I recently visited Seoul in the winter and wanted to share my experience with the city’s street food. The cold winter wind can be biting, but that’s exactly what makes the street food feel so warm and comforting. Walking through Myeongdong, Hongdae, or Dongdaemun, you’ll see steaming stalls everywhere — it instantly makes you forget the cold.

First, you can’t miss Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes). The soft, chewy rice cakes smothered in spicy sauce are incredibly satisfying. In many stalls, they come with fish cakes (Eomuk) in hot broth — one bite, and your whole body feels warm.

Next is Hotteok (sweet filled pancakes). Walking down the street on a chilly night with a freshly made Hotteok in hand is pure happiness. The warm sugar and nut filling melts in your mouth, perfect for a cold winter evening.

Don’t forget roasted chestnuts and corn! The smell alone will stop you in your tracks. Each chestnut is sweet and aromatic, and the grilled corn is irresistibly smoky and flavorful.

Winter in Seoul also comes with hot drinks to complement street food, like red bean latte or yuzu tea, which warm you up and add a cozy winter vibe. Walking around, eating, and sipping a hot drink makes the cold winter streets feel inviting.

Overall, winter street food in Seoul is a unique experience. From the spicy Tteokbokki to the sweet Hotteok and roasted treats, every bite makes you want to pause and enjoy the moment. If you’re visiting Seoul in the winter, don’t miss out on these street delights!