Top 7 Recommended Foods at Korean Rest Stops
The Rankings of Popular Rest-Stop Foods During Korean Holidays
According to data from Korea Expressway Corporation, hodu-gwaja (walnut cookies) were the top-selling item during the last year’s Chuseok holiday, with sales reaching 1.84 billion won over the four-day period. The second highest in sales was Americano, followed by udon, ready-to-drink coffee, and ramyeon.
The UoH Team’s Top 7 Recommended Rest Stop Foods
1. Hodu Gwaja
This is a flour-based confection originating from Cheonan, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea. It is a popular snack at rest stops, train stations, terminals, and on the streets throughout South Korea. The dough is made by mixing flour, eggs, and sugar, which is then poured into a round mold shaped like a walnut shell and baked. The inside is filled with pieces of walnut and sweetened, simmered red bean paste.
2. Semi-dried squid
Half-dried or semi-dried squid, as the name suggests, is only partially dried, making it more tender than fully dried squid. It has a moist and soft texture, and its salty flavor makes it a perfect snack.
3. Korean style pork cutlet
Korean-style pork cutlet (tonkatsu) is also very popular as a rest stop food. There are several differences between Korean-style and Japanese-style tonkatsu. In South Korea, tonkatsu is often served whole without being cut, along with a knife and fork. The sauce is not served separately but is instead poured directly over the tonkatsu. Additionally, the meat in Korean-style pork cutlet is typically thinner and wider compared to the thicker cut of Japanese tonkatsu.
4. Potato Corn Dog
This is a food where square potato pieces are tightly adhered to the outer surface of a corn dog. Unlike the original corn dog, this variation was first created in South Korea and is famous as a rest stop snack. It is sometimes referred to as “dokkaebi hot dog,” named after its appearance which resembles a “club carried by a goblin.”
5. Potato Balls
“Algamja (Potato Balls)” refers to small-sized potatoes. While the potato skin can be removed, it is often eaten with the skin on. They are commonly enjoyed roasted with butter and are quite popular as a rest stop snack. Depending on personal preference, they can also be sprinkled with ketchup.
6. Ramyeon
No matter what, ramyeon is a must. At rest stops, it’s common to find ramyeon served with an egg mixed in. If you find the portion a bit lacking, adding rice to the ramyeon and mixing it in is also a good option.
7. Udon
This is a type of udon has a generous amount of seaweed flakes, red pepper flakes, chili peppers, and fish cakes. The noodles are chewy and delicious, so be sure to give it a try! It’s especially enjoyable on a cold winter day.
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