where to try it:
- Seoul: Gwangjang Market or Namdaemun Street vendors
- Los Angeles: Koreatown Plaza vendors sell authentic versions in winter
- Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)
This iconic dish of chewy rice cakes simmered in a fiery red gochujang-based sauce is everywhere in Korea—and now in many U.S. cities too. Add-ons often include fish cakes, boiled eggs, ramen, or cheese.
Where to try it:
- Seoul: Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town
- NYC: Bokki Seoul Food specializes in modern takes on tteokbokki
Explore more: Thrillist’s Best Korean Spots in America
- Korean Corn Dogs
Arguably one of Korea’s most viral exports, these battered-and-fried snacks often come coated in sugar, rolled in potato cubes or ramen noodles, and stuffed with cheese or sausage. They’re crisp, stretchy, and wildly addictive.
Where to try it:
- Seoul: Myungrang Hot Dog (franchise)
- NYC: Oh K-Dog in Koreatown
- Houston: Two Hands Corn Dogs (also in LA, Atlanta, and more)
- Eomuk (Fish Cake Skewers)
Served in steaming broth with spicy dipping sauce, these fish cakes are folded accordion-style on skewers and sold everywhere from subway stations to street carts in Korea.
Where to try it:
- Seoul: Myeongdong night market
- NYC: Woorijip offers fish cake soup in grab-and-go format
- LA: Ahgassi Gopchang sometimes includes fish cake appetizers on their late-night menu
- Bungeoppang (Fish-Shaped Waffles)
A dessert favorite, bungeoppang is a crispy, fish-shaped pastry filled with red bean paste, custard, or Nutella. It’s a nostalgic treat for many Koreans and gaining popularity in the U.S.
Where to try it:
- Seoul: Found in most subway stations during winter
- NYC: Mochi Dolci in Manhattan offers a mochi-style variation
- Gimbap (Korean Seaweed Rice Rolls)
Sometimes called the Korean cousin of sushi, gimbap features rice, pickled vegetables, and protein wrapped in seaweed, often sliced into bite-sized rounds. It’s a portable and filling street snack.
Where to try it:
- Seoul: Vendors in Hongdae or near university areas
- NYC: Jongro Gimbap is a go-to in Koreatown
- Dakkochi (Grilled Chicken Skewers)
These skewers of tender, marinated chicken glazed with soy-garlic or spicy sauces are grilled over open flames, giving them a smoky, caramelized exterior.
Where to try it:
- Seoul: Insadong and Dongdaemun night markets
- NYC: Pocha 32 serves grilled skewers alongside soju cocktails
Final Thoughts: Street food, global stage
What started in the alleys and markets of Korea has now landed on international menus and TikTok feeds. From sweet pancakes to spicy rice cakes, Korean street food blends tradition with trend—making it one of the most exciting culinary categories to explore today.
If you’re craving bold flavor, comforting textures, and a bit of cultural adventure, skip the chains and seek out a Korean food truck, night market, or hole-in-the-wall spot near you.
