Seoul, South Korea, is a paradise for food lovers, but it’s especially well-known for its innovative, delicious, and beautifully crafted desserts. From traditional Korean sweets to modern Western-inspired pastries and Instagram-worthy confections, the city is a haven for anyone with a sweet tooth. The dessert scene in Seoul is constantly evolving, with creative chefs and bakers redefining what sweets can be. Whether you’re in the mood for fluffy bingsu, delicate macarons, or unique street snacks, Seoul has it all.
Here’s a guide to the top 10 dessert spots in Seoul that will satisfy your sweet cravings and leave you wanting more.
1. Sulbing: The Ultimate Bingsu Experience
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Why Visit
Bingsu, Korea’s beloved shaved ice dessert, is a must-try in Seoul, and Sulbing is arguably the most famous place to get it. Sulbing offers a range of flavors and toppings, but its signature dish, the Injeolmi Bingsu, is what draws crowds. This traditional bingsu features finely shaved ice topped with chewy rice cakes (injeolmi), sweet red beans, almond slivers, and a dusting of roasted soybean powder. Sulbing also offers seasonal variations, such as mango bingsu and chocolate banana bingsu, ensuring that there’s always something new to try.
Things to Try
- Injeolmi Bingsu
- Strawberry Cheesecake Bingsu (seasonal)
- Matcha Bingsu
- Tiramisu Bingsu
Atmosphere
Sulbing is a chain, so you’ll find locations all over Seoul, from busy shopping districts like Myeongdong to more residential areas. Each location features a cozy and modern interior, perfect for lounging with friends while enjoying your sweet treat.
2. O’sulloc Tea House: Matcha Lovers’ Paradise
Why Visit
If you’re a fan of green tea, then O’sulloc Tea House is a must-visit destination. O’sulloc specializes in premium Korean green tea, sourced from Jeju Island, and their desserts are all infused with this exquisite tea. The cafe offers a range of treats, including Matcha Green Tea Cake, Green Tea Ice Cream, and Green Tea Latte. The balance of bitter matcha and sweet flavors makes these desserts stand out from the usual offerings in Seoul.
Things to Try
- Matcha Green Tea Cake
- Green Tea Roll Cake
- Green Tea Ice Cream
- Green Tea Milk Spread (to take home)
Atmosphere
Located in the bustling area of Myeongdong, O’sulloc Tea House features a serene and elegant setting that transports you to the lush tea fields of Jeju. The modern design and tranquil atmosphere make it a great spot to unwind and enjoy a sophisticated dessert experience.
3. Billy Angel Cake Company: Heavenly Cakes and Desserts
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Why Visit
If you’re craving beautifully crafted cakes that taste as good as they look, Billy Angel Cake Company is the place to be. Known for their towering multi-layer cakes, this popular cafe serves up slices of indulgent sweets in flavors like Red Velvet, Earl Grey, and Green Tea Crepe Cake. Each slice is light, fluffy, and perfectly balanced, making it a favorite among dessert lovers in Seoul.
Things to Try
- Earl Grey Cake
- Red Velvet Cake
- Rainbow Crepe Cake
- Sweet Potato Cake
Atmosphere
Billy Angel Cake Company’s chic, white-washed interior is Instagram heaven. With its minimalist decor and brightly colored cakes, it’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists to snap photos of their sweet treats before indulging.
4. Zapangi: Hidden Cafe with Insta-Worthy Desserts
Why Visit
One of the most Instagram-famous cafes in Seoul, Zapangi is known for its iconic pink vending machine door and aesthetic interior. But it’s not just about appearances—Zapangi also offers an impressive selection of trendy desserts, from Unicorn Macarons to Milk Jar Cakes. Their unique offerings, such as their signature Tin Can Cakes, are as delightful to eat as they are to photograph.
Things to Try
- Tin Can Cake (comes in various flavors)
- Mermaid Cupcake
- Unicorn Macarons
- Rose Latte
Atmosphere
Located in the hip Mangwon neighborhood, Zapangi’s whimsical decor and pastel color scheme make it the perfect backdrop for your dessert photos. The cafe’s creative presentation and attention to detail set it apart from other dessert spots in the city.
5. Dore Dore: Rainbow Cake Delight
Why Visit
Dore Dore is famous for one thing: their towering Rainbow Cake. This colorful dessert has become a staple of Seoul’s dessert scene, drawing people from all over the city for a taste of its fluffy layers and light cream frosting. While the rainbow cake is their most popular offering, Dore Dore also has a variety of other cakes, including Chocolate Cake and Strawberry Cream Cake.
Things to Try
- Rainbow Cake
- Strawberry Yogurt Cake
- Blueberry Cake
- Cream Cheese Cake
Atmosphere
Dore Dore is a vibrant and quirky cafe that matches the playfulness of their desserts. The bright colors and cozy seating make it a fun spot to enjoy a slice of cake while catching up with friends.
6. Remicone: Soft Serve Ice Cream with a Twist
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Why Visit
For a truly unique soft serve ice cream experience, head to Remicone. This trendy dessert spot is known for its creative and whimsical ice cream concoctions, often served in “cloud” form, where the soft serve is topped with cotton candy and other fun toppings. The flavors range from classic vanilla and chocolate to more adventurous choices like Earl Grey and Salted Caramel.
Things to Try
- Thunder Bomb (Vanilla soft serve with cotton candy)
- Earl Grey Soft Serve
- Salted Caramel Soft Serve
- Fruity Pebbles Sundae
Atmosphere
Remicone’s sleek and minimalist design adds to the futuristic feel of the place. The creative presentation of their desserts makes it a fun spot to visit, especially for those looking to try something new and exciting.
7. Tartine Bakery Seoul: American-Inspired Baked Goods
Why Visit
For a taste of classic American-style desserts in Seoul, Tartine Bakery is the place to go. Originally from San Francisco, Tartine brings its renowned pastries and baked goods to Seoul, offering everything from rich Chocolate Tarts to Flaky Croissants. Their Banana Cream Pie is a crowd favorite, as well as their decadent Chocolate Pudding.
Things to Try
- Banana Cream Pie
- Chocolate Tart
- Almond Croissant
- Lemon Meringue Tart
Atmosphere
Located in the upscale district of Hannam, Tartine Bakery has a cozy, rustic vibe that’s perfect for enjoying a leisurely brunch or an afternoon snack. The warm ambiance and delicious smells make it an irresistible stop for dessert lovers.
8. C. Through Cafe: Artistic Coffee and Sweet Treats
Why Visit
C. Through Cafe is a unique spot that combines art with coffee and dessert. The cafe is famous for its Cream Art, where the barista creates intricate designs on top of iced lattes and milk teas using thick cream. Beyond the coffee, the desserts here are equally impressive, with offerings like Tiramisu, Brownies, and delicate Choux Pastries.
Things to Try
- Einspanner (Whipped cream coffee)
- Tiramisu
- Choux Pastry
- Brownie with Ice Cream
Atmosphere
Tucked away in Itaewon, C. Through Cafe has a sleek and modern design with plenty of natural light. It’s a perfect spot to sit down and enjoy a creative dessert while watching the talented baristas work their magic.
9. Banana Tree Cafe: Fun and Playful Desserts
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Why Visit
Banana Tree Cafe is a whimsical spot that’s known for its playful presentation of desserts. Their signature dish, the Flower Pot Cake, is served in a small flower pot and topped with a candy “shovel” spoon. Other fun offerings include Banana Lattes and Cotton Candy Coffee, making it a great spot for a light-hearted and unique dessert experience.
Things to Try
- Flower Pot Cake (available in different flavors)
- Banana Latte
- Cotton Candy Coffee
- Strawberry Potted Plant Dessert
Atmosphere
With its quirky decor and bright colors, Banana Tree Cafe is a fun and casual spot that appeals to both kids and adults alike. The playful desserts and cozy seating make it a perfect place to relax and indulge in something sweet.
10. Paul & Paulina: French Bakery Perfection
Why Visit
If you’re a fan of French pastries, Paul & Paulina is the place to go. This quaint bakery offers some of the best croissants, baguettes, and other French delicacies in Seoul. Their Butter Croissants are a must-try, with a perfect balance of flakiness and richness. For something sweeter, their Fruit Tarts and Choux Pastries are also highly recommended.
Things to Try
- Butter Croissant
- Fruit Tart
- Choux Pastry
- Pain au Chocolat
Atmosphere
Located in the Seorae Village, a French-inspired neighborhood in Seoul, Paul & Paulina has a cozy, Parisian atmosphere. The smell of freshly baked pastries fills the air, making it an irresistible stop for anyone craving a taste of France in the heart of Seoul.
Final Thoughts
Seoul’s dessert scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself, offering a wide range of sweet treats to satisfy any craving. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Korean sweets or more modern and innovative desserts, you’ll find plenty of options to indulge your sweet tooth. Each of these dessert spots brings something unique to the table, ensuring that your time in Seoul will be filled with delicious memories.
