One of the best ways to experience true Korean culture is through its street food. When the sun goes down, the streets of Seoul transform into a giant outdoor kitchen filled with delicious smells and neon lights.

If you’re visiting Korea, here are the must-try street foods you’ll find at every night market!

---

1. Tteokbokki and Eomuk (Spicy Rice Cakes & Fish Cakes)

This is the ultimate street food duo. Tteokbokki is chewy rice cakes in a sweet and spicy red sauce. Pair it with a cup of hot Eomuk (fish cake) broth, which is usually free when you buy a stick of fish cake. It’s the perfect snack to warm you up!

2. Hotteok: The Sweet Dessert Pancake

If you have a sweet tooth, you must find a Hotteok stand. It’s a pan-fried pancake filled with melted brown sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes nuts. Be careful—the filling is very hot, but it’s absolutely worth it!

3. Gwangjang Market: The Heaven of Mung Bean Pancakes

For a more traditional experience, head to Gwangjang Market. It’s famous for Bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) fried in huge pans. Watching the vendors grind the beans on a stone mill is part of the fun!

4. Creative Snacks: Tornado Potatoes and Egg Bread

Korean street food is also very creative. Try the Tornado Potato (a whole potato spiral-cut on a stick) or Gyeran-ppang (sweet egg bread). They are not only delicious but also very “Instagrammable.”

5. Cash or Card?

While many stalls in big areas like Myeongdong now accept cards, many traditional market vendors still prefer cash or bank transfers. It’s always a good idea to keep some small bills (1,000 to 5,000 KRW) in your pocket!

---

Which of these street foods would you try first? Have you ever visited a Korean night market? Let me know in the comments!