A beloved fair classic got a bold, crispy twist this year at the Iowa State Fair, where Golden K Dog introduced Korean-style corn dogs — a street food sensation from Seoul with a Southern spin.
The Raleigh, North Carolina-based vendor was one of 11 semi-finalists in the fair’s Best New Food competition, judged by nearly 100 panelists to determine the top three finalists for public voting. Their standout entry: a half-mozzarella, half-beef hot dog coated in batter, crinkle-cut fries, and panko, then deep-fried, priced at $18.
Owners Aaron and Esther Hicks launched Golden K Dog during the pandemic after tasting Korean corn dogs from a food stand in New York City. “This feels more American than Korean,” Aaron Hicks recalled thinking after his first bite. Inspired, the couple returned to Raleigh and began experimenting with recipes — especially the dough, which takes two days to proof.
Their handmade approach and unique flavors earned them a spot at the North Carolina State Fair in their first year. At the Florida State Fair, Iowa State Fair concessions director James Romer tried their corn dog and encouraged them to apply for Iowa. “It’s something really different,” Esther Hicks said.
Golden K Dog offers three versions: all-beef, all-mozzarella, and a half-and-half combo. Each is hand-dipped in a house-made batter, rolled in crinkle-cut fries and panko, then deep-fried. Customers can top theirs with spicy mayo or sweet chili sauce.
“We make everything by hand,” Esther Hicks said.
Behind the stand, potatoes are freshly cut to keep up with demand. Esther Hicks’ father dips each dog — whether beef, cheese, or both — into the thick batter before coating it in fries and panko. The result? A crunchy, golden exterior with a gooey, savory center.
If they’re successful this year, they may return in 2026 with honey butter chicken fries, another Korean street food dish.
Where to find Korean corn dogs at the Iowa State Fair
Location: On the Grand Concourse in front of the Varied Industries Building.
Sign up for our new dining newsletter, Tasting Table, which comes out on Wednesday mornings with all the latest news on restaurants and bars in the metro. You can sign up for free at DesMoinesRegister.com/thedish.
If you see a new restaurant opening or a beloved place closing, send me some details at [email protected].
Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at [email protected].
link
