GuideKoreaSeoulStreet Food

7 Delicious Street Foods in Seoul Under 5,000 Won

Have you worked up an appetite while shopping in Seoul (READ: Shopping Hotspots) and only have ₩5,000 left to spare? Fear not! We’ve got you covered with a list of Seoul street food – for only ₩5,000 or less – and where to find them. Relish these local delicacies for a mouthwatering and unforgettable experience in South Korea’s capital.

Seoul Savvy Pro-Tip:

Aside from the Myeongdong Shopping Street and Gwangjang Market, you may also find these local favorites at various Korean street food carts scattered around Seoul.

Gimbap (seaweed rice rolls)

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Gimbap or kimbap looks like one long sushi roll. It’s made with pickled veggies and steamed white rice (bap) rolled into dried seaweed (gim). Savor the roll in bite-sized slices sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds on top!

Price: ₩1,000 – ₩3,000

Location: Gwangjang Market

Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno 1(il).2(i).3(sam).4(sa), Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes)

Flicker/ jyleen21 under CC

Spicy food lovers rejoice! These are Korea’s hot and spicy cylinder-shaped rice cakes in a creamy chili sauce, which gives it a vivid red-orange color. For those who are intimidated by spicy food, don’t worry – it’s spicy but it won’t burn your tongue and leave you screaming for water. Get hooked on the chewy texture coupled with the sweet and salty flavor of the sauce.

Price: ₩2,500 – ₩3,000

Location: Gwangjang Market

Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno 1(il).2(i).3(sam).4(sa), Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Bungeo-ppang (red bean fish toast)

Commons Wikimedia/ Penny Richards under CC

This ever-popular snack is similar to the Japanese taiyaki, except for the actual shape of the fish – also note that the Korean treat sticks to  red bean paste as filling. Get your hands on this dessert made from waffle batter, stuffed with sweet red bean paste, put together using a fish-shaped mold. Discover the fluffy yet crisp pastry on the outside, then the sweet and gooey filling on the inside. Bite into it while it’s fresh and piping hot!

Price: ₩1,000 – ₩2,000

Location: Myeongdong Shopping Street

Address: Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Tornado Potato

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The tornado potato, also known as Hweori Gamja, is a spiral-cut potato treat  on a long stick. Think french fries and potato chips combined into one seriously addictive snack. Enjoy the crunch sprinkled with generous doses of onion, cheese, or BBQ powder.

Price: ₩2,000

Location: Myeongdong Shopping Street

Address: Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Korean Fried Chicken

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Korean fried chicken boasts a flavorful crunch like no other. Dig into double-deep fried chicken pieces covered in soy or garlic sticky sauce, and savor the crispy skin and juicy meat. It’s served in a disposable box with small sticks so that you don’t need to get your fingers dirty.

Price: ₩3,000 – ₩5,000

Location: Myeongdong Shopping Street

Address: Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Japchae (glass noodles)

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This traditional Korean staple is made of stir-fried sweet potato noodles, then cooked with sesame oil and mixed with veggies, mushrooms, soy sauce, and sugar. Top off your serving with generous helpings of bulgogi beef.

Price: 2,000

Location: Gwangjang Market

Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno 1(il).2(i).3(sam).4(sa), Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes)

Flickr/ Korea.net under CC

Looking for a savory and filling treat? Try Korean mung bean pancakes, made from ground mung beans, mixed with rice, kimchi, pork, vegetables, egg, and seasonings. Have it with a side of dipping sauce and delight in the depth of flavor and texture that’ll leave you wanting more.

Price: ₩3,000

Location: Gwangjang Market

Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno 1(il).2(i).3(sam).4(sa), Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Seoul Savvy Pro-Tip:

If you’re hoping to feast away, bring at least ₩11,000 – ₩21,500 (around  $10 – $20 per person). Sample a few of these bites and leave the market with a busting belly and deeply satisfied grin. Or, curb your hunger and opt for one of the Korean street foods while you’re on-the-go.

Seoul Street Food Markets to Visit:

Myeongdong Shopping Street

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Myeongdong Shopping Street is home to major shopping and food districts in Seoul. Everywhere you turn, the streets are packed with beauty boutiques, shopping malls, and food carts. Walk from one end to the other and spot your favorites from the list above.

How to Get There: Take Subway Line 4 to Myeong-dong Station (Exit 6).

Gwangjang Market

Gwangjang Market: Seoul, South Korea
Gwangjang Market: Seoul, South Korea

For a taste of old-school Seoul, look no further than this century-old indoor market. Prepare to be enticed by appetizing aromas as you navigate through the busy crowds and colorful stalls selling everything from fabrics to home goods to clothing.

How to Get There: Take the Metro to Jongno-5 station and walk from Exit 8 or 9 until you find the market entrance.

Now, you can eat your way through Seoul without burning a hole in your pocket! Let us know which treat will keep you coming back for more.  *finger hearts*

Need more help with your budget? Check out these links for your Seoul vacation:

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