When it comes to traveling to Korea, is it shopping? K-POP? Or beauty? Of course, all are attractive, but a “food trip” is an experience you definitely cannot miss!
In particular, street food is the perfect way to enjoy delicious treats at a low cost while soaking in the local atmosphere.
This time, we will introduce in detail the Korean street foods that are especially popular among Japanese tourists!
What makes Korean street food so appealing?
As you walk through the streets of Korea, the savory aromas greet you everywhere.
Street food stalls are a must-see in tourist areas like Myeongdong and Hongdae in Seoul, or Nampo-dong in Busan, filling the streets with a theme-park-like energy!
Moreover, many items are priced around 1,000–5,000 KRW (about 100–500 JPY), making them a great value for money.
The unique sauces and toppings, along with the sweet and slightly spicy seasonings that are hard to find in Japan, perfectly suit Japanese tastes.
Many dishes also look great on social media, leading to a surge of posts with the hashtag “#KoreanFood”!
Extremely Popular Among Japanese Tourists! 8 Must-Try Korean Street Foods
Here, we introduce street foods that are especially popular among Japanese tourists.
We’ve carefully summarized how to eat them, recommended spots, and important points to keep in mind!
① Tteokbokki
A classic Korean street food with a sweet and spicy sauce!
Chewy Korean rice cakes are simmered in a gochujang-based sauce, creating an authentic snack.
For those who can’t handle too much spice, cheese toppings or cream tteokbokki are recommended.
Recently, various variations like jajang (black bean) tteokbokki and rose tteokbokki have become popular.
Price: Around 3,000–5,000 KRW
Recommended spots: Myeongdong, Gwangjang Market, near Hongdae
Note: Spice levels vary by shop, so try saying “Please make it not spicy!”
② Hotteok
A warm dessert perfect for the cold season!
The dough is filled with brown sugar, nuts, and cinnamon, crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.
Recently, variations like cheese hotteok or pizza-style hotteok have appeared, including less sweet versions.
Price: 1,000–2,000 KRW
Recommended spots: Namdaemun Market, Insadong, Gwangjang Market
Tip: Since it’s fried in oil, it’s very hot! Be careful not to burn yourself.
③ Gimbap
Similar to Japanese maki, but with Korean-style ingredients and flavors!
Korean gimbap is rice and various fillings rolled in seaweed.
Typical fillings include rolled omelet, pickled radish, spinach, carrots, fish cake, and sausage.
Bite-sized and easy to eat, it’s perfect for breakfast or a light snack.
Price: 2,500–4,000 KRW
Popular varieties: Tuna mayo gimbap, cheese gimbap, bulgogi gimbap
Notable evolutions: Jumeokbap (rice balls) and nude gimbap (rice on the outside) are also popular!
④ Dakgangjeong
Fried chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce—so addictive you won’t be able to stop!
Korean-style fried chicken is crispier than Japanese karaage, with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
At street stalls, it’s often served in cups, making it easy to eat while walking.
Price: From 4,000 KRW (small size)
Popular spots: Around Hongdae Station, Konkuk University area, Busan BIFF Square
Variations include cheese powder or honey mustard toppings!
⑤ Cheese Hot Dog
Stretchy cheese is a huge hit! Perfect for Instagram-worthy photos!
Made by wrapping a sausage and mozzarella cheese in glutinous rice dough and deep-frying it.
When you bite in, the cheese stretches—making it a signature “visual feast” menu.
Some versions are coated with sugar for a sweet and salty addictive flavor.
Price: 3,000–5,000 KRW
Highlight: Fried fresh to order, so you can enjoy it hot!
Recommended phrase: “Cheese mani juseyo” → “Please add lots of cheese”
⑥ Sundae (Korean Blood Sausage)
A bit for the adventurous, but incredibly addictive!
Made by steaming pig intestines stuffed with glass noodles or glutinous rice. The appearance can surprise first-timers, but the chewy texture and surprisingly mild flavor are its charm.
Usually eaten dipped in salt or gochujang (red chili paste) sauce.
Price: 3,000–5,000 KRW
A divisive food—people either love it or don’t—but once you like it, it’s addictive!
There’s also a mixed sundae with other offal, giving an authentic local experience.
⑦ Jeon (Korean Pancake)
Crispy and savory! Perfect as a drinking snack.
Similar to Japanese okonomiyaki, it’s made with a variety of ingredients like green onions, seafood, and kimchi, served with a soy-based dipping sauce.
On rainy days, “jeon + makgeolli (rice wine)” is a classic Korean combo!
Price: Around 3,000–5,000 KRW per piece
Popular types: Haemul jeon (seafood pancake), Kimchi jeon
The Jeon Alley at Gwangjang Market in Seoul is a must-visit spot, often with lines of people waiting!
⑧ Eomuk (Fish Cake)
Fish cakes soaked in broth, soft and heartwarming.
Skewered fish cakes are served with hot broth.
Many stalls offer self-refillable broth, keeping you warm from the inside out.
Price: About 1,000 KRW per piece
Tip: Softer than Japanese oden, typically enjoyed by dipping in a slightly spicy sauce.
In Myeongdong or Dongdaemun street stalls, some places even provide the broth for free!
“Street Food” Cautions and Tips for Japanese Tourists
Korean street food is generally cheap and delicious, but there are a few points to be aware of.
● Pay attention to hygiene
In major tourist areas, hygiene is usually well maintained, but in less crowded spots, caution is needed.
Avoid undercooked or cold food for safety.
● Check the spiciness level
What is considered “medium spicy” in Japan can be quite hot in Korea.
If you’re worried, ask: “Do you have a non-spicy option?”
● Cash is convenient for payment
Many street food stalls now accept cards or mobile payments, but in rural areas, cash may be the only option.
Having plenty of 5,000 KRW and 1,000 KRW bills is recommended for peace of mind.
Tips to Enjoy Street Food 100%
✔ 3–5 PM is relatively less crowded, so it’s recommended.
✔ Try to choose stalls where locals are lining up.
✔ Sharing small portions of several items is ideal.
✔ Before taking photos, asking “May I take a picture?” shows politeness.
Summary: Enjoy Street Food to the Fullest on Your Trip to Korea!
Korean street food is affordable, quick, delicious, and full of fun—making it one of the best experiences for travelers.
Tteokbokki and hotteok enjoyed amidst the lively atmosphere of tourist spots, the smiles of people, and the savory scents will surely become unforgettable memories.
On your next trip to Korea, be sure to fully enjoy the authentic street food!
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