Hey there! If you’re craving some delicious Korean street food, you’re probably wondering how much it costs. As someone who loves exploring Seoul and devouring everything from spicy rice cakes to savory pancakes, I’ve got the scoop on Korean street food prices.
In this article, we’ll dive into:
- An overview of Korean street food costs
- Prices for popular dishes like tteokbokki and odeng
- Factors that affect pricing
- Tips to find affordable options
So let’s dig in!
An Overview of Korean Street Food Prices
In general, Korean street food tends to be pretty affordable. Vendors are everywhere in Seoul, from tiny food carts tucked down side alleys to bustling markets filled with sizzling grills and steaming pots.
You can typically find basic snacks and light meals for 1,000 to 5,000 Korean won. That equals about $0.80 USD to $4 USD. Not bad! Some dishes may cost more, especially if they contain pricey ingredients like seafood.
Here’s a quick look at the average prices for common Korean street foods:
- Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes): 1,500 won/$1.30 USD
- Egg bread: 1,500 won/$1.30 USD
- Hotteok (stuffed pancakes): 2,500 won/$2.20 USD
- Bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastry): 1,500 won/$1.30 USD
- Odeng (fish cakes): 500 won/$0.40 USD per stick
- Gimbap (rice rolls): 3,000 won/$2.60 USD
Now let’s explore prices for a few favorite Korean street foods in more detail.
Tteokbokki – Spicy Rice Cakes
Tteokbokki is one of the most popular Korean street foods. It consists of chewy rice cakes simmered in a spicy, sweet gochujang (red chili paste) sauce. Vendors serve it in small paper cups topped with eggs, fish cakes, and green onions.
Prices typically range from 1,500 to 4,000 won ($1.30 to $3.50 USD) per cup. Simple versions with just rice cakes and sauce are cheaper. More loaded cups with lots of toppings cost more.
You can often find good deals on tteokbokki at food markets. Like at the famous Gwangjang Market in Seoul, a hearty plate of it only costs around 6,000 won ($5 USD).
Odeng – Fish Cakes
Odeng are bite-sized fish cakes skewered on wooden sticks. They’re made from a white fish/starch mixture that gets steamed or fried until chewy. Vendors serve odeng with sweet and spicy dipping sauces.
Odeng prices are very affordable, usually 500 to 1,500 won (around $0.40 to $1.30 USD) per stick. The minimum cost is just 500 won for a single mini odeng. But you can get better deals if you buy a bunch at once.
Some vendors sell odeng by the cup rather than individually. A small cup costs around 2,000 won ($1.75 USD) while a large will be around 5,000 won ($4 USD). Definitely go for the big cup to maximize your value!
Factors That Affect Pricing
Korean street food prices can vary quite a bit between spots, even for the same dish. Here are the key factors that impact costs:
- Location: Prices tend to be higher at stalls in prime tourist districts or near major attractions. Cheaper options are found in local neighborhoods off the beaten path.
- Ingredients: Seafood and meat dishes cost more than simpler veggie or tofu fare because of higher ingredient expenses.
- Portion sizes: Large platters or full meals have higher prices than quick snacks or street food sticks.
- Add-ons and toppings: Extra toppings like cheese, kimchi, or dumplings add to the total bill.
- Branding: Famous vendors or street food chains may charge higher prices for the popularity of their name and reputation.
Tips for Finding Affordable Options
Follow these tips to locate the best Korean street food deals:
- Head to traditional markets like Dongdaemun or Namdaemun in Seoul where competition keeps prices low.
- Look for street carts and food trucks rather than sit-down eateries which often have higher prices.
- Go for afternoon or late night snacks when vendors offer discounts to attract customers.
- Order basic dishes without lots of add-ons to keep your bill down.
- Watch for special combo deals which offer discounted pricing.
- Try the street food in residential neighborhoods rather than touristy areas.
Satisfy Your Cravings on a Budget
Korean street eats offer tons of delicious flavors at wallet-friendly rates. With an average price of 1,500 to 5,000 won per dish, you can easily try a variety of options without spending a ton. Use the tips above to find the best bargains around.
Now hurry up and grab a piping hot cup of tteokbokki or a couple sticks of odeng! Your taste buds and budget will thank you. Let me know if you have any other questions about Korean street food prices. I’m always happy to share insider knowledge to help fellow foodies save money and eat well.
