Hi! Korea street food

“Every Korean should keep 3,000 won note in winter for Bungeoppang.”

Bungeoppang is a carp-shaped bun sold only in the winter season. It’s filled with red bean paste and typically costs only about 4 pieces for 1,000 won. Paying 3,000 won ensures the whole family can enjoy it. Despite widespread credit card usage, vendors usually only accept cash, so it’s common to keep around 3,000 won handy for Bungeoppang vendors. 

Type of Bungeoppang

Technically, there are two kinds of fish-shaped buns. The original is Bungeoppang, and the other is Yingeoppang. Both mean carp-shaped fish, but the difference lies in their texture. Bungeoppang is chewy, while Yingeoppang is more crispy. I prefer the original one, but it depends on personal preference. 

Despite maintaining its price of 3-4 pieces for 1,000 won for a long time, the record was broken at the end of the pandemic. The cost of ingredients – wheat and oil – has increased, with some vendors selling it for about 1 piece for 1,000 won. However, in places close to traditional open markets or not downtown, the price may be about 2 pieces for 1,000 won. Some places have kept the number of pieces around 3, but the size has become smaller. 

It’s March, the beginning of spring. Bungeoppang, the symbolic street food of winter, is saying goodbye. I’m not sure how many vendors will open their street bakeries at the end of this year, so don’t miss your last chance to enjoy Bungeoppang this winter.

EZsPEDIA © 2024 by YUNMI LEE is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0