Myeongdong Street Food Prices: Dalgona, Corn, and Ice Cream Explained
Walk through Myeongdong and you'll spot street stalls selling ice cream, dalgona candy, and steamed corn, often at the same cart. Ice cream runs 3,000 won (S) to 4,000 won (L), and it's currently on sale for 1,000 won off the regular price. Dalgona is 5,000 won, and corn is 3,000 won (S) to 4,000 won (L). You can pay with cash, Apple Pay, Alipay, credit card, or bank transfer, so tourists don't have to worry about carrying exact change.
What street snacks are Myeongdong stalls known for?
The three snacks you'll see most often at Myeongdong street stalls are ice cream, dalgona, and corn. Dalgona in particular got a huge boost in popularity after it showed up in Netflix's Squid Game. I actually remember a dalgona vendor coming through my neighborhood as a kid, gathering us up and making the candy one by one. I never expected that childhood game to become a global phenomenon through a Korean drama.
Ice cream comes with a choice of size and toppings, dalgona has the fun challenge of cutting out a shape without breaking it, and steamed corn is filling enough to count as a light meal. Each one brings something different to the table, so let's go through them one by one.
How much do ice cream, dalgona, and corn cost in Myeongdong?
Here's the price breakdown from the stall I visited.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Ice cream (S) | 3,000 won |
| Ice cream (L) | 4,000 won |
| Dalgona | 5,000 won |
| Corn (S) | 3,000 won |
| Corn (L) | 4,000 won |
At the time of my visit, ice cream was on sale. The regular price was 4,000 won for S and 5,000 won for L, but both sizes were discounted by 1,000 won. Sale pricing can change depending on the stall and season, so it's worth checking the price board when you're actually there.
What payment methods work at Myeongdong street stalls?
Cash isn't your only option at these stalls. The one I visited accepted all of the following:
- Cash
- Apple Pay
- Bank transfer
- Credit card
- Alipay
For travelers, that means you can pay by card or mobile wallet without exchanging cash first.
Where does Myeongdong's dalgona connect to Squid Game?
I still remember the dalgona vendor who used to come through my neighborhood when I was a kid, and the rule that if you cut out the shape perfectly, you got a second one for free. That memory pulled me in, so I bought one from a Myeongdong stall, and it tasted exactly like I remembered.
You've probably seen the circle, triangle, and square logo somewhere before — that's the main logo from Squid Game. It's strange in a good way to see a game I played as a kid turn into something the whole world recognizes because of a Korean drama.
How is dalgona candy made?
The process itself is fairly simple. Sugar is melted in a ladle, then baking soda is stirred in, which makes the mixture puff up. The vendor keeps stirring so it doesn't burn, then lets it cool and harden.
One thing to watch for: too much baking soda gives it a bitter taste, so getting the ratio right matters more than it looks.
How many dalgona shapes are there, and which one is hardest to cut?
There are five shapes in total: triangle, circle, square, star, and umbrella. The umbrella is the hardest to cut out cleanly, while the square is the easiest.
Dalgona is hard and brittle, so the display trays usually have a sign warning you not to touch. It comes in its own case, so you don't have to finish it right away, but the sweet, slightly nostalgic taste still makes it one of the more popular stalls with foreign visitors.
What toppings come with the Myeongdong soft-serve ice cream?
The ice cream is soft-serve, swirled onto a cone right in front of you. Toppings include chocolate, strawberry, and mango syrup drizzled on top, which makes for a good way to cool down on a hot summer day.
Why is corn such a popular street snack in Korea?
Corn is one of Korea's go-to street snacks. It's steamed, so it's filling enough to work as a light meal, and there's something satisfying about eating it kernel by kernel — you'll often spot tourists walking around Myeongdong with a corn cob in hand.
It's also nutrient-rich, which is why it's commonly seen as good for digestion and gum health, and why older Koreans tend to keep it as a regular snack at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do ice cream, dalgona, and corn cost at Myeongdong street stalls?
Ice cream is 3,000 won (S) to 4,000 won (L), dalgona is 5,000 won, and corn is 3,000 won (S) to 4,000 won (L). Ice cream was on sale by 1,000 won per size at the time of writing.
Can you pay by card at Myeongdong street stalls?
Yes. Besides cash, the stall I visited accepted Apple Pay, Alipay, credit cards, and bank transfer, making it easy for travelers to pay without exchanging currency.
Which dalgona shape is the hardest to cut out?
The umbrella shape is the hardest, while the square is the easiest. There are five shapes total: triangle, circle, square, star, and umbrella.
Why is corn considered a healthy snack in Korea?
Corn is nutrient-rich and is associated with digestive and gum health benefits. It's steamed, which makes it filling enough to work as a light meal on its own.
That covers Myeongdong's street snack scene. If you're curious about other food or cafe spots in the neighborhood, check out the other Myeongdong guides on this blog.
