Seoul Street Food: Namdaemun Market Edition
Left: ‘Crack’ gimbap as some Koreans call it, it is the simple basic roll available at Namdaemun’s food market. Above: Tteokbokki, or spicy rice cakes. Below: Marinated onions. Left: Savory vegetable pancake, Myungmool Hotteok .
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If you’re a foodie in Seoul for just a few days, or are planning to teach English for a few years, we would highly recommend one of our favorite spots for food; Namdaemun Market in Seoul. Namdaemun Market is one of the largest and oldest traditional markets in South Korea, located in the heart of Seoul. It's a great place to explore and try out some of the city's best street food.
In Namdaemun you will find a number of market stalls and food carts lining the streets. The 이모 (said like EEMOs as a polite way to address an older Korean woman and literally translating to aunt) make a number of delicious dishes and there is nothing like enjoying a freshly fried vegetable pancake. The inside of the market is bustling and cramped with barstools at various different food stations.
Here are some of the must-try street foods in Namdaemun Market:
Tteokbokki (떡볶이): Tteokbokki is a popular Korean street food made with spicy rice cakes. At Namdaemun Market, you can find tteokbokki served in a variety of ways, including on skewers or in a paper cup with a spicy sauce.
Gimbap (김밥): Gimbap is a Korean version of sushi made with rice and a variety of fillings such as vegetables, egg, and meat. At Namdaemun Market, you can find a variety of gimbap with different fillings, including tuna, cheese, and even fried chicken.
Mandu (만두): Mandu is a Korean dumpling filled with meat or vegetables. At Namdaemun Market, you can find steamed or fried mandu, and they're often served with a spicy dipping sauce.
Hotteok and/or Myungmool Hotteok (명물호떡) : Hotteok is a Korean sweet pancake filled with brown sugar, honey, and nuts. It's a popular street food in Korea, and at Namdaemun Market, you can find vendors making hotteok fresh on the spot. Myungmool Hotteok is a savory vegetable pancake like the one featured above.
Eomuk (어묵): Eomuk is a Korean fish cake that's often served on skewers with a sweet and spicy sauce. At Namdaemun Market, you can find vendors selling freshly grilled eomuk skewers, and it's a great snack to enjoy while exploring the market.
Namdaemun Market is a must-visit destination for street food lovers in Seoul. With a variety of delicious and affordable street food options, it's a great place to experience the vibrant food culture of Korea.
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