10 Popular Korean Winter Street Foods to Try (and Where to Find Them)
South Korea is famous for its vibrant street food culture, and winter is one of the most rewarding seasons to experience it. When the air turns cold, street stalls feel less like quick snack stops and more like tiny shelters: steam rises from broth pots, grills crackle, and vendors work fast with gloved hands. It is hard to ignore the smell of roasted chestnuts or the sight of hotteok browning in a pan.
This guide introduces 10 winter-friendly street foods that are easy to find in Seoul, Busan, and many smaller cities. You will also find practical notes—what each item tastes like, how spicy it is, and where it is commonly sold—so street food feels approachable rather than intimidating.
1) Hotteok (호떡) – Sweet Korean Pancakes
Hotteok is one of the most iconic winter snacks in Korea. A round dough disk is filled (usually) with brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped peanuts or seeds, then pan-fried until the outside turns crisp. The filling melts into a hot syrup, so the first bite is always a careful one. In tourist areas you might see creative versions with cheese or honey, but the classic cinnamon-sugar hotteok is still the winter standard. For the best texture, eat it within a minute or two of receiving it.
2) Eomuk (어묵) – Korean Fish Cake Skewers
Eomuk—often called “odeng” in everyday conversation—is a winter staple because it comes with hot broth. Fish cakes are skewered, simmered, and served in a paper cup. Many stalls offer a small cup of the broth, and people sip it between bites to warm up. Flavor-wise it is mild and savory, which makes it a good option for travelers who do not eat spicy food. If you avoid seafood, remember that fish cake is a processed seafood product.
3) Tteokbokki (떡볶이) – Spicy Rice Cakes
Tteokbokki is one of Korea’s best-known street foods: chewy rice cakes cooked in a red, gochujang-based sauce that is spicy and slightly sweet. In winter, people often crave it because it feels warming in a very direct way. Many stalls serve tteokbokki alongside fried snacks, fish cakes, or boiled eggs, so it is easy to build a small “street-food plate.” If you are unsure about spice, start with a small portion first; heat levels vary a lot by stall.
4) Gungoguma (군고구마) – Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Roasted sweet potatoes are sold from small carts or trucks, and the smell is part of why they sell so well. Korean sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, soft, and dense, so even one can feel like a light meal. They are also easy to carry and eat while walking. Vendors often sell them by size or weight, and the larger ones are especially comforting on windy nights.
5) Bungeoppang (붕어빵) – Fish-Shaped Pastry
Bungeoppang is a fish-shaped pastry cooked in a mold and filled most commonly with sweet red bean paste. Custard and chocolate fillings are also common, especially near schools and university areas. The outside is thin and lightly crisp, while the inside stays warm and soft. Because it is made in batches, you may see people waiting for the next round to finish—freshness matters here.
6) Gyeranppang (계란빵) – Egg Bread
Gyeranppang is a small bread baked with a whole egg on top. It tastes mildly sweet and slightly savory, and it is more filling than most snacks on this list. Some stalls add corn, ham, or cheese, but the simple version is the easiest to find. Because it is baked in a hot mold, it is often served very warm—exactly what you want when your hands are cold.
7) Dakgangjeong (닭강정) – Sweet Crispy Fried Chicken
Dakgangjeong is bite-sized fried chicken coated in a glossy sauce that is usually sweet and sometimes mildly spicy. It is crunchy, sticky, and easy to share, which is why it appears often in markets. In winter, it stays satisfying even when eaten outdoors because the glaze keeps it from drying out quickly. If you prefer less heat, look for soy-sauce style options or ask which sauce is mild.
8) Hoppang (호빵) – Steamed Buns
Hoppang is a soft steamed bun that appears everywhere in winter, from street stalls to convenience stores. Classic fillings include red bean paste, vegetables, and meat; modern variations can include pizza-style fillings. If you are vegetarian, the vegetable filling is usually the safest option, but labels can vary—when in doubt, ask. Hoppang is also one of the easiest snacks to eat on the move because it is not messy.
9) Roasted Chestnuts and Peanuts (군밤 & 땅콩)
Roasted chestnuts and peanuts are traditional winter snacks sold from small street carts. The smoky aroma is unmistakable and tends to travel far in cold air. Chestnuts are sweet and soft, while peanuts are more savory and crunchy. If you buy chestnuts, you may receive a small bag of shells too—trash bins are not always nearby, so plan accordingly.
10) Dalgona (달고나) – Korean Sugar Candy
 |
Dalgona is a traditional sugar candy made by melting sugar and adding a small pinch of baking soda, creating a light, airy texture. In some tourist areas you may see dalgona stalls where visitors carve shapes from the candy, but dalgona also exists as a simple nostalgic treat. It is sweet, brittle, and often inexpensive, which makes it a fun “one-time try” even if you normally prefer savory snacks.
Why Korean Winter Street Food Feels Different
What makes winter street food special is not only the menu, but the setting. Cold weather changes how people eat: you want something quick, warm, and easy to hold. Stalls are often arranged so customers can stand close to the heat source, and the rhythm feels communal—people queue, eat a few bites, then step aside so the next person can move in. For many locals, this is part of everyday winter life rather than a special event.
How to Order and Eat Like a Local (Simple Tips)
Ordering is usually straightforward. If you are unsure, pointing and saying “igeo hana juseyo” (one of this, please) works in most places. Cash is widely accepted, and card payment is increasingly common in cities, but some small carts still prefer cash. Street food is typically eaten standing up, and bins can be limited, so keeping a small bag for wrappers is helpful. If you buy broth-based food like eomuk, be careful with hot cups—winter gloves can reduce grip and make spills easier.
A small etiquette note: many stalls have a narrow standing area, so people tend to eat quickly and make space for others. If you need extra time (for example, if you are traveling with children), it is usually easier to step a few meters away rather than staying directly in front of the stall.
Best Places to Try Winter Street Food
- Myeongdong (Seoul) – popular for variety and easy access, especially for first-time visitors
- Gwangjang Market (Seoul) – a classic traditional market atmosphere with many long-running food vendors
- Hongdae area (Seoul) – youthful neighborhoods with late-evening snack options
- BIFF Square (Busan) – one of Busan’s best-known street-food areas
- Local neighborhood markets – often less crowded and a good place to see everyday, non-touristy options
Final Thoughts
Korean winter street food is an easy way to experience everyday culture. You do not need reservations or a strict plan—just follow the aromas and choose one warm snack at a time. Whether you prefer sweet hotteok, savory eomuk broth, or spicy tteokbokki, winter is the season when these foods feel most comforting. If you visit Korea during the cold months, set aside one evening to wander a market street and try two or three items back-to-back. It captures the winter mood in a very direct way.
