A sweet journey through South Korea: 11 must-try Korean desserts

Tteok. Image by lesterhead. License: CC BY 2.0 DEED. Cropped from original.

Tteok is a multifaceted rice cake delight enjoyed in various forms. It holds a special place in South Korean culture, primarily because rice is a fundamental ingredient of the country. The recipes have been passed down through generations, making them not only a culinary tradition but a symbol of family and heritage. These chewy cakes come in a multitude of variations, always providing just the right amount of sweetness.

Historical texts refer to the use of tteok as a ceremonial food during the period from 480 B.C. to 222 B.C. According to the Institute of Korean Royal Cuisine, at this time it was frequently prepared by blending flowers for natural coloring and incorporating medicinal herbs to convey therapeutic effect. Today, these cakes are integral to a wide range of ceremonies and rituals marking life's milestones. For instance, rainbow cake mujighe tteok is made for the first birthday; cylinder-shaped garaetteok is a New Year essential, believed to bring good luck; and white baekseolgi is usually served for a baby's 100-day anniversary or a person's 60th birthday. Depending on the occasion or the creator's imagination, an array of ingredients can be added to enhance flavor: soybeans, honey, dried fruits, nuts, spices, and flowers. 

Nestled within Seoul's historic Insadong neighborhood, Jilsiru is attached to a tteok museum, which takes the appreciation of rice cakes to a whole new level. While it may not scream trendy or cutting-edge, it's a hidden gem worth a closer look. The first floor of the building is reserved for a bustling café where you can satisfy your cravings with a variety of delicious rice cakes, sweet and savory, each with its unique textures and fillings. Here, you can also try other traditional desserts, from hwajeon flower pancakes to different types of hwanja. Head up to the second floor, and you'll discover a fascinating museum dedicated to the history and cultural significance of tteok. And when you're at Jilsilu, don't miss out on the chance to participate in engaging master classes and try your hand at making these traditional pastries yourself. 

Traditional Korean confectionery Dasik. Image by Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service. License: CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED

Dasik are delicate, slightly sweet no-bake cookies that have been gracing tables for centuries. They consist of a unique mixture of all-natural ingredients, such as grains, nuts, medicinal herbs, and starch, combined into a batter with rice flour and honey. The result is delightful snacks with a strong, complex flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Their name literally translates to “tea food” and, as expected, they're best enjoyed with a comforting cup of tea.

Dasik comes in an array of colors, typically green, yellow, pink, black, and white, with each color corresponding to a distinct flavor profile. For an extra layer of charm, intricate designs are pressed onto cookies using a wooden or porcelain mold known as a “daskipan”. The patterns symbolize well-wishes for good luck, health, happiness, and more. 

Introduced to Korea from China about four centuries ago, these tea cookies became a part of the culture. If you attend a wedding or a first birthday party, you might be captivated by the sight of the elaborate displays of local sweets, including dasik. This tradition dates back to the splendid eras of the Shilla and Goryeo dynasties, when these delectable treats were adored by nobility and kings, and often served in towering arrangements. Yet, you don't have to wait for a special occasion to enjoy them. Dasik can be found in cafés and stores across the country, offering a delicious everyday snack.

In the heart of Seoul, a Michelin-starred gem beckons those with a penchant for culinary discovery. Balwoo Gongyang, a restaurant rooted in tradition and serenity, offers a temple cuisine experience like no other. This spot encapsulates the essence of 1,700 years of Korean Buddhism history. Set amidst the bustling Insadong shopping street, Balwoo Gongyang promises relaxation and calm in private dining rooms. In Buddhist philosophy, eating is a part of the path to enlightenment, and this reverence is beautifully reflected in their five categories of fixed priced menus. Guests can savor delightful flavors like stir-fried mushrooms, soybean paste soup with seasonal ingredients, braised tofu with pickled prickly ash berry fruit, and temple-style kimchi. 

Bingsu. Photo by JAEHOON PARK from Unsplash

The history of bingsu dates back to the Joseon dynasty, which started in 1392. At that time, officials would crush ice from Seokbinggo, or “stone ice storage”, and enjoy it with red bean paste for sweetness as a refreshing summer treat. This is how patbingsu was born. 

Probably, the most well-known dessert outside South Korea, it is a traditional dish made from ice or frozen milk grated into snow-like flakes. Various toppings crown the fluffy mound of shaved ice: from classic red beans, rice cakes, and nutty powders to the playful addition of chopped fruits, condensed milk, candies, mochi, cereal, crumbled cookies, and small jelly cubes. The charm of bingsu lies in the harmonious blend of textures: crunch, creaminess, and chewiness. Although the dessert boasts distinct layers of ingredients, the custom is to stir everything together before digging in. As you do, the shaved ice melts, creating a delightful, sweet, cold concoction that simply hits the spot during the summer. Whether it’s served in a simple cup or artfully showcased within a watermelon or coconut, bingsu's refreshment is meant to be shared and celebrated. 

Tucked away in a small building on a bustling, vibrant street, Poem Café is the place to be if you're in search of generous servings of bingsu. As you step inside, the cozy oasis reveals itself, completed with a nice mezzanine floor. The menu invites you on a mouthwatering journey through sweet delights, offering waffles, shakes, parfaits, pancakes, and of course, the star of the show – shaved ice. Here, these icy creations are huge, so that two or three people can comfortably share one. The selection is diverse, ranging from classic red bean to tantalizing options like Oreo mix, green tea, mango, tiramisu, and cherry, all beautifully presented. The homey atmosphere and lovely staff will add a warm touch to your bingsu adventure. 

Yeot, sticky sweet. Image by National Institute of Korean Language. License: CC BY-SA 2.0 KR DEED

Yeot is a thousand-year-old Korean candy created by steaming ingredients like rice, corn, sweet potatoes, and more. It is a type of hangwa (general term for confections in South Korea), which can be found both in liquid and solid forms. The production process involves fermentation in malt water, meticulous draining, and gentle simmering. In its liquid state, yeot is known as jocheong, a syrupy substance used in cooking as a condiment, for coating other hangwa, or as a dipping sauce. When boiled for a longer time and then cooled, it transforms into a sticky, brownish candy. Through careful stretching, its color lightens, and its texture becomes delightfully airy, offering a unique taffy-like treat. Available in tons of variations, yeot's name depends on its core ingredient, with options such as ssallyeot, made from rice, hobakyeot with pumpkin, kkaeyeot covered with sesame, and more.

It also boasts a reputation as a fortune-telling confection. In ancient times, people would slice it into pieces and count the holes inside to make predictions about their lifespans. Today, for students facing important university exams, yeot is believed to be a sweet good luck charm. Its sticky texture symbolizes a strong grip on knowledge, and by indulging in this candy, students aim to “stick” to correct answers.

Discover the captivating fusion of tradition and innovation at Gangjeong House. This charming tea house puts a fresh twist on timeless Korean desserts, infusing them with modern ingredients. Their menu showcases classic local teas and an array of beautifully presented sweets, including various types of hwanja, perfect for gifts or souvenirs. They use natural fruit sweeteners and incorporate dried blueberries, cranberries, and nuts into their confections. Here, wooden architecture coexists alongside contemporary brick walls. Whether you prefer Western-style chairs or traditional floor seating, this place offers an enchanting ambiance, making it a must-visit destination for an authentic dessert experience.

Yakgwa. Image by Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service. License: CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED. Cropped from original

Yakgwa, a centuries-old South Korean pastry, means “medicinal confection”, highlighting the historical use of honey and oil as healthy components and uniting the concept of both a treat and a remedy. Crafted from wholesome ingredients, such as honey, sesame, wheat, and rice, the dessert traces its lineage back to the Goryeo Dynasty, where it found a place of honor during festivities and ancestral remembrance ceremonies known as Jesa. Each piece, meticulously shaped like delicate flowers or diamonds, is deep-fried to a golden perfection, before taking a dip in a captivating syrup of honey and ginger. 

Yakgwa continues to grace important moments like Chuseok and Seollal festivals, birthdays, and life's significant milestones. However, it is now enjoyed in everyday life, from afternoon snacks to weekday desserts, and even paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The tradition has evolved, offering a range of flavors that include the classic options as well as trendy variations like lavender, chocolate, cookies-and-cream, and more. This soft and chewy delight truly shines when savored alongside a comforting cup of tea.

Nestled in the heart of Seoul within the Marriott Hotel, Tavolo 24 invites you to savor an exquisite fusion of international flavors, such as Italian classics, sushi, and succulent grilled pork. Its authentic Korean buffet, highly appreciated by locals, is complemented by live cooking stations where talented chefs showcase their skills. They present an impressive variety of foods, from omelets and dumplings to hearty noodle soups, BBQ, lobster, and eel. To satisfy your sweet tooth, there's an array of desserts, including both European and traditional Korean delights. As you dine, enjoy the view of Heunginjimun, a historic Seoul gate, through the large windows.

Hotteok. Image by Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service. License: CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED. Cropped from original

Hotteok, a cherished South Korean street food, is a delightful fusion of simplicity and flavor. It is a stuffed pancake concealing a treasure trove of sweetness within, featuring rich fillings of sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. Its precise origin remains a mystery, though it's thought to be inspired by a Chinese flatbread. Hotteok became widespread in 1970 when cooking oil entered the mass market. Before this culinary revolution, it was prepared by roasting in a fire pit or furnace. 

Today, the dough, characterized by its sticky, tteok-like texture, is cooked on a griddle, resulting in the perfect blend of crispy exteriors and chewy centers. Cafés have elevated its status as a traditional warming winter dessert, serving it year-round, sometimes accompanied by a scoop of ice cream. This versatile treat is available in numerous variations, each region putting its unique stamp on it. For example, Jeju is famous for its tangerine hotteok, drawing inspiration from the island's well-known tangerine orchards. And seed hotteok is a specialty in Busan, South Korea's second-largest city. 

Seoul Hotteok is a nice spot that quickly became a sensation, captivating not only locals but also foodie tourists from around the world. As you might have guessed, this small café specializes in hotteok. The menu offers a tempting array of flavors, from the comforting classic cinnamon to inventive options like cream cheese, savory japchae, and aromatic mugwort. Adorable heart-shaped “sarang” hotteok is a bestseller. The place with simple rustic façade and red brick accents is a quite cozy nook with an open kitchen allowing you to witness the magic as pancakes are prepared right before your eyes. Rest assured it's fresh and sizzling when it reaches your table.

Dalgona. Image by Freepik

Those who've watched Squid Game are likely familiar with dalgona, an old-school crunchy candy found in Seoul's streets. They first emerged in Busan in the 1960s, when vendors outside schools started making sugar candies, allowing children to choose the shape pressed on it. Originally made with glucose, it wasn't until after the Korean War that more affordable raw sugar became the primary ingredient. This candy also known as ppopgi has a caramel nutty taste, often compared to honeycomb toffee. In South Korea, it is commonly prepared by experienced older women, who deftly melt sugar and incorporate baking soda for its distinctive crunch. The mixture is flattened with a stamp and imprinted with a patterned mold. Some vendors will engage you in a playful challenge, seeing if you can crack off the edges without breaking the shape. And if you succeed, there's a chance of receiving a complimentary candy to go. Despite its apparent simplicity, dalgona is a fun and worthwhile addition to your South Korean bucket list.

Café Cha has breathed new life into the classic dalgona confection, expertly crafting innovative recipes designed to captivate the tastes and trends of the Instagram-savvy generation. Their signature milk tea takes center stage, combining richly flavored tea, creamy milk, and a sprinkling of crushed Korean candy on top. The café’s specialty latte is equally enticing, crowned with a layer of this crunchy sweet that can be savored as it is or dissolved for a unique taste. Even their freshly baked scones are enveloped in a caramel dalgona coating. You’ll enjoy these delights within a tranquil interior dressed in soothing, muted hues.  

Twisted doughnut. Image by Obsidian Soul. License: CC0 1.0 DEED. Cropped from original

Kkwabaegi, or twisted doughnuts, stand out as a less health-conscious option in the realm of Korean dessert. Easily found at local bakeries and street vendors, their basic version requires just a few ingredients, sometimes with a hint of spiced cinnamon sugar. Notably, the dough often incorporates glutinous rice flour to achieve a subtly chewy texture. So these doughnuts are a bit different from the ones you're familiar with – they're fluffier and softer.

Remarkably, kkwabaegi dates back to ancient times, as evidenced by historical records, suggesting it appeared in Korea long before Western culinary influences took hold. The dough's twisted shape doesn't accommodate extensive fillings. Variations may feature classic red bean paste, black sesame, or soybean. Some commercial variants come in a honey-flavored chip form, offering a fresh take on this treat. As South Korean grocery store shelves continue to embrace trendy food items, the charm of kkwabaegi remains timeless. Moreover, they've recently experienced a resurgence in popularity due to nostalgic trends.

Gwangjang Market, a bustling epicenter of South Korean street food and traditional culinary delights, is an essential gastronomic destination in Seoul. This vibrant market offers a vast array of delectable dishes and unique experiences. Among the myriad choices, one exceptional treat that should be on your must-try list is the delightful Korean twisted doughnut. Freshly fried to order, they provide the perfect sweet ending to your culinary adventure at Gwangjang Market. Join the queues of eager patrons, and discover why these doughnuts have gained a reputation for their irresistible flavor and authenticity.

Person Holding Fish Shaped Ice Cream Cone. Image by Taryn Elliott from Pexels.

Bungeoppang, translated to “carp bread”, is a dessert with a whimsical name that might raise an eyebrow. However, apart from its charming appearance, there's no connection to real fish here. These pastries, resembling a perfect fusion of waffle and pancake, come generously filled with sweet red bean paste. Some other trendy fillings include custard, hazelnut, and chocolate. As you explore the bustling streets of cities in South Korea, you'll find vendors crafting these treats right before your eyes. Locals love the delightful contrast between its crispy outer shell and the warm, gooey interior. While bungeoppang is definitely a hit during winter season, it can be found on summer menus too, often served with a scoop of ice cream. Moreover, you might come across ah-boong dessert, fish-shaped bread filled with ice cream instead of red bean paste. Originally inspired by Japanese taiyaki, bungeoppang made its way to Korea back in the 1930s and gained popularity over the years. Today, it's experiencing a renewed wave of fame, partly due to a hit Netflix series Vincenzo. 

Nestled in the heart of Busan, Yonghodong café is a hidden gem known for its unassuming charm and delicious desserts that won't break the bank. Don't anticipate a trendy interior – it's simple, but therein lies its appeal. Yonghodong’s old-fashioned allure perfectly complements time-honored offerings. This cozy, unpretentious spot is renowned among locals for its authentic, grandma-style shaved ice topped with sweet red beans, velvety red bean porridge, and heartwarming bungeoppang. So, if you're on the hunt for a genuine taste of traditional Korean desserts and a nostalgic ambiance, this is the place to be.

Image by jcomp from Freepik

While honey bread might not boast the historical significance of some other sweets on this list, the experience of savoring it is undeniably a must when visiting South Korea. Drawing inspiration from the Japanese favorite, shibuya toast, honey bread’s ingredients include whipped cream, honey and caramel syrup, and a dash of cinnamon powder. It can also have tantalizing toppings, like velvety ice cream or fresh fruits. A very popular dessert in cafés across the country, it is served in generous portions, perfectly complementing your coffee or tea.

If you don’t mind an unexpected twist to your typical café visit and an extra dose of cuteness, Thanks Nature is a must-go. Here, you can indulge in delicious waffles and honey bread, sip on a mint chocolate chip frappuccino, enjoy a refreshing juice, or savor mouthwatering bingsu, all while being in the presence of two of the fluffiest sheep. Yes, you’ve read that right – real sheep! These adorable wooly companions are the heart and soul of this place, eager to share love with café-goers like you. While such lovely creatures might prefer their cozy hut, occasionally, they'll pop out to grace you with their charm. So, in brief, Thanks Nature is an ideal destination for families with kids and selfie lovers. 

Photo from Sona Restaurant, FB: https://www.facebook.com/sonadessert

Another extremely popular modern dessert is champagne sugar ball, which not only looks stunning but also proves that not all flowers are just for admiring. In South Korea, they take center stage in sweet creations like the traditional hwajeon or the trendy champagne ball. Far beyond being a visual spectacle for your Instagram feed, floral-infused delicacies are bursting with vitamins and minerals. 

This dessert represents a handcrafted sphere, cradling the delicate dance of champagne foam and flower petals. It sits atop a base of cheesecake snow and strawberry panna cotta, all garnished with slices of fresh strawberries. The adventure continues as you're invited to crack open this exquisite masterpiece, revealing the hidden treasures inside. When uncovered, you pour a warm strawberry consommé over the sphere, setting off an explosion of flavors. You'll appreciate the subtle contrast between the sweet-and-sour champagne foam and the gentle minty aroma of the flowers. Incidentally, this award-winning sensation earned the coveted golden prize at the Cannes Dessert Prize in 2021.

Sona is one of Seoul's premier destinations for those with a sweet tooth, largely thanks to its iconic creation, the famous champagne ball. Here, dessert becomes an art form that's both visually amazing and incredibly delicious. The café offers a fusion of traditional French techniques and American-style sweets, resulting in irresistible delights with perfectly balanced taste. Unlike some beautifully presented desserts that often fall short on flavor, Sona’s dishes consistently excel on both fronts. In addition to the star of the show, you can try other creations, such as lemon cake, crème brûlée, and berry blossom. For the full experience, indulge in a three course dessert set, featuring a chef's choice starter, your selection of the main dessert, a trio of petite ending treats that you get to choose, and tea. It's an exploration of flavors and textures that's bound to leave you in awe. 

What do you think about the sweet culinary scene of South Korea? What's your favorite Korean dessert, or perhaps there's one you're eager to try? We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comment section below.