When the temperature drops in Korea, the streets come alive with clouds of steam, sizzling griddles, and the comforting scent of sweet and savory treats. From crispy hotteok (Korean sweet pancakes) to piping-hot fish-shaped pastries, these winter snacks are more than food—they’re memories, nostalgia, and a taste of comfort that every Korean grows up with.

Whether you’re visiting Korea in the winter or just dreaming of cozy street food scenes from your favorite K-dramas, these Korean winter street snacks are must-try classics that define the season.

2. Sweet & Nostalgic Street Snacks You Can’t Miss

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Korean winter isn’t complete without the smell of sugar caramelizing on a griddle or the sound of chestnuts popping open over a fire. Here are the most iconic sweet Korean winter street snacks that bring comfort with every bite.

• Bungeoppang & Ingeoppang (Fish-shaped Bread)

  Crispy on the outside and soft inside, bungeoppang is filled with red bean, custard, or savory pizza filling. Meanwhile, ingeoppang — a softer version made with glutinous rice flour and a bit more oil — has a moister texture and evenly spread filling, offering a richer and smoother taste. Sold in paper sleeves, these fish-shaped treats are the ultimate hand-warmers during a chilly night walk in Korea.

• Hotteok (Sweet Pancake)

  Golden-brown pancakes stuffed with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts that ooze caramel syrup when bitten into. Found in every winter market, hotteok is the definition of “cozy comfort food.”

• Eomuk (Fish Cake Skewers) & Broth

  Served on sticks with hot savory soup, eomuk(fish cake) and mul-tteok(rice cakes) are quick, soul-warming snack found on every corner. The free refills of broth make both even better.

• Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)

  A fiery mix of rice cakes simmered in red pepper sauce. Add fried snacks (twigim) or fish cake (eomuk) for the full experience.