Korean street food is famous all over the world. It has many different flavors and unique cooking styles. Many foreigners visit Korea and want to try these delicious foods. In 2025, Korean street food is still changing and becoming even more popular. In this article, we will introduce seven of the most loved Korean street foods by foreigners.
1. Tteokbokki – Spicy and Sweet Rice Cakes
Tteokbokki is one of Korea’s most famous street foods. Foreigners love it because of its chewy rice cakes and sweet and spicy sauce. There are many types of tteokbokki. The classic version has a red, spicy gochujang (Korean chili paste) sauce. But now, there are also new versions like creamy tteokbokki, rosé tteokbokki, and cheese tteokbokki. Foreigners who like spicy food enjoy "fire tteokbokki," while those who prefer mild flavors choose soy sauce tteokbokki. Tteokbokki is sold in many places, especially in tourist areas like Hongdae, Myeongdong, and Gangnam. Foreigners can even choose their own toppings to make it just the way they like it.
2. Hot Dog – Korean-Style Street Hot Dog
Korean-style hot dogs are very popular among foreigners. They are deep-fried, crispy, and covered with sugar. Inside, they are filled with cheese or sausage, making them both delicious and fun to eat. There are many types of Korean hot dogs. Some have potato pieces on the outside, some have cheddar cheese inside, and some even have ramen bits for extra crunch. Even though Korean hot dogs are now available in the U.S., Japan, and Europe, many foreigners say that the best place to eat them is still in Korea.
3. Gimbap – A Simple and Tasty Rice Roll
Gimbap is a popular street food because it is easy to eat and comes in many varieties. It is made with rice, vegetables, and meat or fish, all wrapped in seaweed. There are many types of gimbap, such as classic gimbap, tuna mayo gimbap, bulgogi gimbap, and cheese gimbap. In 2025, vegan gimbap has also become popular, with ingredients like tofu, avocado, and fresh vegetables. Gimbap is a great snack for foreigners who want a quick and healthy meal while exploring Korea.
4. Hotteok – A Sweet and Warm Pancake
Hotteok is a Korean street food that is especially popular in winter. It is a crispy, fried pancake filled with sweet syrup and nuts. Nowadays, there are many new flavors of hotteok. Some have green tea flavor, some have cheese, and some are even served with ice cream. Foreigners love trying these different types of hotteok.
5. Eomuk – Warm and Tasty Fish Cakes
Eomuk, also called odeng, is a popular street food, especially in cold weather. It is a type of fish cake that is cooked in a warm, flavorful broth. Eomuk is usually served on skewers, making it easy to eat while walking. Recently, there have been many new types of eomuk, such as cheese-filled eomuk and spicy eomuk. Foreigners enjoy this dish because it is light and comforting.
6. Gyeran-ppang – Soft and Sweet Egg Bread
Gyeran-ppang, or egg bread, is a small, sweet bread with a whole egg inside. It is warm, soft, and slightly sweet, making it a great snack. In recent years, new versions of gyeran-ppang have been created, with cheese, bacon, or basil added for extra flavor.
7. Dakgangjeong – Crispy and Sweet Korean Fried Chicken
Dakgangjeong is crispy fried chicken covered in a sweet and sticky sauce. Korean fried chicken is already famous worldwide, and dakgangjeong is one of the most popular street foods. In tourist areas like Hongdae, Myeongdong, and Insadong, small cups of dakgangjeong are sold, making it an easy and tasty snack for foreigners.
Summary
Korean street food is loved by many foreigners because it is delicious and diverse. In 2025, new styles and flavors will continue to appear, making the experience even more exciting. Popular choices like tteokbokki, hot dogs, gimbap, hotteok, eomuk, gyeran-ppang, and dakgangjeong give foreigners a great taste of Korea. If you visit Korea, be sure to try these amazing street foods!