How Koreans’ Culture of Respect Creates Exceptional Public Safety

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If someone left their tablet and phone and went to the restroom, what are the chances that they would still be there when they return? Introduction: Why Is Korea Considered a Safe Country? Dear readers, hello! Today, I would like to share some insights about public safety and law enforcement in South Korea. Let's get started. For anyone planning a trip, the very first thing to check is public safety . Of course, breathtaking tourist attractions, delicious food, and diverse cultural experiences are important. But the foundation of all these joys is safety . Especially for Korean travelers preparing for trips to Europe or South America, one of the biggest concerns is the prevalence of pickpocketing and theft. Indeed, countless travel videos filmed by Korean YouTubers abroad often capture such incidents unintentionally, showing how common they are in daily life in some countries. In contrast, public spaces in Korea provide foreign visitors with a truly unique experience. The idea t...

Top 10 Seoul Street Snacks: From Timeless Traditions to the Latest Trends


Vendor-choosing-steamed buns-and-dumplings at Namdaemun Market

A vendor at Namdaemun Market in Seoul selecting steamed buns and dumplings from a display.






Introduction: The True Highlight of a Seoul Trip


Greetings, dear readers. Today, I’d like to share a light introduction to Seoul’s street food.

Seoul is more than just a large metropolitan city. It’s a place where traditional hanok houses stand alongside towering skyscrapers, where bustling traditional markets coexist with cutting-edge shopping malls, and where four distinct seasons create ever-changing scenery and flavors.

But perhaps the most vivid way to experience the city is by walking its streets and enjoying a snack in hand. In particular, Seoul street snacks offer a multi-sensory experience—taste, aroma, sound, and even the warmth of human interaction.

For locals, these snacks are small everyday pleasures; for visitors, they are often a highlight of the trip. Generations of Koreans still share memories of buying spicy tteokbokki for just a few coins after school in the 1970s and 80s, or sipping a steaming cup of fish cake broth on a chilly evening after work. Street snacks in Seoul are, in many ways, edible pieces of the city’s history and culture.


The Unique Charm of Seoul Street Snacks

A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

Seoul’s street snack scene is a perfect blend of the old and the new. While staples like hotteok, bungeoppang, and tteokbokki remain beloved across generations, newer trends—such as cheese-filled hot dogs, gourmet food truck fare, and Instagram-worthy dessert crepes—constantly refresh the culinary landscape.

Accessibility for Everyone

From subway exits to university neighborhoods, tourist hotspots to traditional markets, these snacks are everywhere. With most items priced between 1,500 and 5,000 KRW (roughly $1–$4), they’re an affordable treat for all.

A Key Part of Tourism

According to the Seoul Tourism Organization (2024), 72% of international visitors to Seoul participated in a “street snack tour,” making it one of the top spending categories after accommodation and shopping.


Must-Try Traditional Seoul Street Snacks

Hotteok – Sweet Comfort for the Winter

  • History: Popularized in the late 1970s, hotteok stands became a winter fixture in markets like Myeongdong, Namdaemun, and Gwangjang Market.

  • Flavor Profile: Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, with fillings of brown sugar, nuts, seeds, and cinnamon.

  • Price: 1,500–2,500 KRW ($1–$2)

  • Tip: Try the famous “seed hotteok” at Gwangjang Market for an extra nutty crunch.

Eomuk (Fish Cake Skewers) – A Cup of Warmth

  • History: Originated in Busan in the 1950s, but rose to prominence in Seoul alongside the pojangmacha (street cart) culture of the 1970s and 80s.

  • Flavor Profile: Served in a light, savory broth made from anchovies and kelp, often with free refills.

  • Best Spots: Jongno street stalls, Cheonggyecheon Stream area.

Bungeoppang – The Fish-Shaped Treat

  • History: Introduced from Japan’s taiyaki in the 1930s.

  • Modern Variations: Classic red bean filling, custard cream, chocolate, sweet potato, and even mini-sized versions.

  • Price: 2,000–3,000 KRW for 3 pieces.

Gyeran-ppang – Egg Bread

A winter favorite: soft, slightly sweet bread with a whole egg baked inside. Found near Deoksugung Palace, Jonggak Station, and university districts.


Modern & Global Street Snacks in Seoul

Cheese Hot Dogs

  • What Makes It Special: A crisp golden batter encasing a long stretch of gooey mozzarella cheese.

  • Toppings: Sugar, ketchup, mustard, or sweet chili sauce.

  • Hotspots: Myeongdong, Hongdae Walking Street.

  • Price: 3,000–5,000 KRW ($2–$4)

Crepes & Waffles

  • Japanese-style Crepes: Filled with fresh strawberries, bananas, and whipped cream.

  • Belgian Waffles: Topped with chocolate, nuts, and seasonal fruits.

  • Best Areas: Garosu-gil, Yeonnam-dong.

Global Food Truck Favorites

At Seoul’s night markets, you can find an array of international street food—Mexican tacos, American burgers, Taiwanese fried chicken (jipai), Thai mango sticky rice, and more.


Top 6 Seoul Street Snack Hotspots

1. Gwangjang Market

  • Signature Snacks: “Mayak” gimbap (addictively seasoned mini seaweed rice rolls), mung bean pancakes, yukhoe (seasoned raw beef with pear).

  • Vibe: A 100-year-old traditional market bustling with both locals and tourists.

2. Myeongdong Shopping Street

3. Hongdae Walking Street

  • Snacks: Steak-in-a-cup, churros, takoyaki.

  • Street performances and youthful energy enhance the experience.

4. Namdaemun Market

  • Traditional Fare: Galchi hotteok (made with sliced fish), handmade kalguksu noodles, warm noodle soups.

  • Popular with locals for its affordable prices.

5. Banpo Hangang Night Market

  • Seasonal food trucks with a scenic riverside view.

  • Operates mainly in spring and autumn.

6. Cheonggyecheon Night Market

  • A mix of traditional Korean and international snacks.

  • Ideal for combining a night stroll with tasty bites.


Insider Tips for Enjoying Seoul Street Snacks

  • Carry Cash: Some vendors still do not accept cards.

  • Timing Matters: Weekday afternoons are less crowded; avoid peak hours on weekends.

  • Check Cleanliness: Observe the cooking area and freshness of ingredients.

  • Use Social Media: Search hashtags like #SeoulStreetFood or #SeoulNightMarket to find trending stalls.


Suggested Snack + Sightseeing Itineraries

  1. Myeongdong Shopping → Street Snack Tour → Namsan Tower Night View

  2. Gwangjang Market Lunch → Cheonggyecheon Stroll → Traditional Teahouse in Jongno

  3. Hongdae Street Performances → Grab Snacks To-Go → Hangang River Picnic


Economic & Cultural Value of Seoul Street Snacks

The Seoul street snack market was estimated at around 1.2 trillion KRW in 2024 (Seoul Institute), serving as a vital income source for small business owners.
Culturally, these snacks reflect Seoul’s seasons, neighborhoods, and lifestyle. Many traditional snack stalls in markets also serve as bridges between generations, preserving shared culinary memories.


Conclusion: A Bite of Seoul

Seoul’s street snacks are more than just quick bites; they are living cultural artifacts, telling the story of the city’s past and present.
Next time you wander through Seoul’s streets, pause for a moment and take a bite. That single taste may become your warmest memory of the city.

I’ve shared only a few street foods that many of you might be familiar with, but there are actually many more. When you visit Seoul, I hope you’ll find a traditional market that appeals to you and enjoy an even greater variety of street snacks.Thank you for reading.

Location: 미국 뉴욕

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