Discover the delightful world of Korean desserts with our list of 15 must-try treats!
Each dessert tells a story, reflecting the country’s vibrant culture and history.
Whether you’re craving something cool and icy or warm and comforting, these desserts are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and introduce you to the diverse flavors of Korea.
1. Patbingsu (Shaved Ice Dessert)
This isn’t just any shaved ice. Patbingsu is a mountain of fluffy ice topped with red bean paste, condensed milk, fruits, and sometimes even chewy rice cakes. Imagine a snowstorm of flavors in your mouth!
Historically, it was a treat for Korean royals, but now it’s a beloved summer staple.
2. Hotteok (Sweet Pancakes)
Think pancakes, but with a Korean twist. Hotteok are street food heroes, filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. When fried, the filling melts into a gooey center that’s pure joy.
Fun fact: The name comes from the sizzling sound they make on the griddle. It’s like a cozy hug on a winter’s day!
3. Yakgwa (Deep-Fried Honey Cookies)
These honey cookies are crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and were once reserved for royalty. Made with honey, sesame oil, and ginger, Yakgwa tastes like a sweet, spicy kiss from the past.
Perfect with a cup of tea for a taste of ancient Korean elegance.
4. Gyeongdan (Rice Cake Balls)
Gyeongdan are chewy rice cake balls, often coated in sweet syrup or filled with red bean paste. They were a favorite among scholars, perhaps because they’re so satisfying.
Simple yet delicious, they’re like little bites of nostalgia, reminding you of simpler times.
5. Sujeonggwa (Cinnamon Punch)
This cinnamon punch isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience. Made with dried persimmons, cinnamon, and ginger, Sujeonggwa is both spicy and sweet.
It’s been enjoyed since the 15th century for its warming properties—perfect for chilly nights!
6. Bungeoppang (Fish-Shaped Pastry)
Don’t worry; there’s no fish in this pastry! Bungeoppang is a crispy, fish-shaped delight filled with sweet red bean paste or custard. Inspired by the Japanese taiyaki, it’s a popular street snack in Korea.
Fun fact: The fish shape symbolizes abundance and good luck!
7. Injeolmi (Rice Cake Coated in Soybean Powder)
These sticky rice cakes are coated in sweet soybean powder and have a soft, chewy texture. Injeolmi has been enjoyed since the Three Kingdoms period, and its nutty flavor makes it a favorite during celebrations.
It’s like the Korean answer to mochi but with its own unique twist.
8. Hwajeon (Flower Pancakes)
Hwajeon are flower-shaped pancakes filled with sweet goodies. These pretty little pancakes were originally royal treats, symbolizing prosperity.
They’re as Instagrammable as they are tasty, making them perfect for your next food adventure post!
9. Dasik (Tea Cookies)
These delicate cookies are flavored with ingredients like green tea and sesame seeds. Dasik has a buttery texture that melts in your mouth, making it perfect with a hot cup of tea.
A favorite among Korean royals, it’s a refined snack that brings a touch of elegance to any tea party.
10. Sikhye (Sweet Rice Punch)
Sikhye is a sweet rice punch, often served as a refreshing drink after a hearty meal.
It’s made from malt and rice, giving it a slightly grainy texture. Known for helping digestion, it’s both tasty and good for you—win-win!
11. Yeot (Candied Honey Snack)
Yeot is a chewy, candied snack made from boiled honey and sometimes mixed with sesame seeds or nuts. This traditional treat dates back to the Goryeo Dynasty and is often given as a gift during holidays.
It’s like a Korean taffy with a history as rich as its flavor.
12. Chapssaltteok (Red Bean Mochi)
These chewy rice cakes are filled with sweet red bean paste. Chapssaltteok, often enjoyed during Korean festivals, symbolizes prosperity and happiness.
It’s like a little pocket of joy, with a chewy exterior and sweet, satisfying filling.
13. Goguma Mattang (Candied Sweet Potatoes)
Imagine sweet potatoes, deep-fried and then coated in a shiny caramel glaze. That’s Goguma Mattang for you! The crunchy outside and soft inside make this dessert a perfect treat for cold weather.
It’s like caramel apples, but with a Korean twist.
14. Songpyeon (Half-Moon Rice Cakes)
Songpyeon are half-moon-shaped rice cakes filled with sweet or savory fillings.
Traditionally made during Chuseok, the Korean harvest festival, they symbolize gratitude and good fortune. They’re often colored naturally, making them as pretty as they are delicious.
15. Gotgamssam (Walnuts Wrapped in Dried Persimmons)
This simple yet elegant dessert combines dried persimmons and walnuts. Gotgamssam is easy to make: just wrap a walnut in a dried persimmon slice.
It’s a healthy snack that’s often enjoyed during special occasions, offering a perfect blend of chewy and crunchy textures.
Korean desserts offer a delicious journey through history and culture. Each bite tells a story, from royal courts to bustling street markets.
So, which one are you trying first?