From traditional sweets to Insta-famous cafés, satisfy your sugar cravings in Korea
Korea isn’t just about BBQ and kimchi—it’s also a paradise for dessert lovers! Whether you’re hunting for old-school rice cakes or trendy croffles topped with ice cream, Korean dessert culture blends tradition, creativity, and cuteness in every bite.
In this post, we explore must-try Korean sweets, iconic dessert cafés, and the cultural rise of Korea’s café scene. ✨
🍡 1. Tteok (떡) – Traditional Korean Rice Cakes
These chewy, subtly sweet rice cakes are often enjoyed during holidays and celebrations.
Popular varieties:
Injeolmi (인절미) – Coated in roasted soybean powder
Songpyeon (송편) – Half-moon shaped and steamed with pine needles
Garaetteok (가래떡) – Long white tteok, often sliced into tteokguk for New Year
🫖 Pair with traditional tea for the full experience.
🍧 2. Bingsu (빙수) – Shaved Ice Perfection
A hot summer in Seoul? Cool down with bingsu, a towering bowl of shaved ice topped with everything from sweet red beans to cheesecake.
Must-try bingsu flavors:
Patbingsu – Classic with red beans, mochi, and condensed milk
Mango Bingsu – Tropical, tangy, and Instagram-worthy
Injeolmi Bingsu – A nutty, toasty twist
📍 Best served at spots like Sulbing, Meal Top, or artisanal cafés in Hongdae.
🍞 3. Croffles & Honey Butter Bread – Modern Café Hits
Korea is famous for its creative café desserts—perfect for influencers and foodies alike.
Croffle (크로플):
A croissant + waffle hybrid, often served warm with:
Nutella
Vanilla ice cream
Berries or matcha cream
Honey Butter Bread (허니브레드):
Thick toast soaked in honey, butter, and cream. Decadent and perfect for sharing.
🍮 4. Hodugwaja (호두과자) – Walnut Pastry Balls
Originally from Cheonan, these bite-sized treats are filled with sweet red bean paste and walnuts, often sold in train stations or street stalls.
🥮 Warm, nutty, and comforting—a must-try Korean snack.
🥞 5. Hotteok (호떡) – Sweet Korean Pancake
A winter street food classic, hotteok is a crispy pancake filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts.
🔥 It’s gooey on the inside and crispy on the outside. Best eaten fresh off the griddle.
🧁 6. Mochi Donuts, Soufflé Pancakes, & Minimalist Cafés
Korea’s café scene is constantly evolving—with Tokyo-style mochi donuts, soufflé pancakes, and minimalist Scandinavian interiors dominating Seoul’s coffee districts.
Where to go:
Anthracite – Industrial-chic coffee and pastries
Layered – Vintage British tea house vibes in Itaewon
C. Through Café – Known for latte art and “barista magic”
Cafe Onion – Rustic bakery meets Seoul rooftop views
☕ Bonus: Coffee Culture in Korea
Cafés aren’t just about sweets—they’re hangout spots, study spaces, and date destinations. With a love for:
Aesthetic interiors
Photo-friendly drinks
Seasonal dessert menus
Korean café culture is a lifestyle, not just a stop for caffeine.
📸 Dessert Tip:
Most cafés have a “photo zone”—a corner or table styled perfectly for food pics. Don’t be shy—everyone’s doing it!
💬 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re craving a traditional tteok or a trendy croffle, Korea delivers on all dessert fronts. From nostalgic flavors to modern masterpieces, every bite tells a story—and every café offers a new adventure.
So next time you’re in Seoul or Busan, skip the chains and dive into the dessert scene. Your taste buds (and Instagram feed) will thank you.
📸 Your Challenge:
Found the ultimate Korean dessert or café corner? Share it with #KoreaDessertDiaries and tag @KoreaThread!
