Top 16 Seoul Street Foods by Season

Discover what locals actually snack on—season by season, market by market.

Seoul’s street food scene shifts with the weather. In spring and fall you’ll see more light, crispy bites; in summer, chilled snacks; in winter, warm hand‑held comfort. Use this as a foodie map for markets like Dongmyo, Dongdaemun, Gwangjang, Myeongdong, Namdaemun, and Hongdae.

 Spring (5)

• Korean Corn Dog (핫도그) — A must-try modern classic. These aren’t your typical hot dogs; they’re coated in breadcrumbs, potato cubes, or even ramen noodles, then filled with sausage, mozzarella, or both. Finished with sugar, ketchup, and mustard for that unmistakable Korean twist.
  Where: Myeongdong, Hongdae, Dongdaemun night streets
• Tteok-kkochi (떡꼬치) — Griddled rice-cake skewers brushed with sweet‑spicy sauce.
  Where: Myeongdong, Hongdae, Dongdaemun night rows
• Twigim Mix (튀김) — Korean tempura (sweet potato, squid, peppers) dipped in tteokbokki sauce.
  Where: Gwangjang Market, Dongdaemun carts
• Eomuk Cups (어묵) — Sip the savory broth; breezy-day favorite.
  Where: Namdaemun Market, subway-exit carts
• Hodugwaja (호두과자) — Walnut-shaped cakes with red bean & walnut bits.
  Where: Namdaemun, Insadong stands

Golden brown Korean corn dogs , neatly stacked on skewers at a street food stall in Seoul. These crispy snacks, loved by both locals and tourists, are one of the most iconic treats you’ll find in Korea’s bustling markets and food alleys.

A bustling Korean street food stall offering a variety of popular snacks: glazed fried chicken bites, crispy shrimp tempura served in cups, skewers of squid and chicken, and other golden-fried treats. These vibrant displays are a staple at Seoul’s night markets , attracting both locals and tourists looking for a quick, flavorful bite.

Summer (4)

• Naengmyeon-in-a-Cup — Cold noodles in a cup; quick and refreshing.
  Where: Around Dongdaemun & festival pop-ups
• Bingsu-to-go (빙수) — Portable shaved ice with fruit or injeolmi.
  Where: Myeongdong alleys, Hongdae café streets, Some on the go Franchinse cafes
• Steamed Corn (찐옥수수) — Simple, lightly salted, naturally sweet.
  Where: Dongmyo → Dongdaemun walkway, riverside stands
• Cold Sikhye / Misugaru — Sweet rice punch or multi‑grain shake; hydrating.
  Where: Seoul Folk Flea Market, Namdaemun drink stalls

Autumn (3)

• Bungeoppang (붕어빵) — Crispy shell, warm red‑bean filling.
  Where: Hongdae, neighborhood corners
• Gyeranppang (계란빵) — Fluffy mini loaves with a whole egg.
  Where: Myeongdong, Jongno street carts
• Hot Bar (핫바) — Fried fish‑paste bars with cheese or chili.
  Where: Gwangjang side lanes, Dongdaemun night stalls

Bungeoppang (붕어빵) is a popular Korean street snack shaped like a fish, usually filled with sweet red bean paste. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, it is especially beloved during winter and sold at street stalls across Korea.

Winter (4)

• Hotteok (호떡) — Caramel‑syrup‑filled pancakes (seeds or cinnamon).
  Where: Myeongdong, Dongdaemun→Dongmyo route, traditional markets
• Gun-goguma (군고구마) — Charcoal‑roasted sweet potatoes in paper bags.
  Where: Near DDP, subway exits
• Tornado Potato — Spiral fries dusted with flavored powders.
  Where: Myeongdong, Hongdae, Dongdaeumun
• Odeng + Hot Broth — Deep-winter joy is half the broth.
  Where: Citywide steaming silver vats

A close-up of a Korean hotteok (호떡), a sweet pancake filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and sunflower seeds. The crispy golden-brown outside contrasts with the gooey, nutty filling inside, making it a popular Korean winter street food.

A large pot of Korean street food odeng (fish cake skewers) simmering in hot broth, alongside fresh crab, mussels, and vegetables. This comforting winter snack is a popular street food, often enjoyed with spicy tteokbokki or a cup of hot soup.

 Quick Market Map

• Thrift + Snacks: Dongmyo Flea Market → Seoul Folk Flea Market
• Classic Must‑Trys: Gwangjang (bindaetteok, mayak gimbap), Namdaemun old‑school carts
• Tourist‑friendly Rows: Myeongdong, Hongdae, Dongdaemun night streets

Pro Tips

• Carry small cash; many carts are cash‑preferred.
• Season matters: steamed corn & cold drinks (summer), hotteok/bungeoppang (winter).
• Go early evening for the best energy (and shorter lines on weekdays).

 

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