Food Guide
Trying Local Street Snacks in South Korea During the Winter Months
Irene
January 23, 2024
One of the most integral aspects of any travel experience is undoubtedly the exploration of local street food. These humble stalls and vendors tell stories through their dishes, offering a taste of tradition, history, and the heartbeat of a community. Engaging with street vendors provides an authentic and unfiltered glimpse into a community's gastronomic traditions, often passed down through generations. Conversations with these vendors reveal the stories behind the recipes, transforming a simple meal into a cultural exchange.
If you're visiting South Korea in the winter months these are the most traditional Korean street snacks that'll keep you warm and belly satisfied!
Bungeoppang (붕어빵) is a popular winter street food that has become a beloved snack for locals and visitors alike. Translating to "carp-shaped bread" in English, this treat is named after its distinct fish-shaped appearance.
The outer layer of bungeoppang is a sweet, crispy shell made from a pancake-like batter. The inside is filled with a variety of delectable fillings, with the most common being sweet red bean paste (팥, "pat"). This combination of a slightly crunchy exterior and a warm, gooey interior creates a delightful texture that makes bungeoppang a favorite among locals.
Traditionally, the mold used to make this snack was designed to mimic a fish, symbolizing good luck and prosperity in Korean culture. Today, you can find variations with different fillings such as custard, chocolate, sweet potato, or even cheese, providing a modern twist to this classic street food.
Hotteok (호떡) is a popular street food known for its sweet and crispy characteristics. This delicious treat is essentially a type of deep-fried Korean pancake with a sweet and gooey filling.
The main components of hotteok include a soft and chewy dough made from wheat flour, water, milk, and sugar. The dough is typically leavened, creating a fluffy texture when cooked. The filling is what sets hotteok apart – it usually consists of a mixture of brown sugar, honey, chopped peanuts, and cinnamon. Some variations may include additional ingredients such as seeds or even sweet red bean paste.
Gunbam (군밤) refers to roasted chestnuts, a popular and cherished snack in Korean culinary culture. These chestnuts are commonly enjoyed during the autumn and winter months, providing a warm and nutty treat for those seeking a comforting street food experience.
The aroma of gunbam being roasted is a familiar and nostalgic scent, especially in outdoor markets and street corners during the colder seasons. Vendors often sell them in paper bags, keeping the gunbam warm and convenient for those looking to enjoy them while strolling through the streets or parks.
Gunbam is not just a delicious snack; it also holds cultural significance in Korea. The tradition of roasting chestnuts dates back centuries, and the practice is often associated with family gatherings, festivals, and the joyous atmosphere of the holiday season.
Gungoguma (군고구마) refers to roasted sweet potatoes, a popular and cherished street food in Korea. This delightful snack is particularly enjoyed during the colder months, providing a warm and naturally sweet treat for those seeking comfort and sustenance.
The preparation of gungoguma involves roasting sweet potatoes until they develop a caramelized and slightly crispy exterior. Vendors often use special ovens or open flames for the roasting process, ensuring that the sweet potatoes are cooked to perfection. The result is a snack with a tender and flavorful interior, complemented by a sweet and smoky outer layer, not to mention the irresistible smell. You can even purchase roasted sweet potatoes at some convenience stores in South Korea.
Tteokbokki (떡볶이) is an iconic Korean street food that has gained popularity both locally and internationally. This mouthwatering dish consists of garaetteok, cylindrical rice cakes, stir-fried in a sweet and spicy gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) sauce, along with some other ingredients like cream and cheese.
The primary ingredient, garaetteok, provides a chewy and satisfying texture to tteokbokki. The sauce, made from gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, and sometimes fish cakes, brings together a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Tteokbokki is a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
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Sundae (순대), pronounced 'soon-dae', is a type of Korean blood sausage. Despite the name being the same as the frozen dessert, Korean sundae is quite different—it is a savory dish made from a mixture of ingredients, including pig's blood, sweet potato starch noodles (dangmyeon), and various seasonings.
The preparation of sundae involves stuffing the mixture into a casing, traditionally made from pig intestines. Once filled, the sausage is steamed or boiled until fully cooked. The result is a chewy and flavorful sausage.
Another common variation is Sundae Guk (순대국), where sliced sundae is added to a hearty soup served with rice on the side. This variation provides a warm and comforting meal.
While sundae may sound unusual to those unfamiliar with blood sausage, it is a beloved street food in South Korea often sold at Pojangmacha or Bunsik vendors. It's a dish that showcases the creativity and resourcefulness of Korean cuisine, turning humble ingredients into a flavorful and satisfying delicacy enjoyed by locals and adventurous eaters alike.
Eomuk (어묵) or Odeng (오뎅), refers to fish cakes, often sold along side tteokbokki and sundae. Originating from Korean and Japanese culinary traditions, eomuk has become a staple in street food markets, offering a flavorful and convenient snack for locals and visitors.
Eomuk is typically made from a processed fish paste that is seasoned, shaped into various forms, and then cooked. The most common presentation is a tubular or rectangular shape resembling a fish cake. Vendors skewer these fish cakes onto sticks, creating a convenient and portable snack that's easy to enjoy while walking through bustling markets or along the streets. The soup that it's cooked in is also a tasty treasure you don't want to miss out on!
Gyeranppang (계란빵) is a popular Korean street food that translates to "egg bread." This delightful snack is a unique fusion of sweet and savory flavors.
The key feature of gyeranppang is its egg-centric preparation. The snack consists of a small, sweet pastry filled with a half-cooked egg. The dough is often a soft and slightly sweet batter, akin to that of a sponge cake. It surrounds the partially cooked egg, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
Bindaetteok (빈대떡) is a popular Korean pancake made from ground mung beans and various vegetables. This savory pancake is a delicious and versatile dish that is enjoyed as a street food snack, a side dish, or even as a main course.
The main ingredient, mung beans, is ground into a batter and mixed with ingredients such as kimchi, bean sprouts, green onions, and sometimes pork or beef. The batter is then pan-fried until it becomes golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside. The result is a flavorful and satisfying pancake with a combination of textures and tastes.
Bindaetteok is often served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and sometimes a touch of sugar or sesame oil. The sauce complements the savory and slightly nutty flavor of the pancake, enhancing the overall dining experience.
This dish is commonly enjoyed during various occasions, including celebrations and family gatherings. It is also a popular street food item, with vendors often cooking bindaetteok on griddles at outdoor markets, creating an enticing aroma that attracts passersby.
Bindaetteok is not only appreciated for its delicious taste but also for its cultural significance. It is associated with traditional Korean holidays, such as Chuseok (Korean harvest festival), where families come together to make and share this special pancake.
Whether enjoyed as a snack on the go or as part of a festive meal, bindaetteok showcases the rich culinary heritage of Korea and the art of combining simple ingredients to create a dish that is both comforting and flavorful.
Trying local street food isn't just an optional side dish to your travels; it is the main course of your cultural experience. It's a journey that transcends the limitations of language, connecting people through the universal language of food. So, the next time you find yourself in a new destination, be sure to venture beyond the tourist hotspots and explore the vibrant tapestry of flavors that local street vendors have to offer. After all, the most enduring memories are often made with a bite of something extraordinary from a street vendor halfway across the world.
