Top 5 Korean Winter Snacks Recommended by Koreans

Winter in Korea is a season where cold weather and warm snacks come together. Here are five popular winter snacks Koreans love. These snacks, which melt your heart even in the cold weather, will become a special memory of your Korean winter trip.

1. Roasted Sweet Potatoes (Gun-go-gu-ma)

Roasted sweet potatoes (Gun-go-gu-ma), a representative winter snack in Korea, can be easily found on the streets. The sweet taste and soft texture of the roasted sweet potato make a cold winter day warmer.

How to Enjoy Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Buy freshly roasted sweet potatoes from street vendors.

Easily make them at home using an air fryer or oven.

Roasted sweet potatoes are highly satiating, making them a great snack and a popular choice for those on a diet.

2. Fish-shaped Cakes (Bung-eo-ppang)

Fish-shaped cakes (Bung-eo-ppang) are a representative street food in winter. These fish-shaped snacks, made by baking sweet red bean paste in wheat flour batter, are loved by many for their sweet and nutty flavor. Recently, variations with different fillings like custard cream and chocolate have broadened the options.

The Charm of Fish-shaped Cakes

Affordable and easily accessible to everyone.

Sweet taste that warms you from the inside out.

3. Tteokbokki

Tteokbokki, with its spicy and sweet sauce and chewy rice cakes, is perfect as a winter snack. It's a traditional Korean street food and can be easily found in markets and restaurants.

Great Ingredients to Add to Tteokbokki

Add fish cakes and boiled eggs.

Add cheese for a creamy and nutty flavor.

Tteokbokki is a snack that's even more enjoyable when shared with friends.

4. Fish Cakes (Eomuk)

Fish cakes (Eomuk), served with hot broth, are a representative winter snack. Easily found in markets or on the streets, their chewy texture and rich broth warm your body on a cold winter day.

The Specialness of Fish Cake Broth

Rich and deep flavor, perfect for cold weather.

Popular as a simple yet satisfying snack.

5. Hotteok

Hotteok is a snack made by baking a wheat flour batter filled with sugar, nuts, and honey. Its crispy exterior and sweet filling create a perfect harmony. Recently, various variations such as green tea, cheese, and black sesame have appeared, expanding the range of choices.

How to Enjoy Hotteok Deliciously

Carefully bite into the freshly baked Hotteok (be careful, the inside is hot)!

Enjoy with a warm drink.

Tips for Enjoying Winter Snacks

Korean winter snacks are most enjoyable when eaten on the street. However, they can also be easily made at home.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes:Roast in an air fryer at 200 degrees for about 40 minutes.

Hotteok Mix: You can easily make Hotteok at home by purchasing a Hotteok mix from the supermarket.

Drinks that go well with winter snacks

There are also drinks that taste better when enjoyed with winter snacks.

Sikhye: A traditional Korean beverage that goes well with Tteokbokki and Hotteok.

Yuzu Tea:Warm and refreshing Yuzu tea is a perfect match with roasted sweet potatoes.

Hot Coffee:A good drink to enjoy with fish-shaped cakes.

Korea's Top 5 winter snacks offer warmth and happiness even in the cold winter. Roasted sweet potatoes, fish-shaped cakes, Tteokbokki, Hotteok, and fish cakes each have their own unique taste and charm, making them enjoyable for everyone. Experience Korean snacks this winter. Your cold days will be filled with warm memories.