GUAM
Hyemin just received 32cm of Ice Cream from a staff member.

32cm Ice Cream (Photo by Hyemin Lee/Stripes Guam)

Going on a snacking tour in Hongdae is a fun way to discover a variety of enticing Korean foods and treats. Enjoy the snacks while strolling around the lively streets brimming with a youthful atmosphere, street performances and trendy shops. Sampling the neighborhood’s street-food options has become a popular social media trend, so don’t be surprised to see locals and tourists taking videos and photos of Hongdae’s delicious offerings.

Unlike street food in some tourist areas, Hongdae keeps most goodies at reasonable prices as local culture is cherished in this area. Each snack usually costs around 3,000 to 4,000 won so make sure to sample several different options to fully experience the diverse delights!

Street Food Alley

Head to Hongdae’s Street Food Alley where you’ll find candied fruit skewers, waffles, cakes, donuts, ice cream and more. FYI, some famous shops may have long lines, but don’t hesitate to line up as your turn will come quickly and is worth the wait.

There are many people in Street Food Alley.

Street Food Alley (Photo by Hyemin Lee/Stripes Guam)

  • Address: Hongik-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Naver Map

Popular street foods in Hongdae!

32cm Ice Cream

Enjoy the challenge of finishing this long soft ice cream for 3,000 won. It’s served with one or two flavors in a single ice cream cone and the options include chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, mango, yogurt, and green tea. Be mindful of holding it carefully to prevent it from falling to the ground!

Hyemin just received 32cm of Ice Cream from a staff member.

32cm Ice Cream  (Photo by Hyemin Lee/Stripes Guam)

Hyemin holds 32cm Ice Cream.

32cm Ice Cream  (Photo by Hyemin Lee/Stripes Guam)

Candied Fruit (Tanghulu)

Candied fruit is a stick of fresh strawberries or grapes, coated with hardened sugar syrup. Every bite offers a great balance of sweetness and tartness.

Candied Fruits (Tanghulu) are displayed.

Candied Fruit (Tanghulu) (Photo by Hyemin Lee/Stripes Guam)

Marshmallow Ice Cream

Inspired by roasting marshmallows over an open fire, this sweet treat doesn’t require a campfire. Choose from the available ice cream flavors and watch as the vendor uses a blow torch to roast the outer marshmallow right before your eyes. The toasted marshmallow exterior pairs well with the creamy, ice-cold ice cream inside.

A staff member burns the surface of a Marshmallow Ice Cream.

Marshmallow Ice Cream (Photo by Hyemin Lee/Stripes Guam)

A staff member burns the surface of a Marshmallow Ice Cream.

Marshmallow Ice Cream (Photo by Hyemin Lee/Stripes Guam)

Hyemin enjoys a Marshmallow Ice Cream.

Marshmallow Ice Cream (Photo by Hyemin Lee/Stripes Guam)

Crepe

Crepes are a popular street dessert in Hongdae packed with sweet and colorful toppings. You can choose from combinations of fruit, Nutella, whipped cream and more, and strawberry and banana are especially popular choices.

Hyemin holds a crepe in her hand.

(Photo by Hyemin Lee/Stripes Korea)

SPEAKIN’ KOREAN: SNACKING TOUR

Hello: Annyeong-haseyo (안녕하세요)

Thanks: Gamsa-hamnida (감사합니다)

Snack: Gansik (간식)

Let’s try this: Igeo meogeo-boja (이거 먹어보자) *Informal

What’s inside?: Ane mwo-ga deureo-isseoyo? (안에 뭐가 들어있어요?)

Can I have this one?: Igeo hana juseyo (이거 하나 주세요)

How much is it?: Igeo eolmayeyo? (이거 얼마예요?)

What is the other flavor?: Dareun maseun mwo-yeyo? (다른 맛은 뭐예요?)

It’s delicious!: Masisseoyo! (맛있어요!)

Hyemin Lee is a writer based in Korea. Lee covers travel, food and culture stories for Stripes Korea. Follow her to learn about great destinations near and far on the Peninsula that you and your whole family will enjoy.

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