What is the Cheapest Street Food in Seoul, South Korea?

Seoul, South Korea, offers a vibrant street food scene with many affordable options. The prices for traditional street food items typically range from 1000 to 3000 Korean Won (KRW), roughly equivalent to 0.90 to 2.50 USD. Let's explore some of the most popular and budget-friendly choices available in Seoul:

Popular Inexpensive Street Food in Seoul

Tteokbokki: Spicy rice cakes usually cost around 3000 KRW (approximately 2.70 USD). You can find numerous vendors selling these flavorful treats along the streets and in residential areas. Hotteok: Sweet pancakes are another favorite street food in Seoul. They typically range from 1000 to 2000 KRW (0.90 to 1.80 USD). Gimbap: Rice rolls are a staple in Seoul’s street food scene and can be found for 2000 to 4000 KRW (1.80 to 3.60 USD). Mandu (Korean Dumplings): Dumplings are a bit pricier, generally costing between 3000 to 5000 KRW (2.70 to 4.50 USD).

Street Food Categories in Seoul

Street food in Seoul can be categorized into several types, each with its unique charm and affordability:

1. Real Street (Gil Geori Eum-Shik)

Roasted chestnuts and grilled squid are classic street food items sold by vendors on real streets. Myeong-dong, a popular tourist area, is a melting pot of various street food vendors. The cheapest item might be gye-ran ppang (egg bread), which costs around 1500 to 2000 KRW (1.35 to 1.80 USD).

2. Snack Houses (Bunshik-Jeom or Bunshik-Jip)

These snack houses primarily sell tteokbokki and expand their menu to include tempura and odeng (fish cakes). Well-known chains like Jaws Tteokbokki have locations in shopping malls, apartment complexes, and commercial districts. Sun-dae (Korean sausages) are also a popular option within these establishments.

3. Gimbap Cheonguk

As a well-established chain, Gimbap Cheonguk offers a variety of Korean dishes at affordable prices. Their menu is standardized, with about 50 types of dishes. The cheapest item, gimbap, can cost around 3500 KRW (3.15 USD). Unlike snack houses, Gimbap Cheonguk does not typically sell tempura and odeng but instead offers a more upscale version called rappokki, combined with ramen.

4. Expressway Rest Areas (Hyuge-So or Gosok Doro Hyuge-So)

Rest areas along highways and arterial roads in Korea offer a unique experience. You can find classic street food items such as baked small potatoes (4000 KRW or 3.60 USD) and hot bars with advanced versions of oden (5000 to 7000 KRW or 4.50 to 6.30 USD). Specialties like walnut snacks (hodu kwaja) and warm manju with hot custard are also available, priced slightly higher at around 4000 to 6000 KRW (3.60 to 5.40 USD).

Conclusion

The variety of street food in Seoul offers a delicious and budget-friendly dining experience. From classic tteokbokki to hotteok and gimbap, there are plenty of options to suit your taste and budget. Whether you're exploring real streets or visiting a dedicated snack house, you're sure to find some affordable and delicious treats to enjoy in Seoul's vibrant street food scene.