Best Street Food in Hongdae Seoul

Hongdae, located in the Mapo district of Seoul, is a vibrant and energetic neighborhood with a lively atmosphere. Known for its art and music scene, Hongdae is also a popular destination for food lovers. With a plethora of street food vendors, it can be overwhelming to choose the best ones to try. Here are the top street foods to indulge in when exploring Hongdae:

🍢 Korean Style Grilled Skewers

Tender chunks of meat, fresh vegetables, and savory sauces are grilled to perfection on skewers. This classic Korean street food is a must-try in Hongdae. The most popular varieties include beef, chicken, and pork skewers. For a vegetarian option, try the mushroom skewers.

What makes Korean style grilled skewers special?

The marinade and grilling technique used by Korean vendors give the skewers a unique flavor that sets them apart from other types of grilled skewers. The use of fresh ingredients and attention to detail make each skewer a mouth-watering treat.

🌭 Hot Dogs

While hot dogs may not seem like a traditional Korean street food, they have become a popular snack in Hongdae. Vendors serve up hot dogs with a variety of toppings, including cheese, bacon, and even squid ink.

Why should I try hot dogs in Hongdae?

The toppings used on hot dogs in Hongdae are not only unique but also delicious. You won’t find these flavor combinations anywhere else. The hot dogs are also larger than typical hot dogs, making them a satisfying snack.

🥟 Dumplings

Dumplings are a staple street food in Korea, and Hongdae has no shortage of them. These small pockets of dough are filled with a variety of ingredients, including meat, vegetables, and seafood.

What makes Hongdae dumplings stand out?

The dumplings in Hongdae are made fresh daily and come in a variety of flavors. Vendors often offer fusion dumplings, such as kimchi and cheese or bulgogi dumplings, that are unique to Hongdae.

🍢 Tteokbokki

Tteokbokki is a popular Korean street food made from chewy rice cakes, fish cakes, and a spicy chili sauce. Vendors in Hongdae serve up this classic dish with a variety of toppings, including cheese, fried chicken, and sausage.

Why should I try Tteokbokki in Hongdae?

The vendors in Hongdae put their own twist on this classic dish, offering unique toppings and sauces. The combination of chewy rice cakes and spicy sauce is the perfect comfort food on a chilly night.

🍚 Bibimbap

Bibimbap is a signature Korean dish that consists of rice, vegetables, and meat. The ingredients are mixed together with a spicy sauce, creating a flavorful and filling meal. Hongdae vendors offer this dish in a convenient and portable form, making it a perfect street food.

What makes Hongdae Bibimbap unique?

The vendors in Hongdae often offer different variations of Bibimbap, such as chicken or shrimp Bibimbap. They also offer different sauces, allowing customers to customize their meal to their liking.

🥤 Bubble Tea

Bubble tea has become a popular drink in Hongdae, with many vendors offering unique flavors and variations. This sweet and refreshing drink is perfect for a hot summer day.

Why should I try bubble tea in Hongdae?

The vendors in Hongdae offer unique flavors of bubble tea, such as taro or green tea. They also offer toppings like boba or fruit jelly, making each drink a unique and delicious experience.

🍡 Korean Style Shaved Ice

Shaved ice is a popular dessert in Korea during the hot summer months. In Hongdae, vendors offer this sweet treat with a variety of toppings, such as fresh fruit, condensed milk, and sweetened red bean paste.

Why should I try Korean style shaved ice in Hongdae?

The vendors in Hongdae use high-quality ingredients and offer unique toppings that make their shaved ice stand out. The shaved ice is also served in large portions, making it perfect for sharing with friends.

🍢 Chicken Skewers

Chicken skewers are a popular street food in Hongdae. Vendors marinate the chicken in a special sauce and grill it to perfection.

What makes Hongdae chicken skewers special?

The vendors in Hongdae use high-quality chicken and a unique marinade that sets their skewers apart from others. They also offer different flavors, such as spicy or garlic chicken, giving customers a variety of options.

🌮 Korean Style Tacos

Korean style tacos are a fusion food that combines Korean flavors with a Mexican classic. Vendors in Hongdae offer these tasty tacos with fillings such as bulgogi, kimchi, or spicy pork.

What makes Korean style tacos unique?

The vendors in Hongdae offer unique and delicious flavor combinations that are not found in traditional Mexican tacos. The fusion of Korean and Mexican flavors is a tasty and exciting experience.

🥞 Korean Style Pancakes

Korean-style pancakes, or jeon, are a popular street food in Hongdae. These savory pancakes are made with a variety of ingredients, including seafood, vegetables, and kimchi.

What makes Korean style pancakes special?

The vendors in Hongdae use fresh and high-quality ingredients to make their pancakes. They also offer a variety of flavors, allowing customers to try new and unique combinations.

🍢 Grilled Fish Cakes

Grilled fish cakes, or eomuk, are a popular snack in Korea. Vendors in Hongdae grill them to perfection and offer them with a variety of dipping sauces.

Why should I try grilled fish cakes in Hongdae?

The vendors in Hongdae use fresh and high-quality fish, making their grilled fish cakes a tasty and healthy snack. They also offer unique dipping sauces that add an extra layer of flavor.

🍥 Korean Style Rice Balls

Korean style rice balls, or jumeokbap, are a popular snack in Korea. Vendors in Hongdae offer these tasty treats with a variety of fillings, such as tuna or seaweed.

What makes Korean style rice balls special?

The vendors in Hongdae use high-quality ingredients to make their rice balls. They also offer unique and delicious flavors, making each rice ball a tasty surprise.

🍜 Korean Style Noodles

Korean style noodles, or jajangmyeon, are a popular dish in Korea. Vendors in Hongdae offer this delicious noodle dish with a variety of toppings, such as seafood or vegetables.

Why should I try Korean style noodles in Hongdae?

The vendors in Hongdae use fresh and high-quality ingredients to make their noodles. They also offer unique toppings that add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

🥗 Korean Style Vegetable Pancakes

Korean style vegetable pancakes, or bindaetteok, are a popular street food in Korea. Vendors in Hongdae make these savory pancakes with a variety of vegetables and serve them with a dipping sauce.

What makes Korean style vegetable pancakes special?

The vendors in Hongdae use fresh and high-quality vegetables to make their pancakes. They also offer unique dipping sauces that add an extra layer of flavor.

🍢 Korean Style Fried Chicken

Korean style fried chicken, or chimaek, is a popular dish in Korea. Vendors in Hongdae fry the chicken to crispy perfection and serve it with a variety of dipping sauces.

Why should I try Korean style fried chicken in Hongdae?

The vendors in Hongdae use high-quality chicken and a unique batter that sets their fried chicken apart from others. They also offer a variety of dipping sauces that add an extra layer of flavor.

FAQs

Q1. Is it safe to eat street food in Hongdae?

A1. Yes, it is safe to eat street food in Hongdae. Vendors follow strict hygiene standards and use high-quality ingredients.

Q2. Are the prices of street food in Hongdae reasonable?

A2. Yes, the prices of street food in Hongdae are reasonable and affordable. Most items cost between 2,000 and 5,000 won.

Q3. Can I find vegetarian options in Hongdae?

A3. Yes, many vendors in Hongdae offer vegetarian options such as vegetable pancakes and mushroom skewers.