Food You Must Try – Bunsik Edition           | K-Street Food Series #1

When you think of Korean Traditional Food, what comes to mind first?
Maybe spicy kimchi or sizzling barbecue — but if you want to experience the heart of Korean everyday life, there’s something even more special: Bunsik.

Bunsik literally means “flour-based food,” but in practice, it refers to a wide range of affordable, comforting, quick Korean street snacks. You’ll find it near schools, at bus stops, and in traditional markets. It’s the food of students, workers, and friends sharing laughter over small plastic tables.

Today, we begin our Korean Street Food Series with 5 classic bunsik dishes you absolutely must try!

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1. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes) 🥵

This dish(Tteokbokki) is the TOP of Korean street food.
Tteokbokki consists of chewy rice cakes simmered in a spicy gochujang-based sauce. The vibrant red color draws you in — the flavor keeps you hooked.

Most Korean has a memory with tteokbokki: after school with friends, late-night cravings, or rainy-day comfort.

🔥 Insider tip: It's appropriate for people who loves spicy thing!!! But many places offer “mild” options, too!

💵 Price in Korea: About 4,500 won per person

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2. Eomuk (Fish Cake Skewers) 🎉

When winter hits Korea, the first thing locals reach for is a warm skewer of eomuk dipped in savory broth. These soft, Eomuk are usually sold right next to tteokbokki stalls — and often come with unlimited broth refills.

The taste is mild but warm and comforting. In Korea, skewered Eomuk (Fish cake) is the most representative!!! 

🔥 Insider tip: When the weather is cold or you want to eat warm soup, eating  Eomuk and Eomuk soup together, then it make warm both of your body and mind!!!!! 

💵 Price in Korea: About 1,000 won per piece

3. 🌯 Sundae (Korean Blood Sausage) | 순대

Sundae may be unfamiliar to foreign tourists, but it is a classic street food with deep roots. It is often eaten with Tteokbokki!!! 

Many locals mix sundae with tteokbokki and twigim on one plate. As mentioned earlier, sundae is especially eaten dipped in Tteokbokki sauce or salt.

🔥 Insider tip: In Korea, when you order sundae, it usually comes with intestines and liver can be very controversial, but many people like them. Give it a try!! 

💵 Price in Korea: About 4,500 won per person

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4. Twigim (Korean Tempura)💛

If you love fried food, Twigim in Korea will make your dream come true. You'll find crispy sweet potatoes, shrimp, squid, and seaweed rolls stuffed with noodles(kim-mari) freshly fried and ready to devour

Twigim is usually served next to tteokbokki and dipped in its sauce. The crunchy texture and spicy sweetness create a perfect balance.

🔥 Insider tip: There was various type at Twigim. Choose type that you like and it will make you can enjoy Twigim more!!

💵 Price in Korea: About 2000 won 3 piece

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5. Gimbap (Seaweed Rice Rolls) 🍙

Little Gimbap is often called “Korean sushi,” but it has its own unique personality.
Filled with rice, pickled radish, egg, ham, spinach, and more, it’s nutritious, customizable, and perfect for eating on the go.

There are many variations — tuna, bulgogi, cheese, and even spicy kimchi gimbap. Gimbap is a go-to choice for picnics, travel days, or a quick snack between classes.

🔥 Insider tip: There are many ingredients go into Gimbap!! It is easy to eat, so it is also great for a quick snack during traveling!! 

💵 Price in Korea: About 4000 won per roll

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💬 Final thoughts

Bunsik is more than cheap street food. It’s a window into Korean life.

If you really want to understand Korea, you have to sit at a street stall, hold a paper bowl, and feel the warmth of bunsik.

At next series of KOREAN Street food, I will talk about griddle food. It will be interesting to look for.

Please visit many time!!! Thank you~~~~!!!!

한국 전통 음식 하면 김치나 고기구이를 떠올리기 쉽지만, 한국인의 진짜 일상을 느끼고 싶다면 반드시 분식을 경험해봐야 합니다. ‘분식’은 원래 밀가루 음식이라는 뜻이지만, 실제로는 떡볶이, 어묵, 순대, 튀김, 김밥 등 저렴하고 간편하게 먹을 수 있는 길거리 음식을 통틀어 일컫습니다. 분식은 학교 앞, 정류장, 시장 골목에서 쉽게 찾을 수 있고, 학생부터 직장인까지 모두가 사랑하는 음식이죠!!!!

떡볶이는 매콤달콤한 고추장 소스에 쫄깃한 떡을 넣어 만든 대표 메뉴로, 한국의 길거리 음식하면 생각나는 대표적인 음식이에요!! 또한 어묵은 따뜻한 국물과 함께 겨울철에 특히 인기있는 길거리 음식입니다. 순대는 당면과 선지를 채워 만든 한국식 소시지로, 떡볶이 소스나 소금에 찍어 먹습니다. 튀김은 김말이, 고구마, 새우 등 다양한 재료를 바삭하게 튀겨낸 음식으로, 떡볶이와 함께 먹으면 최고의 맛을 자랑해요!! 김밥은 밥과 여러 가지 속재료를 김에 말아 만든 음식으로, 참치, 불고기, 김치 등 다양한 종류가 있으며 휴대하기 쉽고 든든한 간식으로 한국인들에게 사랑받고 있어요!! 분식은 단순한 간식을 넘어서 한국인의 감성과 추억이 담긴 음식이며, 길거리에서 종이컵에 담아 먹는 그 순간에 한국의 따뜻한 정을 느낄 수 있답니다.

이번 글(한국의 길거리 음식 첫 번째 시리즈)에서는 분식에 대해 살펴보았습니다. 두 번째 시리즈에서는 길거리 음식 중 철판 음식을 살펴보도록 하겠습니다~~!!!

많이 방문해주세요!! 감사합니다!!!