Eating All Day: The Cheapest Street Food in Korea

When I think of Korea, my mind immediately goes to the vibrant street food scene. During my recent trip, I dedicated an entire day to exploring the cheapest street food options. It was a delicious adventure that I won’t soon forget.

I started my day in the bustling streets of Busan. This area is famous for its food stalls and lively atmosphere. The first thing that caught my eye was tteokbokki. These spicy rice cakes are a must-try. The vendor served them hot, drenched in a sweet and spicy sauce. I took my first bite, and the flavors exploded in my mouth. The chewy texture paired with the spicy sauce was simply irresistible. Best of all, it only cost me about 3,000 won (around $2.50).

Next up was hotteok. This sweet treat is a Korean pancake filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. I found a stall with a long line, which is always a good sign. The vendor handed me a freshly made hotteok, and I could smell the sweetness wafting through the air. I took a bite, and the warm filling oozed out. It was sweet, sticky, and utterly delightful. For just 1,500 won (about $1.25), it was a steal!

After indulging in these two treats, I wandered through the market. The vibrant colors and enticing aromas surrounded me. I spotted a stall selling kimbap, a Korean version of sushi. The vendor rolled the rice and vegetables in seaweed right in front of me. I ordered a roll for 2,500 won (around $2.10). The fresh ingredients and savory flavor made it a perfect snack as I continued my food journey.

As I walked, I noticed a stall selling mandu, or Korean dumplings. I couldn’t resist. I ordered a plate of steamed mandu for 4,000 won (about $3.30). The dumplings were filled with meat and vegetables. Each bite was juicy and packed with flavor. I loved dipping them in the soy sauce provided.

Feeling adventurous, I decided to try some odeng, or fish cake skewers. The vendor served them in a warm broth. I paid 2,000 won (around $1.70) for a skewer. The fish cake was soft and slightly chewy, and the broth was comforting. It was the perfect snack to warm me up on a chilly day.

By this point, I was getting full, but I couldn’t stop. I spotted a stall selling bungeoppang, a fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste. I had to try it! For just 1,000 won (about $0.85), I got a warm bungeoppang. The crispy exterior and sweet filling made it a delightful treat.

As the day went on, I continued to explore the streets. I found a vendor selling sweet potato fries. They were crispy and golden, and I couldn’t resist ordering a small portion for 3,000 won (around $2.50). The fries were sweet and satisfying, a perfect snack to munch on while I walked.

I also tried some spicy chicken skewers. The vendor grilled them right in front of me, and the aroma was mouthwatering. I paid 4,000 won (about $3.30) for a skewer. The chicken was tender and packed with flavor. The spicy sauce added a nice kick that I loved.

As the sun began to set, I made my way to a stall selling patbingsu, a popular Korean dessert. This shaved ice treat is topped with sweet red beans, fruit, and condensed milk. I ordered a small bowl for 5,000 won (around $4.20). It was the perfect way to cool down after a day of eating. The combination of flavors and textures was refreshing and satisfying.

Reflecting on my day, I realized how much I enjoyed the street food in Korea. Each dish was not only delicious but also affordable. I spent the entire day eating and exploring, and my total bill was under 30,000 won (about $25).

If you ever find yourself in Korea, I highly recommend dedicating a day to street food. The experience is fun, the flavors are incredible, and your wallet will thank you. From savory tteokbokki to sweet hotteok, every bite is a delightful experience!