Top 5 Autumn Foods in Korea You Must Try

FLip Korea
2 days ago
2 min read

Autumn in Korea is magical, golden ginkgo leaves, crisp mountain air, and of course, delicious seasonal foods that make the season unforgettable. If you’re visiting Korea in fall, here are the TOP 5 Korean autumn foods you can’t miss!

1. Songpyeon (송편) - Half-Moon Rice Cakes

No Korean autumn is complete without songpyeon, a chewy rice cake filled with sesame seeds, chestnuts, or sweet red beans. Traditionally steamed over pine needles during Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), these treats are as fragrant as they are tasty.

Where to try: Visit a local traditional market or make them at Chuseok experience programs.

2. Roasted Chestnuts (군밤)

Nothing says Korean autumn like the sweet smell of roasted chestnuts drifting through the streets. Soft on the inside with a slightly smoky flavor, they’re a warm and filling snack perfect for chilly evenings. Vendors usually sell them in paper bags, making them an easy on-the-go treat.

Travel tip: Find roasted chestnut stalls near traditional markets or popular walking streets like Myeongdong and Insadong.

3. Persimmons (감 & 곶감)

Juicy, crunchy fresh persimmons appear in every market during autumn, but don’t miss gotgam (dried persimmons), chewy, naturally sweet, and often used in teas or desserts. Koreans even hang them outside to dry, making autumn streets look like food art galleries.

Fun fact: Persimmons are known as a natural hangover cure in Korea!

4. Blue Crab & Snow Crab (꽃게 & 대게)

Autumn is the season for crabs in Korea! Blue crabs (kkotge) are perfect for spicy crab stew (kkotgetang), while snow crabs (daege) are steamed to perfection and eaten with dipping sauce. If you love seafood, autumn is the best time to visit a crab market.

Where to try: Noryangjin Fish Market in Seoul or coastal towns like Sokcho.

5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes (군고구마)

Nothing screams cozy autumn like a warm gun-goguma (roasted sweet potato). Sold by street vendors or even convenience stores in the fall, they’re smoky, soft, and sweet, the perfect comfort food after a chilly evening walk.

Fun twist: Cafés also serve sweet potato lattes, cakes, and pies in autumn.

Final Bite

Autumn in Korea isn’t just about the scenery, it’s a feast for your taste buds! From festival snacks to market delicacies, these seasonal foods make your Korean fall adventure extra special.

So next time you’re in Korea during September-November, grab a bag of roasted chestnuts, try a crab stew, and don’t forget your sweet potato latte!