When you think of Korean food, maybe the first thing that pops into your mind is 김치(kimchi), the spicy and tangy fermented cabbage or 떡볶이 (tteokbokki), the chewy rice cakes cooked in a bright red spicy sauce. However, Korea has many more amazing foods. You can find warm street snacks, vibrant noodles, crispy fried dishes and many more unique flavors you've never tried before.
I tried a traditional Korean street snack called 호떡 (hotteok). It is similar to a warm, golden pancake or donut, but has a sweet surprise inside. The dough is filled with melted brown sugar, cinnamon and chopped nuts. As it cooks, the filling turns into a gooey and caramel-like center. People especially enjoy hotteok during the winter because it feels warm and cozy to eat when the weather is freezing.
I also tried Korean fried chicken, or 치킨 (chikin), from a stall in a busy street market. A 시장 (shijang), or market, is a lively place where people can buy delicious food, clothing, cooking supplies, and many other everyday items. The chicken stall I visited is famous for its long lines, which usually means the food is very good. And it definitely was!