Myeongdong Street Food Guide 2024ㅣEat Like a Local in Seoul

If you find yourself wandering the lively streets of Seoul with a hungry stomach and craving something uniquely Korean, Myeongdong is where you'll want to be! Known for its cool shops and bright lights, Myeongdong also offers a variety of food stalls with delicious snacks. If you love trying new foods and are curious about what Korean street snacks taste like, check out our top street foods to try in Myeongdong!

Heading to Myeongdong? Get a Myeongdong Pass and don't miss out on special food and shopping discounts!

The easiest way to reach Myeongdong is by the Seoul subway. Hop on Line 4 and get off at Myeongdong Station. Use exits 5, 6, 7, or 8, and you’ll start seeing food stalls lining the sidewalks. We recommend checking out the street in front of the Myeongdong Theater, as it is the main street for food and is full of food stalls. Now it's time to try out some street food!

Must-Try Street Foods in Myeongdong

1. Mayak Corn (마약옥수수)

This snack is corn on a stick with a special twist. "Mayak" means it's super addictive, but don't worry, it's just because it tastes so good! First, they cook the corn with butter and a little soy sauce, then they add some secret spices that make it sweet and savory at the same time.

It's a simple snack, but with so many yummy flavors, you'll see why people can't get enough of it. We highly recommend giving it a try!

2. Grilled Cheese Lobster (치즈 랍스터)

If you are a seafood lover, this snack is just for you! Grilled lobster is not something you find every day on the street. The mix of the lobster's sweetness with the creamy cheese is definitely a must-try. Fresh lobster meat topped with a thick layer of melted cheese grilled together feels like you are having a fancy dinner.

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The only downside is that, despite it being street food, it's a little bit on the pricey side, ranging from 15,000 to 18,000 KRW depending on which stall you go to.

3. Grilled Cheese Tteokbokki Skewers (치즈 떡볶이)

Cheese lovers, pay attention to the next street food! Even the name grilled cheese tteokbokki sounds so mouthwatering already! This snack is basically rice cakes and mozzarella cheese on a stick. After grilling, condensed milk is drizzled all over, which adds a sweet taste. If you are not a fan of traditional spicy tteokbokki, what about trying this version?

4. Egg Buns (계란빵)

Source: Naver

This snack might seem simple at first glance, but it is one of the signature street foods in Korea. A whole egg hidden inside a sweet and fluffy loaf of bread creates a texture and flavor contrast that's surprisingly satisfying!

It is warm and soft, which is the perfect snack to warm your hands on cold days. We also recommend trying out different varieties with almond, peanut, and sunflower seeds.

5. Yakisoba Noodles (야키소바)

Source: Naver

If you are a fan of noodles, yakisoba is another one of Myeongdong's street food selections. This snack is a Japanese dish of fried noodles and vegetables, but the Myeongdong version adds a little Korean flair with some pork belly. It's all about the mix of textures and tastes. You get the soft noodles, the crisp veggies, and the savory sauce together. It's simple, fast, and super tasty—perfect for eating on the go while you check out the shops and sights around Myeongdong!

6. Dalgona (달고나)

Dalgona candy, a nostalgic treat, has made a huge comeback, especially after its appearance in the hit show "Squid Game." This sweet is a simple mix of melted sugar and baking soda, cooled into a thin, brittle disc. Often, it comes with a shape pressed into the center. The challenge is to cut out the shape without breaking it!

Source: The New York Times

Walking through Myeongdong, you'll spot many dalgona stalls with a sweet, caramel scent. It's a must-try experience that connects you to a piece of Korean culture. Now, will you break the candy, or will you master the game?

7. Hotteok (호떡)

Hotteok is a traditional Korean snack that can't be missed! Imagine a pancake that's crispy on the outside, but inside, it's filled with a warm mixture of cinnamon, brown sugar, and bits of nuts.

Source: Mayo Food Youtube

It is cooked on a griddle until it is golden brown. It's sweet, comforting, and perfect for snacking as you wander through. Make sure to grab one when you're in Myeongdong!

8. Tornado Potato (회오리감자)

Source: Food Note Youtube

When you're in Myeongdong, keep an eye out for tornado potatoes. They're really fun to eat! It's a whole potato cut in a spiral, stretched out on a stick, and then fried. It comes out crispy and is often sprinkled with flavors like cheese or onion. Eating one is like having a crunchy potato chip on a stick, but it's way cooler because it's all twisty!

9. Grilled Scallops (가리비)

Lobster is not the only seafood you can find in Myeongdong. Another treat you shouldn't miss is grilled scallops. The big, juicy scallops were cooked right in front of you on a grill. They also add cheese and a special sauce on top, making them extra tasty. You can get the fresh taste of the sea mixed with the smoky flavor from the grill. It's a simple but delicious snack, perfect for seafood lovers!

10. Fresh Fruit Juice (생과일쥬스)

Source: Pong Food Youtube

After trying so many street foods, you must be really thirsty! But don't worry; you'll also find stalls selling fresh fruit juice. These juices are made with real, fresh fruits right in front of you. You can pick from a variety of fruits, like strawberries, oranges, or kiwi. The juice is super refreshing, full of flavor, and healthy!

11. Chicken Skewers (닭꼬치)

As you wander through the streets of Myeongdong, the smell of chicken skewers grilling is sure to catch your attention! Chicken skewers are made with chunks of tender chicken, marinated in a mix of flavors, and then grilled to perfection. Each skewer is juicy on the inside and slightly charred on the outside, with a delicious smoky taste. You can find them with different toppings, like spicy sauce or a sweet glaze, so there’s something for everyone. Also, they are a great snack to enjoy while you’re on the go!

12. Croissant Bungeoppang (붕어빵)

Bungeoppang is a popular street food filled with either red bean paste or creamy yellow custard. The fish-shaped pastries are great during the cold months in Korea and are super cheap. But this one isn't your ordinary fish-shaped cake; it combines the flaky, buttery texture of a croissant with the sweet fillings traditionally found in bungeoppang.

Source: Mayo Food Youtube

You can choose from a variety of fillings, such as sweet red beans, creamy sweet potatoes, rich cream cheese, or chocolate. It's a perfect example of how traditional snacks can be reinvented to create something new and exciting!

Tips & Tricks to Fully Enjoy Myeongdong Street Food

Timing is everything: To fully enjoy the Myeongdong street food scene without the overwhelming crowds, consider visiting in the late afternoon or early evening on weekdays.

Cash is king: While more stalls are starting to accept cards and bank transfers, we recommend having cash on hand for an easy experience.

Try a little bit of everything: We know it's tempting to fill up at the first stall you see! Instead, pace yourself and try small portions from each stall to enjoy a wider range of tastes.

Be adventurous: Myeongdong is the perfect place to step out of your culinary comfort zone. Don't shy away from trying something new or unfamiliar—it might just become your new favorite!

Heading to Myeongdong? Get a Myeongdong Pass and don't miss out on special food and shopping discounts!

Still hungry? Check out our food guide for the top restaurants nearby!

Myeongdong Food Guide

We hope you found our Myeongdong street food guide helpful! If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below or send us an email at help@creatrip.com. You can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea!