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$1 Happiness: Why Everyone in Korea Falls for This "Fish" in Winter

 As the temperature drops in Korea, a very specific, sweet aroma starts to fill the streets. If you follow your nose, you’ll likely find a small street stall surrounded by people waiting in the cold. They are waiting for   Bungeoppang    Korea’s most beloved winter street snack. First things first: No, there is no actual fish in it! " Bungeo " means Crucian Carp , and " Ppang " means bread . It’s a fish-shaped waffle-like bread traditionally filled with sweet red bean paste.  For me, Bungeoppang is a "Healing Food" that tastes like my childhood.  I still remember walking home from my after-school academies on cold winter nights. I was always so hungry, but as a student, I didn't have much money.  Back then,  Bungeoppang  was unbelievably cheap—I think you could get almost 10 fish for just $1! I used to buy them one by one with my pocket money to warm my cold hands and stomach on the way home.  Now, the prices have risen, but the warmt...
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$1 Happiness: Why Everyone in Korea Falls for This "Fish" in Winter




 As the temperature drops in Korea, a very specific, sweet aroma starts to fill the streets. If you follow your nose, you’ll likely find a small street stall surrounded by people waiting in the cold. They are waiting for

  Bungeoppang  Korea’s most beloved winter street snack.


First things first: No, there is no actual fish in it! "Bungeo" means Crucian Carp, and "Ppang" means bread. It’s a fish-shaped waffle-like bread traditionally filled with sweet red bean paste. 

For me, Bungeoppang is a "Healing Food" that tastes like my childhood.

 I still remember walking home from my after-school academies on cold winter nights. I was always so hungry, but as a student, I didn't have much money.

 Back then, Bungeoppang was unbelievably cheap—I think you could get almost 10 fish for just $1! I used to buy them one by one with my pocket money to warm my cold hands and stomach on the way home. 

Now, the prices have risen, but the warmth remains the same. Seeing the steam rising from the golden fish molds still makes me smile after a long day at the office. 


Why you’ll love it?

[The Price]  

You can usually get 3 fish for just about $1~2 (2,000 KRW).

 It’s the best "Smart Spending" snack!

[Vegan-Friendly] 

Most traditional Bungeoppang is made with flour and red beans, making it a great option for vegetarians and vegans (just check if they used milk/eggs in the batter!).

[The Debate] 

In Korea, we have a funny personality test based on Bungeoppang.

Do you eat the head first or the tail first? (I’m a "tail-first" person!)


If you visit Korea during winter, forget the fancy desserts for a moment.

 Look for a yellow paper bag and enjoy this warm, $1 miracle.


Head or Tail? Which part would you bite into first? Let me know in the comments!

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