Is it really winter in Korea if you haven’t eaten bungeoppang yet?
For me, the moment I smell that sweet, warm dough on the street, I know cold season has officially started.

Bungeoppang is a fish-shaped waffle filled with red bean paste (and sometimes custard or chocolate). Even though it looks like a fish, don’t worry—it’s 100% dessert. The outside is crispy and golden, while the inside is soft, warm, and super sweet. It’s basically happiness in a fish shape.

You can usually find bungeoppang stalls near subway stations, schools, or busy streets. People line up with cold hands, waiting for a freshly baked one straight from the mold. When the vendor hands it to you in a small paper bag, it feels like you’re holding a tiny heater. Seriously, it’s warmer than some gloves.

There’s always a fun debate about which part to eat first—the head or the tail. Some people save the red bean for last, while others go straight for it. No matter how you eat it, bungeoppang just hits different on a cold day.

So if you’re in Korea during winter and you see that fish-shaped snack on the street, don’t even think twice. Buy one. Or two. Or three.
Because winter + bungeoppang = perfect combo 🐟💛