When the temperatures drop, Koreans turn to street snacks to keep warm and satisfy cravings.
Here are 7 Korean winter snacks ranked by popularity!
Quick Summary
- You can try these delicious winter treats at street carts, markets, and convenience stores.
- While some street vendors take credit cards or use online banking, most places are cash only. Many Koreans withdraw cash in winter for this reason!
1. Bungeoppang
The king of winter street food is Bungeoppang without a doubt.
In Korean, it literally means “crucian carp bread” but refers to a fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste.
Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, this snack is a nostalgic favorite among Koreans of all ages.
Modern variations include fillings like custard or Nutella. They even have pizza, corn cheese, and sweet potato flavors. But the classic red bean remains unbeatable.
2. Eomuk
Steaming Eomuk (fishcake) skewers in savory broth are the ultimate snack to warm you up.
Street vendors serve it with a cup of hot broth, which is perfect for sipping in winter.
Dipping in some soy sauce or spicy tteokbokki sauce gives an extra kick.
Eomuk costs only a few cents per skewer with complimentary broth.
Busan and the southern areas offer a unique version of rice cake skewer (water tteok) as well as a konjac version for those on a diet!
3. Hotteok
Hotteok is a warm, sweet pancake stuffed with a gooey mix of brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts.
Crispy on the outside and molten inside, it’s a must-try winter snack for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Street vendors are experts at cooking these to perfection. But it’s easy to pan-fry premade ones at home or make from scratch with a hotteok mix from grocery stores like H Mart.
Another version originating from Busan is Ssiat Hotteok (seed hotteok). It’s filled with seeds and nuts such as sunflower and pumpkin seeds, or almonds and walnuts.
4. Gungoguma
Pronounced as “goon-goguma”, roasted sweet potatoes are a simple yet comforting winter treat.
Vendors roast them in large iron barrels, giving them a smoky, caramelized flavor.
Convenience stores also sell them, but they’re best enjoyed outdoors.
Naturally sweet and filling, Gungoguma is a must for camping in South Korea.
5. Gyeranppang
It’s better in winter.
A winter snack for egg lovers!
Gyeranppang is an egg bread that combines a sweet, cake-like batter with a whole egg baked right in the middle.
Its fluffy texture and savory-sweet balance make it a decent snack to warm you up from the inside out.
Gyeranppang will prevent you from getting hangry walking around in Seoul. Some people may find its sweet note a bit strange though.
6. Gunbam
Pronounced “goon-bahm”, Gunbam or roasted chestnuts are simply the best in winter.
Street vendors fill the city with a smoky aroma with freshly roasted chestnuts.
Their nutty, naturally sweet taste makes them a healthier snack option compared to others.
Since it’s not as common as other snacks on the street, make sure to get one when you spot it.
7. Hoppang
For a snack that feels like a warm hug, Hoppang is the way to go.
These steamed buns are stuffed with red bean, vegetables, or meat. They also have pizza flavors!
Sold in convenience stores across the country, Hoppang is a perfect on-the-go snack for cold days.
If you visit Korea during winter, check out these snacks at local markets or on your way to your hotel at night.
Enjoy Korean winter snacks and stay warm!
