A Spoonful of Winter Street Food Scenes from K- Movies and TV
There is always something about food scenes in movies with the drumstick pulling and hot noodle slurping going the extra mile that make us crave the same. In K movies and dramas, many of these scene-stealing food appearances happen on the street. Like the main character gulping down a bowl of hot noodles or students enjoying a hot platter of spicy Tteokbokki (Spicy rice cake) at a street vendor. In Seoul, you may just find yourself at the same place where the stars once ate—or, at least, pretended to eat.
Out of the many types of Korean food, winter street food is particularly special because of its seasonal delicacies and variety. It gives a more dynamic and vibrant experience than a plain meal in an everyday restaurant. The combined impression that the cold winter weather, the bustling market, the hot steam piping out of food carts, and the aroma of sweet and savory shares a lively sensation, of course, with an amazing taste.
In Korea, Bunsik is loved by all ages. The two vowel combination word comes from two Hanja characters “Bun” 분 (粉) meaning powder like flour and “Sik” 식 (食) meaning food. The literal meaning is “food made from flour”. One of the most favorite Bunsik among locals is Tteokbokki (spicy rice cake) and kimbap (laver rice rolls) is sold in small shops and stores too. The word Bunsik includes other types of food and snacks that are either ready-made or fast-cooked, like Sundae( traditional sausage), Hotteok(stuffed pancakes),Bungeopang(fish-shaped stuffed cake). Bunsik started from old traditional markets and street vendors and can still find them around popular tourist attractions or shopping malls. To get the full experience, we recommend visiting nearby Seoul traditional markets where you can find all your favorite K movie/drama street foods in one place.
Top Traditional Markets in Seoul
광장 시장
Gwangjang Market is a traditional street market in Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea. The market is one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in South Korea, with more than 5000 shops and 20,000 employees in an area of 42,000 square meters (450,000 square feet). A perfect place to find all types of Korean food, street food, and small bites alike.
Address:88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel:02-2267-0291
통인 시장
Tongin Market is a lively street market with a great concept to sample all the Korean street food. Located inside the market is a coin store where tourists can buy a tray/lunchbox and 5,000 won worth of coins. Go around the market and fill up the tray with the food you wish to sample. There is a sitting area inside the market to eat and can buy extra soup and rice if needed.
Address:18 Jahamun-ro 15-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: 02-722-0911
<이상한 변호사 우영우(Extraordinary Attorney Woo) (2022)> on Netflix
1.김밥 ( Geem-bab)
Gimbap is made using rice seasoned with vinegar, sugar, and salt. On top of laver, rice and thin strips of eggs, Eomuk, and seasonal vegetables are lined up in the middle to be rolled together. Then, they are cut into bite-sized pieces often topped with sesame oil and sesame seeds.
<빈센조 Vincenzo(2021)> on Netflix
2.떡볶이
Tteokbokki is one of the most loved street Bunsik by locals. This stir-fried sweet and spicy meal is cooked with cylindrical shaped rice cakes with Eomuk( fishcake) and some vegetables. The traditional flavor would be spicy but several other non-spicy fusion Tteokbokki like Jjjajang ( black bean sauce) and Ganjang( soy sauce) can be found.
<내부자들 Inside Men (2015)>
3.어묵
Eomuk is a boiled fishcake often served with its broth. It is made of ground fish meat and is skewered on a wooden stick. Often served and dipped in seasoned soy sauce.
<나의 특별한 형제 Inseparable Bros (2019)>
4.라면
Ramyeon is a hot noodle with soup, usually spicy and cooked in less than 5 minutes. This Bunsik is a loved noodle soup by locals and has many different flavors and packets that are seafood-based, chicken broth-based, and vegetable-based.
