What is winter made of? Cold breeze that almost cuts your face, wet shoes from snow, shoulder pain from heavy clothes and shivering, drying indoor heating, and itchy ears. As a big-time summer person, winter really does not have a lot to offer for me. But what makes it bearable? What makes me go, “Oh now THIS is the most wonderful time of the year”?
Seasonal Street Food
Koreans might not carry cash around most of the time, but that cannot be the case in winter. Why? Because we know when we see food trucks in winter, that’s the opportunity you might have to wait a while to get another. And we MUST GET THAT SNACK.
With my 20+ years of experience in Korean winter, let me list some of the options you must try when you get the chance. I would give you my personal ratings of each, but I really don’t want to hinder your own experience and judgment. So when you try these yourself and get back to me, I’ll let you know if I think so!
Bungeo-ppang (Fish-shaped Pastry)
This is the OG winter street food of Korea. The face of winter, the all-star, the prima donna, and the main character. The name has it all, but let me break it down for you a bit: Bungeo-ppang translates literally to ‘fish bread.’ It doesn’t contain actual fish, so you don’t have to worry! It just takes its shape from crucian carp and is filled with sweet red bean paste. It’s usually 100% vegan, but some might use eggs for the batter. So if you’re allergic or don’t want to have eggs, you could ask beforehand just to be sure!
What does it taste like?
The pastry has a crunchy texture on the outermost layer but is mostly soft and moist. You might even think that it is not fully cooked. Well, that’s just how they are! The batter is like the second filling. It adds creamy texture and doesn’t feel slimy nor wet.
The traditional filling is sweet red bean paste, as mentioned earlier, but another popular one is custard. Me, I’m a red bean girlie, but you should try both to see which one you like better! They also have niche fillings like pizza (tomato sauce, vegetables, and cheese) or chocolate sometimes.
The red bean paste has a thicker consistency than with red bean kernels. So it’s two different textures mixed, which makes the flavor so rich and fun! Custard? Well, they’re good too. Sweeter than red beans for sure, and even creamier.
Be careful when you try them! As they get into your hands straight out of the pan, they’re really hot a lot of times, and you might burn your tongue.
Bungeo-ppang vs. Ingeo-ppang
There is another fish-shaped pastry called ‘Ingeo-ppang.’ Bungeo is crucian carp, and Ingeo is carp. The shape is different but not too noticeable. The difference you can tell without trying is that injeolmi is usually somewhat transparent and that you can see the fillings from the outside. The texture is softer, creamier, and chewier, and it has a thinner shell, which makes the taste of the fillings greater. BUT! It’s very difficult to find 100% vegan injeolmi-ppang, as the batter usually contains butter.
Some like bungeo-ppang better for the taste of the batter, and some like injeo-ppang better for the taste of the filling. It’s really up to you to choose!
Grilled Sweet Potato
When I walk into a convenience store in a time like this, the smell of sweet potatoes on a grill just makes me drool. The sweetness gets to its maximum level when you grill them, as they lose moisture and only the essence is left! It’s also great for sharing with your fluffy friends. Just remember to share a reasonable amount, as they might get too chunky from the delicious golden snack!
It really is not difficult to know when you’re near a grilled-sweet-potato place, as you would notice the aroma from afar! They do have these in stores, but the best is always on the streets. Freshly out of the grill, they’re extremely hot, but when you have them in the middle of the cold winter breeze, it’s just magical! Suddenly you welcome the coldness and embrace everything. I’m now reliving every moment where I had this hot thing in my hands with my cheeks all red from the cold.
What does it taste like?
I’m sure most of us have tried sweet potatoes. Grilled? I don’t really know, but… sure, right?!
The texture gets interesting. It almost feels dried, but moist at the same time somehow! The color gets darker and more saturated, so it really looks like a fabric weaved out of golden fiber. Chewy and soft, it’s just… I’m getting hungry now.
What should I have it with?
Korean enough, people like to have it with kimchi, as the cold and refreshing kimchi adds a nice layer to the experience. Popular drinks to go with it are Sprite or milk. The sweet potato becomes so creamier with milk that we invented the ‘sweet potato latte.’ Oat, soy, or whatever milk you prefer, I guarantee you that it’d taste amazing. Sprite is for my fizzy pop people. For some, the thick consistency feels a little suffocating. Then you can break yourself free with the fresh sip of Sprite! Dare I say, cathartic?
Things to Do and See
I may have spoken a little too much about the food, so I’ll keep this short and brief: Trees and ice skating, with string lights.
Ice Skating in Seoul
There are a few outdoor ice-skating parks in Seoul that you can visit for some good time. I will not list everything, but just 2 of my personal favorites.
Seoul Plaza Skating Park
This is one of the most accessible skating parks, as it’s run by the city. Located right in front of the city hall, it has become one of the most well-known and popular winter activity spots with very, very affordable tickets (1,000 won per person—less than a dollar). I personally don’t think this would be the best option for an aesthetic, beautiful, and romantic skating session, but for those who are looking for a light, fun, and physical activity at a good location and reasonable price, it sure shines the brightest! They also offer other traditionally Korean winter activities, like sleighing on the Han River and topping on ice.
Literally right next to the train station, you can just get off at the city hall station and take exit 5, or on a nice day, take a stroll around the heart of Seoul just to really see how we’re doing!
Grand Hyatt Seoul Ice Rink
Yeah, a 5-star hotel. So you know that they’re all for a romantic winter experience with abundant lights and magical wonders! All the branches glow, the lights are surreal, and you just glide on the ice around like the winter lover you are. As it’s known as the most romantic ice rink in Seoul, the ticket is a little bit pricier than the Seoul Plaza. But hey, if you really want to dully experience the winter wonder, it’s not an astronomical amount!
They also offer figure skating shows on Fridays, so if you want more seeing than doing, that’s another great option to consider.
This place is for those who want to commit 100% and get 100%. Purple, pink, and gold lights from the branches scatter upon the ice, and there you are skating as if your feet don’t touch the ground.
Winter Wonderland of Seoul
When the holiday season kicks in, there is a place that everyone thinks of—the winter wonderland of Seoul, where they create a whole village just to celebrate the holidays!
The Hyundai Seoul
The Hyundai opens its own winter village called the ‘H Village’ during winter. They have cute trains, red buildings that look like they just came out of a storybook, and gigantic trees with blindingly shiny lights. Tents, hot air balloons, merry-go-rounds, and nutcrackers are all there! It really feels like another universe. This year they’re having a grand theater that moves!
But remember—this is with no doubt one of the MOST popular places in Seoul in winter. Don’t forget to book beforehand or get ready to stay in a long, long line!
Hey, that’s about it! I don’t know if you reading this are planning to visit, live here, or are just curious; you can have my words on the ways to enjoy your winter in Seoul!
Korean Winter Wonderland
What is winter made of? Cold breeze that almost cuts your face, wet shoes from snow, shoulder pain from heavy clothes and shivering, drying indoor heating, and itchy ears. As a big-time summer person, winter really does not have a lot to offer for me. But what makes it bearable? What makes me go, “Oh now THIS is the most wonderful time of the year”?
Seasonal Street Food
Koreans might not carry cash around most of the time, but that cannot be the case in winter. Why? Because we know when we see food trucks in winter, that’s the opportunity you might have to wait a while to get another. And we MUST GET THAT SNACK.
With my 20+ years of experience in Korean winter, let me list some of the options you must try when you get the chance. I would give you my personal ratings of each, but I really don’t want to hinder your own experience and judgment. So when you try these yourself and get back to me, I’ll let you know if I think so!
Bungeo-ppang (Fish-shaped Pastry)
This is the OG winter street food of Korea. The face of winter, the all-star, the prima donna, and the main character. The name has it all, but let me break it down for you a bit: Bungeo-ppang translates literally to ‘fish bread.’ It doesn’t contain actual fish, so you don’t have to worry! It just takes its shape from crucian carp and is filled with sweet red bean paste. It’s usually 100% vegan, but some might use eggs for the batter. So if you’re allergic or don’t want to have eggs, you could ask beforehand just to be sure!
What does it taste like?
The pastry has a crunchy texture on the outermost layer but is mostly soft and moist. You might even think that it is not fully cooked. Well, that’s just how they are! The batter is like the second filling. It adds creamy texture and doesn’t feel slimy nor wet.
The traditional filling is sweet red bean paste, as mentioned earlier, but another popular one is custard. Me, I’m a red bean girlie, but you should try both to see which one you like better! They also have niche fillings like pizza (tomato sauce, vegetables, and cheese) or chocolate sometimes.
The red bean paste has a thicker consistency than with red bean kernels. So it’s two different textures mixed, which makes the flavor so rich and fun! Custard? Well, they’re good too. Sweeter than red beans for sure, and even creamier.
Be careful when you try them! As they get into your hands straight out of the pan, they’re really hot a lot of times, and you might burn your tongue.
Bungeo-ppang vs. Ingeo-ppang
There is another fish-shaped pastry called ‘Ingeo-ppang.’ Bungeo is crucian carp, and Ingeo is carp. The shape is different but not too noticeable. The difference you can tell without trying is that injeolmi is usually somewhat transparent and that you can see the fillings from the outside. The texture is softer, creamier, and chewier, and it has a thinner shell, which makes the taste of the fillings greater. BUT! It’s very difficult to find 100% vegan injeolmi-ppang, as the batter usually contains butter.
Some like bungeo-ppang better for the taste of the batter, and some like injeo-ppang better for the taste of the filling. It’s really up to you to choose!
Grilled Sweet Potato
When I walk into a convenience store in a time like this, the smell of sweet potatoes on a grill just makes me drool. The sweetness gets to its maximum level when you grill them, as they lose moisture and only the essence is left! It’s also great for sharing with your fluffy friends. Just remember to share a reasonable amount, as they might get too chunky from the delicious golden snack!
It really is not difficult to know when you’re near a grilled-sweet-potato place, as you would notice the aroma from afar! They do have these in stores, but the best is always on the streets. Freshly out of the grill, they’re extremely hot, but when you have them in the middle of the cold winter breeze, it’s just magical! Suddenly you welcome the coldness and embrace everything. I’m now reliving every moment where I had this hot thing in my hands with my cheeks all red from the cold.
What does it taste like?
I’m sure most of us have tried sweet potatoes. Grilled? I don’t really know, but… sure, right?!
The texture gets interesting. It almost feels dried, but moist at the same time somehow! The color gets darker and more saturated, so it really looks like a fabric weaved out of golden fiber. Chewy and soft, it’s just… I’m getting hungry now.
What should I have it with?
Korean enough, people like to have it with kimchi, as the cold and refreshing kimchi adds a nice layer to the experience. Popular drinks to go with it are Sprite or milk. The sweet potato becomes so creamier with milk that we invented the ‘sweet potato latte.’ Oat, soy, or whatever milk you prefer, I guarantee you that it’d taste amazing. Sprite is for my fizzy pop people. For some, the thick consistency feels a little suffocating. Then you can break yourself free with the fresh sip of Sprite! Dare I say, cathartic?
Things to Do and See
I may have spoken a little too much about the food, so I’ll keep this short and brief: Trees and ice skating, with string lights.
Ice Skating in Seoul
There are a few outdoor ice-skating parks in Seoul that you can visit for some good time. I will not list everything, but just 2 of my personal favorites.
Seoul Plaza Skating Park
This is one of the most accessible skating parks, as it’s run by the city. Located right in front of the city hall, it has become one of the most well-known and popular winter activity spots with very, very affordable tickets (1,000 won per person—less than a dollar). I personally don’t think this would be the best option for an aesthetic, beautiful, and romantic skating session, but for those who are looking for a light, fun, and physical activity at a good location and reasonable price, it sure shines the brightest! They also offer other traditionally Korean winter activities, like sleighing on the Han River and topping on ice.
Literally right next to the train station, you can just get off at the city hall station and take exit 5, or on a nice day, take a stroll around the heart of Seoul just to really see how we’re doing!
Grand Hyatt Seoul Ice Rink
Yeah, a 5-star hotel. So you know that they’re all for a romantic winter experience with abundant lights and magical wonders! All the branches glow, the lights are surreal, and you just glide on the ice around like the winter lover you are. As it’s known as the most romantic ice rink in Seoul, the ticket is a little bit pricier than the Seoul Plaza. But hey, if you really want to dully experience the winter wonder, it’s not an astronomical amount!
They also offer figure skating shows on Fridays, so if you want more seeing than doing, that’s another great option to consider.
This place is for those who want to commit 100% and get 100%. Purple, pink, and gold lights from the branches scatter upon the ice, and there you are skating as if your feet don’t touch the ground.
Winter Wonderland of Seoul
When the holiday season kicks in, there is a place that everyone thinks of—the winter wonderland of Seoul, where they create a whole village just to celebrate the holidays!
The Hyundai Seoul
The Hyundai opens its own winter village called the ‘H Village’ during winter. They have cute trains, red buildings that look like they just came out of a storybook, and gigantic trees with blindingly shiny lights. Tents, hot air balloons, merry-go-rounds, and nutcrackers are all there! It really feels like another universe. This year they’re having a grand theater that moves!
But remember—this is with no doubt one of the MOST popular places in Seoul in winter. Don’t forget to book beforehand or get ready to stay in a long, long line!
Hey, that’s about it! I don’t know if you reading this are planning to visit, live here, or are just curious; you can have my words on the ways to enjoy your winter in Seoul!