Korean street food’s sweet and spicy flavors are sure to make it your new favorite comfort food
After a long day at work or school, there’s nothing like wandering the streets in search of a delicious pick-me-up. Korean street food was made for moments like this, quick, flavorful, and easy to grab on the go. As you walk, the sizzle of a nearby grill and the enticing aroma of authentic, freshly made dishes draw you in. Whether you choose to enjoy your treat while taking a walk, hanging out at the park, sitting in the car or relaxing on a bench, the experience feels like something straight out of Korea.
But you don’t have to travel across the world to savor these local delicacies. Thanks to the rising popularity of K-content and K-food, Korean street food is now easy to find in U.S. supermarkets and on city streets, bringing that authentic experience into your everyday life.
What is K-Street Food and Why Should You Try It?
If you’ve never tried Korean street food, or “K-street food,” there are plenty of options to try that will fit anyone’s palate. It stands out for being notoriously addictive with its bold flavors, unique flavor combinations and a comforting yet fresh experience, which is why it is most famous in colder weather. Some of the most popular foods include:
Tteokbokki: The ultimate Korean comfort food made with satisfyingly chewy rice cakes, fish cakes and vegetables, all coated in a sauce that leaves a lingering heat from gochujang. The food is often paired with other street foods like gimmari to balance the spice.
Gimmari: A crispy, deep-fried seaweed roll filled with glass noodles, typically enjoyed with tteokbokki to soften its spiciness.
Corn Dogs: Like American corn dogs with a crispy batter, but often sprinkled with sugar and feature diverse fillings, sauces and seasonings. The most famous and popular version includes potato, and it is sometimes paired with tteokbokki to add sweetness to the dish.
Bung-O-pang: A small, fish-shaped pastry with a crispy exterior, filled with a variety of fillings such as sweet red bean paste. It is often served hot and enjoyed in the winter.
Hotteok: A warm, sweet dough filled with syrup, honey or a nutty filling, often accompanied by coffee and usually found only in the winter. Savory options are also available, filled with meat or glass noodles and vegetables.
These delicious foods are not only found on the street, but they also play a significant role in popular culture. K-dramas and movies often showcase characters enjoying these dishes during key moments. For example, tteokbokki takes the spotlight in the popular K-drama “Yumi’s Cells,” where an entire scene revolves around the character eating the meal. Street foods can also appear in variety shows such as “Jinny’s Kitchen,” where Park Seo-joon prepares his own gimmari and corn dogs, highlighting the vibrant connection between food and culture.
Everyone’s Already Having K-Street Food – Am I Missing Out?
K-street food has taken off for a reason. People love the dynamic flavors, the experience and the convenience. CJ Foods’ bibigo, a leader in the Korean food sector, has seen its street food lineup surge in popularity. In the second quarter of 2024, tteokbokki sales grew by 2.5 times compared to the previous quarter. This global demand clearly shows that Korean street food is worth a try.
The world also recognized the rising demand for Korean street food at the Paris Olympics. CJ set up bibigo Market booth in Korea House during the event to showcase Korean street food to visitors. 500 portions of bibigo combo meals, including mandu and corn dogs paired with bibigo’s kimchi and tteokbokki, were offered, and these meals sold out within just hours. This showcases the expanding appeal of K-street food, which continues to grow year after year.
CJ Foods’ bibigo is committed to leading the global K-food movement by making delicious Korean cuisine accessible to everyone worldwide. As the K-street food craze gains momentum, bibigo aims to expand the reach of this cultural experience, bringing K-food to every corner of the globe.
