Naughty but Nice Winter Snacks on the Streets of Korea

Posted by Rachel on Jan 6, 2012 in General Life, Slider, Tasty Treats | 4 comments

I love street food. Phad thai in Thailand, roti canai in Malaysia. In England, where the only offering is usually a nasty hamburger, I’ve been deprived of the delights street food can bring. Food stalls are found everywhere, at any time of year, on South Korean streets. As the cold winter weather creeps in, the number of stalls increases. They offer a variety of tasty Korean snacks to warm you up on even the coldest of days.

A Food Stall in Gwangju

I love these stalls and their cosiness, with people huddled around them trying the get some of the warmth. They are the perfect pit stop when you’re tired of shopping in the markets or walking around. The food is always so cheap too. Perfect when you’re travelling on a budget. These are some of the things you can try.

• Hotteok  – this is a Korean pancake filled with brown sugar, honey, chopped peanuts and cinnamon. Sweet goodness. This is my favourite of all the snacks. At approximately 230 calories a pancake, I’ll have to make sure I go for a few extra runs.

Eating Hotteok

• Bungeoppang – these fish shaped waffles are filled with sweet, red bean paste. They are great for warming you up and aren’t quite as unhealthy as hotteok.
• Roasted chesnuts – I know these aren’t only found in Korea, but back in England I rarely see these sold on the streets. The smell is amazing and they taste great too.

These are only the beginning of the treasures that can be found at food stalls here. Diane at Taking Detours has a long, descriptive list of Seoul Street Food. With so many options, sweet and savory, you’re bound to find something you like.

This Lean Journey is a travel and fitness blog written by a girl embarking on a journey around the world while still trying to stay fit and healthy. I hope you’ll enjoy my experiences and tips, and maybe even add your own comments and advice.