The Top 10 Fast Foods You'll Find In South Korea

What Americans think of when they hear the term "fast food," they think of common staples such as McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King, or Kentucky Fried Chicken. But when you're overseas in Europe and Asia, the first thought goes to the street food markets.

In South Korea, large street food markets feed millions of people and are the lifeblood of Korean "fast food." These markets exist across the country and are lively in the evenings as commuters, students, and tourists are bustling about. While a visitor might not be accustomed to the textures and tastes, it's definitely an experience to explore Korean "fast food" culture.

With this article, let's talk about ten of the most common Korean fast foods. If your bucket list is to visit South Korea, hopefully this can be a guide for your food journey!

10. Odeng

What is it? Fish Cakes

Odeng is the name for a common street food you'll find. The dish is basically a fish cake skewered on a stick, or cakes served in a fish broth. It's something for everyone, especially on a cold Korean evening.

9. Tteokbokki

What is it? Spicy, chewy rice cakes

Tteokbokki has seen a surge in popularity with apps like TikTok and Instagram, but these rice cakes have been popular fast treats in South Korea for many years. Often served in a spicy sauce, these rice cakes are very common among commuters and students as they venture around the cities. You can even find versions of tteokbokki in instant or frozen forms in markets and convenience marts.

8. Soon-Dae

What is it? Blood sausage

Similar to the UK's classic dish "black pudding," this form of blood sausage is a savory mixture of congealed blood and filler (typically rice or noodles] that is stuffed into a pig's intestine and steamed. In South Korea, soon-dae is typically sliced and paired with various condiments

7. Korean Fried Chicken

What is it? Fried chicken pieces

There is a huge variety of Korean fried chicken, such as nuggets, strips, or bone-in pieces, but every variation out there is quite delicious. Basically, it's popular for a reason! Korean fried chicken is typically paired with a variety of sauces, such as gochujang, ketchup, BBQ sauce, and much more. This is often served on the go in cups for ease, and it is always a burst of flavor.

6. Kimbap

What is it? Korean "sushi" rolls

There are a lot of different varieties of kimbap, but at the end of the day this dish is most comparable to sushi. While kimbap doesn't always contain raw fish like sushi does, it is still wrapped in rice and seaweed, The rolls tend to be larger, as well, and are a healthy snack option that can be eaten on the go.

5. Hotteok

What is it? Sweet fried pancakes

Hotteok is the name given for a sweet, fried pancake. The dough is a typical flour dough that is usually filled with some form of sweet filling and then fried on a flat-top griddle. Some Korean cities, such as Busan, have their own versions of hotteok, but they are a consistently delicious treat!

4. Kkwa-bae-gi

What is it? Twisted donuts

Donuts are a typical American treat that you can find just about anywhere. The Korean version of donuts, called kkwa-bae-gi, is a twisted dough that is fried and dusted or dipped in sugar. Sometimes they are filled with items like red bean paste or custard, or made with glutinous rice flour, but they're a great thing to pair with a cup of hot coffee or tea.

3. Mandoo

What is it? Dumplings

Korean dumplings, also known as Mandoo, are a staple in Korean cuisine and in the street food markets. Typically stuffed with meat mixtures or kimchi, these dumplings are offered steamed or fried and are a great quick snack or banchan (aka, side dish).

2. Boong-eo bbang

What is it? Fish pastries

These fish pastries are a little more than meets the eye. Boong-eo bbang is basically sweet batter poured into a fish-shaped waffle iron, stuffed with a chou cream custard or red bean paste. These are commonly picked up on the way home and are a warm, sweet treat that commuters and students enjoy.

1. Hat-do-gu

What is it? Korean corn dogs

Hat-do-gu is most comparable to what an American calls a corn dog. This dish has even crossed into the United States and served as a "Korean corn dog." These hot dogs on a stick are typically stuffed with a sausage (hot dog) and/or cheese, rolled in batter, and then deep fried. American versions and Korean versions can also include the Hat-do-gu rolled in a sugar mixture or covered with various condiments such as spicy ketchup, honey mustard, and more.