The Rich History of Tteokbokki: Korea’s Iconic Street Food
Title: The Rich History of Tteokbokki: Korea’s Iconic Street Food Tteokbokki, the iconic Korean street food that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many, carries a long and rich history that spans hundreds of years. At Halgatteok, we take pride in serving tteokbokki with an authentic taste, using traditional long rice cakes to honor the origins of this beloved dish. From Royal Palaces to Street Food Stalls Tteokbokki’s roots can be traced back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897), where it was originally a royal court dish known as gungjung tteokbokki. Unlike the spicy version we know today, this early form was a savory dish made with rice cakes, soy sauce, and various vegetables, and was served to the king and royal family as a symbol of prosperity and celebration. In the 1950s, the dish transformed into the spicy version we know today, thanks to the introduction of gochujang (Korean red chili paste). The transformation occurred as Korea was recovering from the Korea...