Roasted Sweet Potato, or Gun-goguma, is a classic and beloved Korean winter street food. It features sweet potatoes that are slowly roasted or baked (traditionally in large drums or modern specialized roasters) until their natural sugars caramelize, resulting in an incredibly soft, moist, and intensely sweet interior with a slightly smoky aroma. It's a simple yet deeply comforting and warming snack, highly popular for its natural flavor and satisfying texture.
Key Information
Main Ingredients: Whole sweet potatoes (goguma), often specific Korean varieties known for their sweetness and moisture (e.g., "Haean" or "Honeydew" sweet potatoes).
Side Dishes: Not typically served with side dishes, as it's a standalone snack. Sometimes paired with kimchi for a sweet-savory contrast, or a glass of milk.
Pairing Beverages: Hot milk, coffee, tea, or water. Iced milk or soda can be a refreshing contrast.
Enjoyment Tips
Enjoy piping hot to fully appreciate its soft, fluffy texture and warm sweetness.
Peel the skin carefully, as the inside will be very hot.
Break it apart to release the steam and allow it to cool slightly before eating.
A perfect warming snack on a cold day, offering natural energy and comfort.
Great as a healthy and satisfying dessert or light meal.
Related Foods & Dining
Derivatives: Sweet potato latte, sweet potato puree, sweet potato bread/desserts, sweet potato fries (though usually a different preparation).
Similar Foods: Baked potato (though savory), roasted chestnuts, other roasted root vegetables, candied sweet potatoes (less common as street food).
Restaurant Type: Street food stalls, traditional markets, some convenience stores (selling pre-roasted or microwavable versions), cafes (sometimes featuring sweet potato desserts).
Best Time to Eat: Snack, dessert, light meal, particularly popular in autumn and winter.
Price & Preferences
Price per person: $2-$5 (for 1-2 medium sweet potatoes)
Foreigner Preference: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ (8/10) - Generally well-loved for its natural sweetness, simplicity, and comforting warmth.
Spiciness: ★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ (0/10)
Saltiness: ★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ (1/10) - Naturally low in salt, sometimes a very slight savory note from cooking.
Sweetness: ★★★★★★★★★☆ (9/10) - Very sweet due to the caramelization of natural sugars.
Top 5 Locations in Seoul (Foreigner Preference for Street Food)
(Roasted Sweet Potato is primarily a seasonal street food item. The best places to find it are in popular street food areas and markets during cooler months.)
Myeongdong Street (Street Food Stalls): Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Especially abundant in winter).
Gwangjang Market (Food Stalls): 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno 4(sa)-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
Namdaemun Market (Food Stalls): 21 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul.
Hongdae Street (Various Vendors): Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (During colder seasons).
Local Traditional Markets (Seasonal Vendors): Various neighborhood markets across Seoul will have specialized vendors when sweet potatoes are in season. (No specific address, but common during autumn/winter).
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