How to enjoy Korea’s winter street snacks
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As temperatures drop, enticing aromas make it hard to walk past food stalls without stopping. The problem often starts with “just one bite” and ends with an unexpected calorie overload. While many winter snacks look similar, their calorie counts and nutritional makeup vary widely — and so does their impact on weight management.
Here is a calorie-based ranking of some of Korea’s most popular cold-season treats.
No. 1 — Hotteok
Hotteok, a fried donut, ranks at the top for calories. Because the dough itself is sweet and pan-fried in oil, a single hotteok contains roughly 250 to 300 calories. When filled generously with seeds, nuts and sugar syrup, it can reach 350 to 400 calories. Despite the high calorie content, it does not keep you full for long, often leading to additional snacking. For those watching their weight, treating it as a small dessert after a meal is the safest option.
No. 2 — Custard-filled bungeoppang
These fish-shaped cakes filled with custard cream contain more sugar and fat than the traditional red bean version, averaging about 150 to 200 calories per piece. It may feel light, but just two pieces add up to nearly the same number of calories as one hotteok. Limiting the number you eat is the most practical strategy.
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No. 3 — Red bean bungeoppang
A single red bean bungeoppang contains about 80 to 120 calories, making it relatively low compared to other treats. However, it is commonly sold in sets of three or more, pushing total intake to 240 to 360 calories. Because the red bean filling still contains a significant amount of sugar, eating one or two pieces will help avoid rapid blood sugar spikes.
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No. 4 — Walnut cakes
Walnut cakes feel like a small, harmless snack, but each piece contains about 50 to 70 calories. Eating six to eight pieces can quickly reach 300 calories. With a dense combination of batter, red bean paste and walnuts, they are high in both carbohydrates and fat. Buying smaller portions helps prevent mindlessly finishing an entire bag.
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No. 5 — Roasted sweet potatoes
Roasted sweet potatoes contain about 120 calories per 100 grams and are rich in dietary fiber, which helps with satiety. However, the large sweet potatoes commonly sold in winter can easily exceed 250 to 300 calories. Choosing a smaller size and eating it separately from meals is better for calorie control.
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No. 6 — Egg bread
Egg bread typically contains about 150 to 200 calories per piece. Thanks to its protein content, it tends to be more filling, making it one of the less fattening winter street snacks. Still, versions topped with cheese or bacon can significantly increase the calorie count and should be eaten with caution.
This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top health care and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.