If you ask any traveler what’s on their Korea bucket list, chances are “eating street food in Myeongdong” is near the top. And for good reason. This bustling district in central Seoul isn’t just famous for skincare shops and fashion stores—it’s a street food paradise that brings together iconic Korean snacks and inventive twists, all in one pedestrian-packed stretch.
Whether you’re visiting Korea for the first time or coming back to relive your food memories, Myeongdong’s street food stalls are a culinary experience you shouldn’t miss. From crispy fried squid to gooey cheese sticks, the options are endless—and often overwhelming. That’s why this guide breaks down the most popular and unique street foods you’ll find in Myeongdong, how much they cost, and what makes each one special.
Let’s dig in.
Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)
One of the staples of Korean street food culture, tteokbokki is a must-try in Myeongdong. These chewy rice cakes are bathed in a spicy-sweet gochujang (chili paste) sauce that warms you up instantly—especially during the colder months.
Texture: Soft and bouncy
Flavor: Sweet, spicy, savory
Price: Around ₩3,000–₩5,000 per portion
Tip: Some stalls add boiled egg, cheese, or ramen noodles
Tteokbokki is comfort food at its best, and watching it bubble in a large metal tray is part of the experience.
Eomuk (Fish Cake Skewers)
Right next to the tteokbokki pot, you’ll usually find a steaming container of eomuk, or Korean fish cakes. Served on skewers and dipped in hot broth, they’re simple, satisfying, and budget-friendly.
Texture: Firm yet slightly springy
Flavor: Lightly seasoned, umami-rich
Price: Around ₩1,000–₩2,000 per skewer
Bonus: The broth is usually offered for free and is especially comforting on chilly nights
It’s common to grab an eomuk stick while walking, making it one of the most convenient street snacks.
Hotteok (Sweet Pancake)
If you have a sweet tooth, hotteok will quickly become your favorite. These deep-fried pancakes are filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and crushed nuts. The sugar caramelizes inside as it cooks, creating a molten center.
Texture: Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside
Flavor: Warm, nutty, sweet
Price: ₩2,000–₩3,500
Varieties: Some vendors now offer green tea or matcha versions, even ones stuffed with mozzarella cheese
It’s best to eat hotteok fresh off the griddle—just be careful not to burn your tongue.
Tornado Potato
Visually striking and deliciously crunchy, the tornado potato is a deep-fried spiral potato skewered on a stick, sometimes dusted with cheese, garlic, or onion seasoning.
Texture: Crispy throughout
Flavor: Savory, customizable
Price: ₩3,000–₩4,000
Optional: Add cheese powder or a drizzle of sweet chili sauce
Kids love this one, and it’s one of the most Instagram-worthy snacks in Myeongdong.
Grilled Lobster with Cheese
For those willing to splurge a little, grilled lobster tails topped with cheese have become a Myeongdong sensation. Vendors torch the cheese on the spot for a smoky, indulgent finish.
Texture: Tender lobster, bubbly cheese crust
Flavor: Rich, savory, a little salty
Price: ₩15,000–₩20,000
Warning: Prices vary—ask before ordering
While this isn’t traditional Korean street food, it reflects the fusion food trend Myeongdong is known for.
Gyeranppang (Egg Bread)
Perfect as a breakfast or mid-morning snack, gyeranppang is a small, cake-like bread with a whole egg baked into the center. Some versions add cheese, bacon, or even corn.
Texture: Soft and warm, with a slight crust
Flavor: Mildly sweet, savory from the egg
Price: ₩2,000–₩3,000
Best time to eat: Freshly baked, still warm
It’s one of the more filling options, great when you’re looking for something that feels more like a “meal.”
Cheese-Stuffed Hot Dogs (Korean Corn Dogs)
This is not your average corn dog. Korean-style hot dogs are usually coated in a crispy batter made with rice flour, then deep-fried and covered in sugar, fries, or ramen bits. The best part? Many are filled with stretchy mozzarella instead of—or alongside—the sausage.
Texture: Crunchy exterior, chewy cheese
Flavor: Sweet and salty
Price: ₩3,500–₩5,000
Pro tip: Pull the cheese apart for that photo-worthy cheese stretch
Some even come with ketchup, mustard, or a drizzle of honey butter. It’s chaotic—but delicious.
Juicy Grilled Meat Skewers
A crowd favorite, these skewers come in all forms: chicken thigh, beef short rib, pork belly, and even octopus. Vendors grill them over open flames and coat them in glazes ranging from teriyaki to spicy gochujang.
Texture: Juicy, tender meat with caramelized edges
Flavor: Smoky, sweet, spicy
Price: ₩4,000–₩7,000 depending on meat type
Bonus: Often served with tteok (rice cake) chunks in between
Meat skewers are one of the more filling and satisfying street food options—great for sharing or eating solo.
Korean Fried Chicken Bites
Some stalls offer small trays of boneless fried chicken, tossed in spicy, sweet, or soy-garlic sauces. It’s the same Korean fried chicken you’d find in restaurants but in street-friendly form.
Texture: Crispy and sticky
Flavor: Varies by sauce
Price: ₩5,000–₩6,000 for a small tray
Toppings: Some versions come sprinkled with chopped peanuts or sesame seeds
Pair it with a cold bottle of juice or soda from a nearby convenience store.
Strawberry Mochi and Fruit Skewers
If you’re craving something lighter, Myeongdong also offers fresh fruit on skewers, sometimes wrapped in mochi or drizzled with condensed milk.
Options: Strawberries, grapes, tangerines
Price: ₩2,000–₩4,000
Popular pick: Strawberry mochi (rice cake with red bean paste and strawberry)
It’s refreshing, sweet, and a nice palate cleanser after all the fried and spicy food.
Freshly Torched Crème Brûlée
A surprise favorite among tourists, these mini crème brûlée cups are torched right in front of you. Vendors caramelize the sugar top, giving it a crackly finish over cold vanilla custard.
Texture: Crunchy top, smooth inside
Flavor: Rich, creamy, sweet
Price: ₩4,000–₩5,000
It’s not traditional Korean, but it reflects Myeongdong’s willingness to blend global food trends with street food culture.
When and Where to Visit Myeongdong for Street Food
Best time to go: After 4pm, when most food stalls open
Peak hours: 6pm–9pm (especially on weekends)
How to get there: Myeongdong Station (Line 4), Exit 6 or 7
The entire shopping area transforms into a food haven as the sun sets. You can stroll, snack, and shop in one continuous loop.
Street Food in Myeongdong Is More Than Just Food
Exploring Myeongdong’s street food scene isn’t just about eating—it’s about the energy of the crowd, the hiss of grills, the blur of LED signs and music, and the chance to taste something new every few steps. For many travelers, it’s one of the most memorable parts of visiting Seoul.
If you’re planning a trip to Korea, leave space in your schedule (and stomach) for at least one evening in Myeongdong. Whether you spend ₩5,000 or ₩50,000, you’ll walk away full, happy, and probably already planning your next round