Whenever late‑night hunger strikes, I find myself longing for the comforting kick of Korean snacks. Sometimes I want something spicy and chewy, other times something crispy and slightly sweet. On quiet nights after a long day, I’ve often ended up in the kitchen throwing together a quick batch of kimchi pancakes or reheating fish cake skewers, just like I used to when I lived near a busy Korean street market. Those late-night flavors never fail to lift my mood—and now I’m excited to share a few of my favorite quick Korean snacks with you!
1. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)
Description:
Tteokbokki is a beloved Korean street food made with chewy rice cakes simmered in a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce. It’s filling, addictive, and comes together in about 15 minutes.
Why it’s perfect for late nights:
It’s warm, comforting, and packed with umami from the gochujang (Korean chili paste).
2. Eomuk (Fish Cake Skewers)
Description:
Eomuk tang (fish cake soup) is commonly served on skewers in Korean street stalls. A light broth flavored with soy sauce and dashi keeps it simple yet flavorful.
Why it’s perfect for late nights:
It’s easy to make, protein-rich, and feels like street food at home.
3. Kimchi Jeon (Kimchi Pancakes)
Description:
Kimchi pancakes are crispy, tangy, and spicy, made with chopped kimchi mixed into a light batter. You can make them in one pan in under 15 minutes.
Why it’s perfect for late nights:
Minimal ingredients, bold flavor, and super satisfying with a side of soy dipping sauce.
4. Yangnyeom Chicken Bites
Description:
Small pieces of fried chicken coated in a sticky, sweet-and-spicy sauce. Use store-bought nuggets or leftover fried chicken to make it quick.
Why it’s perfect for late nights:
Crunchy, saucy, and ready in minutes with minimal cooking.
5. Hotteok (Sweet Pancakes)
Description:
Hotteok are chewy pancakes filled with brown sugar, nuts, and cinnamon. Frozen hotteok sold in Korean stores heat up beautifully in a skillet.
Why it’s perfect for late nights:
A little sweet treat to end your midnight snacking session.
Quick Tips for Late‑Night Korean Snacking
- Keep essentials stocked: Gochujang, soy sauce, kimchi, and fish cakes last long in the fridge.
- Use frozen shortcuts: Frozen hotteok or pre‑made rice cakes make prep effortless.
- Pair with tea: A warm barley tea or green tea balances out the rich flavors.
- Try variations: Add ramen noodles to leftover tteokbokki sauce for a spicy midnight ramen!
Fun Facts About Korean Snacks
- Tteokbokki has been enjoyed in Korea since the 1950s, evolving from a royal dish to street food.
- Kimchi pancakes are a classic way to use leftover kimchi, reducing food waste.
- Hotteok originated in the 19th century and became popular as a winter street snack.
- Late-night eating in Korea is so common there’s even a word for it: “Yasik” (야식) meaning night food.
- Korea’s love for street food culture: In South Korea, street food isn’t just a quick bite—it’s a vibrant part of everyday life. Night markets like Myeongdong and Gwangjang bustle late into the evening, offering everything from spicy rice cakes to sweet desserts. Many vendors have been perfecting the same recipes for decades, creating flavors that feel timeless yet exciting every time you visit.
- Banchan culture: Korean meals often include an array of small side dishes called banchan. Even a simple home meal can feature kimchi, pickled radish, and seasoned vegetables. This variety is why Korean snacks are so flavorful and diverse!
Check out these No‑Cook Easy Snack Recipes for Hot Days.
Read our guide to 5 Easy Vegan Lunch Ideas to Power Your Afternoon.
For more authentic Korean cooking inspiration, explore Maangchi’s Korean recipes.
