Myeongdong Street Food: Hotteok & Mandu Prices at This Local Stall
At this street cart in Myeongdong, hotteok (a sweet Korean pancake) runs 3,000 won each, and mandu (Korean dumplings) come 3 for 5,000 won. You can order pork mandu, kimchi mandu, or a mix of both for the same price. Cash only — the vendor doesn't take cards. Hotteok is made with nuts, so ask the vendor first if you have a nut allergy. Worried about spice? Bring a small carton of milk; it takes the edge off fast.
How much do hotteok and mandu cost at this Myeongdong street stall?
Walk down almost any street in Myeongdong and you'll run into a steam-filled food cart like this one. I pass this exact spot every day on my way to open my own café nearby, and it's rarely without a line.
| Item | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hotteok | 3,000 won / 1 piece | Contains nuts |
| Pork mandu | 5,000 won / 3 pieces | - |
| Kimchi mandu | 5,000 won / 3 pieces | Contains pork |
| Mixed pork + kimchi mandu | 5,000 won / 3 pieces | You can mix both types in one order |
That price range makes this an easy, casual snack stop while you're out exploring Myeongdong. So how does it all get made?
How are hotteok and mandu cooked at this stall?
Hotteok starts as a sweet dough stuffed with a mix of nuts, then flattened on a hot griddle with cooking oil. Once it's pressed flat and cooked through, the vendor rolls it into a paper cup — easy to hold and eat while you keep walking.
Mandu cook slowly on the same kind of griddle, low heat the whole way through. The result is a crisp shell with a juicy, soft filling — pork mandu are packed with savory ground pork, while kimchi mandu use kimchi, one of Korea's most iconic side dishes.
Hotteok and mandu sit right alongside tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and odeng (fish cakes) as some of Korea's most-loved street snacks. So what's it actually like to eat them?
Pork mandu vs. kimchi mandu — what's the mixed order actually like?
I like mandu, so I ordered the mixed option myself — pork and kimchi together. As a Korean, I found the kimchi mandu even tastier than the pork. It's also noticeably milder than I expected, which tells me this stall keeps the heat level in check for the tourist crowd it serves without losing the flavor that makes kimchi mandu what it is.
One tip if spice is a concern: carry a small carton of milk with you. Milk cuts through spice fast, so a sip when your mouth starts burning brings quick relief.
Is card payment accepted, and what about allergies?
This stall is cash only — no cards, no mobile pay. Bring cash with you before you get in line. Hotteok also contains nuts, so if you have a nut allergy, check with the vendor before you order.
Can I still get mandu late at night if the stall is closed?
If the cart has already packed up, a nearby convenience store is your backup. You'll find kimchi mandu, pork mandu, vegetable mandu, shrimp mandu, and seafood mandu, and a quick 3 minutes in the microwave gets them ready to eat. Worth remembering if a late-night craving hits after the stalls close.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do hotteok and mandu cost at this Myeongdong street stall?
Hotteok is 3,000 won each, and mandu is 5,000 won for 3 pieces. Mixing pork and kimchi mandu in one order costs the same.
Can I pay by card?
No. This stall only accepts cash, so bring enough won with you before you order.
Does hotteok contain any allergens?
Yes, the hotteok dough contains nuts. If you have a nut allergy, ask the vendor before ordering.
I'm worried about spice — is kimchi mandu too hot?
It's milder than you'd expect. If you're still concerned, bring a small carton of milk — it helps take the edge off spice quickly.
What if the stall is closed when I want mandu?
Head to a nearby convenience store instead. They carry several mandu varieties, including kimchi, pork, vegetable, and shrimp, ready in 3 minutes in the microwave.
There's more Myeongdong street food worth exploring beyond this one stall. Check out our other guides on Myeongdong's street food scene, and if you need a coffee break while you're at it, our café guide has you covered too.
