Korean Street Food in Fall: 7 Snacks to Try in October (Local Picks)

Short answer: Fall is the best season for Korean street food. Look for roasted sweet potatoes, roasted chestnuts, hotteok, bungeoppang, and fish cake skewers. You'll find them near subway exits, traditional markets, and busy streets like Myeongdong. Most snacks cost just a few thousand won, and some stalls are cash only.



Hi friends, it's Hee from Seoul! 🍂 When the air turns chilly, something magical happens on Korean streets. Little carts and stalls start popping up everywhere, and the smell of roasted sweet potatoes follows you all the way home.

If you're visiting Korea this fall, don't just eat at restaurants. Some of the best food here costs less than a coffee and comes in a paper bag.

Here are my 7 favorite fall street snacks.



🍠 7 Korean Street Snacks to Try in Fall



1. Goguma (Roasted Sweet Potato)

The smell of fall in Korea. Sweet, soft, and perfect for cold hands. Korean sweet potatoes are much sweeter than most you'll find abroad.


💡 Tip: Many convenience stores sell warm roasted sweet potatoes near the counter, too.


2. Gunbam (Roasted Chestnuts)

Roasted in a big iron pan and sold in small paper bags. Nutty, warm, and easy to snack on while walking.


3. Hotteok (Sweet Syrup Pancake)

A crispy pancake filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. The syrup inside gets super hot, so be careful with the first bite!


💡 Tip: Namdaemun Market is famous for its hotteok. Expect a line, but it moves fast.


4. Bungeoppang (Fish-Shaped Bun)

Don't worry, there's no fish inside! It's a crispy bun shaped like a fish, filled with sweet red bean or custard cream. These stalls start popping up as the weather gets colder.


5. Eomuk (Fish Cake Skewer)

Grab a skewer, stand at the stall, and drink the free hot broth from a paper cup. This is how Koreans warm up on chilly nights.


💡 Tip: You usually pay after eating. Just tell the owner how many skewers you had.


6. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)

Chewy rice cakes in a sweet and spicy red sauce. It's a year-round classic, but it hits different on a cold evening. Dip your eomuk in the sauce like a local.


7. Gyeran-ppang (Egg Bread)

A fluffy, slightly sweet bread with a whole egg baked on top. Filling, cheap, and great for a quick breakfast on the go.


📍 Where to Find Them

  • Myeongdong: lots of stalls in the evening, great for trying many snacks at once
  • Gwangjang Market: famous food market with a lively local vibe
  • Namdaemun Market: best known for hotteok
  • Near subway exits: small carts pop up in residential areas, especially in the evening

💳 Local Tips Before You Go

1. Bring some cash

Many stalls take cards now, but some small carts are still cash only. Keep a few 1,000 won bills handy.


2. Go in the evening

Most stalls are busiest after 5 p.m. when people head home from work.


3. Dress warm

You'll be eating outside, so bring a light jacket and scarf. Check my October outfit guide below!


✨ Quick Summary

  • Must try: goguma, gunbam, hotteok, bungeoppang, eomuk
  • Where: Myeongdong, Gwangjang Market, Namdaemun, subway exits
  • Bring: some cash and a warm jacket
  • Best time: evenings

Which snack would you try first? Tell me in the comments! Mine is always hotteok. 😊



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Location: 대한민국 서울특별시

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