"When the air turns crisp and your breath becomes visible, it’s not just the season that changes; it’s the flavors, the streets, and the essence of winter in Korea."
As we approach the end of the year, many people eagerly anticipate the arrival of the winter season. As temperatures drop and days grow shorter, we come to the realization that winter has finally arrived.
Due to the cold weather, everyone begins to wear long-sleeved clothing and carry hot packs. In shops, gloves and scarves are prominently displayed, and even the types of food available change. Two popular winter-season foods in Korea are Bung-eo-bbang (붕어빵), a dessert shaped like a fish and filled with red bean paste or cream, and O-deng (오뎅), a stew made with mashed fish. These foods are not only delicious but also served hot, providing a comforting source of warmth and energy. Street food is particularly famous in Myeong-dong, Seoul, where hundreds or even thousands of people visit each day. With its vibrant street food culture, every step you take reveals a variety of unique street foods for sale.
For some people, traditional Bung-eo-bbang can be a bit boring. If you are one of them, you should try croissant Bung-eo-bbang. As the name suggests, it is not an ordinary Bung-eo-bbang; rather, it is a fish-shaped croissant filled with chocolate, blueberry, and a variety of other flavors.
For those who enjoy hot and spicy foods, I recommend Myeong-dong Yetnal Tteokbokki (명동옛날떡볶이), which has been serving Tteokbokki for the past ten years. What makes this shop special is its use of beef bone soup (사골국물), a traditional Korean broth, to prepare the dish. While savoring the spicy flavors, you can also experience the essence of Korean culture infused in every bite.
If you enjoy exploring rather than simply sitting down to eat, you should try the various skewers (꼬치음식) available. These skewers often feature grilled pork, O-deng, and chicken drizzled with sauce. You can savor these delicious snacks while strolling through the bustling streets of Myeongdong, shopping in its trendy boutiques, and appreciating the vibrant street performances and lights that contribute to the area's energy and excitement.
The foods and shops I mentioned are just the tips of the iceberg; there are many winter street foods to enjoy, such as Ho-tteok (호떡: a pancake filled with peanuts and honey) and Jjin-bbang (찐빵: a white dumpling-shaped bread filled with red bean). Winter in Korea is truly a feast for the senses!