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Weird Korean Street Food: 5 Unusual Snacks You Might See in Korean Markets

When exploring Korean street food, you’ll quickly notice that not every snack looks familiar. Alongside famous foods like tteokbokki and hotteok, you may encounter dishes that surprise first-time visitors. From silkworm pupae and live octopus to grilled intestines, these weird Korean street foods can look intimidating—but many locals love them.

Traditional markets and night streets in Korea are full of foods that developed from regional cooking traditions or creative street vendors. Some started as inexpensive protein sources, while others became popular late-night snacks. Today they remain part of Korea’s unique food culture.

If you’re curious about trying something different while traveling in Korea, these unusual street foods are some of the most interesting ones to look out for.


Beondegi, Sannakji, Sundae, Gopchang Skewers, and Dakbal — shown from top left to bottom right

Beondegi (Silkworm Pupae)

Beondegi is one of the most famous unusual snacks you can find in Korean street markets. It’s made from boiled or steamed silkworm pupae, usually served in a small paper cup.

You’ll often see vendors cooking them in large metal pots, and the smell is usually noticeable before you even see the stall.

What it’s like:

  • Soft, slightly chewy texture
  • Nutty, earthy flavor
  • High in protein

While it used to be very common decades ago, today many people try it mostly for the experience or nostalgia.

Sannakji (Live Octopus)

Sannakji is one of the most surprising foods for visitors to Korea.

It consists of fresh octopus cut into small pieces and served immediately, while the tentacles may still move slightly due to nerve activity.

Typical flavor and texture:

  • Fresh ocean taste
  • Chewy texture
  • Usually dipped in sesame oil and salt

Sannakji is most commonly found in seafood markets, but in some market areas you may see stalls serving it as a street snack.

Because the tentacles can stick to chopsticks, people usually chew carefully when eating it.

Sundae (Korean Blood Sausage)

Sundae is a traditional Korean sausage made by filling pig intestine with glass noodles, pork blood, rice, and vegetables.

It’s actually one of the most common foods in traditional markets, but the ingredient list can surprise many travelers.

Typical characteristics:

  • Soft and slightly chewy texture
  • Mild savory flavor
  • Usually eaten with salt or spicy paste

Street vendors often sell sundae together with tteokbokki and fried snacks, making it a typical Korean market meal.

Gopchang Skewers (Grilled Intestine Skewers)

Gopchang skewers are grilled pieces of beef or pork intestine served on skewers. While gopchang is commonly eaten in restaurants, some markets and night stalls sell it as grilled street snacks.

What makes it unique:

  • Chewy, slightly crispy texture
  • Rich, fatty flavor
  • Usually seasoned with spicy sauce or salt

For many Korean people, gopchang is considered a delicious comfort food, but for visitors it can be one of the most unexpected things on a street food menu.

Dakbal (Spicy Chicken Feet)

Dakbal, or spicy chicken feet, is a popular late-night snack in Korea.

The chicken feet are marinated in a spicy gochujang-based sauce and then grilled or stir-fried.

Typical features:

  • Very spicy flavor
  • Sticky and chewy texture
  • Often eaten with beer or soju

Although it might look unusual at first, many people enjoy dakbal because of its bold flavor and addictive spiciness.

Why Travelers Try Weird Korean Street Food

For many visitors, trying unusual foods becomes part of the adventure of traveling.

  • A memorable travel story
  • A fun challenge with friends
  • A deeper way to experience local food culture

Even if you don’t end up loving every dish, tasting something new can make your market experience much more interesting.


While foods like beondegi, sannakji, sundae, gopchang skewers, and dakbal might seem unusual at first, they represent a unique side of Korean street food culture.

If you’re feeling adventurous, trying even one of these unusual snacks can turn an ordinary market visit into a memorable food experience.

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