붕어빵
Fish-Shaped PastryA fish-shaped waffle pastry filled with sweet red bean paste. Despite the name, there's no actual fish — it's a beloved winter street snack. Modern versions include custard cream, chocolate, and even pizza fillings.
How to Eat
Eat from the tail (it has less filling) or the head (more filling) — Koreans actually debate this. Best eaten warm off the griddle.
Where to Find
Street vendors appear across Korea in autumn and winter. Look for the distinctive fish-shaped molds near subway stations.
Related Dishes
떡볶이
Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)
Chewy rice cakes smothered in a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce. It's Korea's most beloved street food and a staple of after-school snacking. Modern variations include cheese, seafood, and cream-based sauces.
호떡
Hotteok (Sweet Pancakes)
A warm, crispy pancake filled with melted brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts. It's Korea's most popular winter street food. The caramelized filling is dangerously hot but irresistibly delicious.
파전
Green Onion Pancake
A savory Korean pancake loaded with green onions and often seafood, crispy on the outside and soft inside. It's the quintessential rainy-day food in Korea. The sizzling sound and aroma are part of the experience.