May is already here. The weather in Seoul has been perfect for walks lately, so it seems like the ideal time to start a Seoul snack tour. Last month, I met a friend in Dongdaemun for work, and after a delicious lunch, I was craving something sweet. So I immediately searched my phone to see if there were any good dessert shops nearby.
In the end, I ended up visiting “It’s Kkwabaegi” and “Abebe Bakery.” Both places are so famous that I might have had to wait in line, but I was so eager to try some delicious desserts that I decided to go right in. I paid for the snacks myself and gave them a try. Let me tell you all about these desserts—they were truly delicious.
Its Kkwabaegi
My first stop on my Seoul snack tour was It’s Kkwabaegi. Exit through Exit 10 of Dongdaemun Station (Line 1 or 4) and walk straight along the main road; you will see the first large alley on your right. Follow this alley a little further, and you will find the shop on your right.
Dongdaemun is home not only to great restaurants but also to a toy street where you can buy charming goods. Please check out my Dongdaemun Toy Market, a must-visit during a trip to Seoul with children.
One of the best things about visiting It’s Kkwabaegi was the presence of a kiosk. You don’t need to prepare cash or haggle; you can simply order and pay at the kiosk. They offer a wide variety of donuts and twisted donuts, so if you want to try different flavors, I recommend ordering a set menu. Alternatively, if you prefer to sample small portions, you can order individual items.
The items I ordered were the Plain Red Bean Paste 5-piece set (5,500 KRW) and the Chili Whole Mozzarella Cheese (3,900 KRW).
- Glutinous Rice Donuts (No Filling): This is the perfect menu for those who, like me, don’t particularly like red bean paste. Since it doesn’t contain red bean paste, you can fully experience the nutty and salty flavors of the dough itself. The chewy yet light texture is the best.
- Chili Whole Mozzarella Cheese: It is literally a “crispy outside, moist inside” donut. The cheese is packed inside, making it perfect for capturing the stretchy texture and sharing on social media. The spicy chili flavor harmonizes perfectly with the rich taste of the cheese.
The most impressive thing about It’s Kkwabaegi, the first stop on my Seoul snack tour, was the kind owner. While I was waiting, I saw him conversing in English with a foreign tourist in front of me. So, if you are planning to visit, feel free to come without any hesitation. The owner seemed kind to everyone, so you won’t have any trouble ordering delicious donuts.
You can find the exact location of Its Kkwabaegi on Google Maps here: [Its Kkwabaegi Google Maps Link]
Business Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 09:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sat: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sun: Closed (They take a rest on Sundays!)
They may close early if they run out of ingredients, so I recommend visiting before the evening rush.
Walking Along the Water
If you have packed up a warm donut from It’s Kkwabaegi, please return the way you came. If you return to the main road, you will see Pyeonghwa Market right ahead. Cross the crosswalk and go to the area just behind the market, and you will find Cheonggyecheon Stream. Cheonggyecheon stretches all the way to Gwanghwamun. If the weather is nice, it is highly recommended to experience this spot, which is considered one of the best places for a stroll in Seoul.
There are many places along the waterway in Cheonggyecheon where you can sit and rest. Time will fly by as you sit by the water, listen to the gentle sound of the water, watch the fish and ducks, and enjoy a warm donut you brought with you. You will feel as though you have briefly escaped the hustle and bustle of the city. Check out my [Seoul night route (Jongno ~ City hall) that tourists should walk] if you want to extend your peaceful stroll into the night.
Seoul Snack Tour Tip
Korea has many high-quality yet affordable coffee chains such as Mega Coffee, Compose Coffee, and The Venti. You can purchase a refreshing iced Americano or latte for around 2,000 KRW. Stop by one of these places on your way to Cheonggyecheon to buy some coffee! Then, sit by the water and enjoy your coffee and donut together. That is happiness!
One More Budget Tip
If you are traveling with a friend or partner, stop by Mega Coffee and order a Megaricano. You can enjoy a large-sized iced Americano for just 3,000 KRW. It is even better if you grab two straws to share! It is a great tip that quenches your thirst, enjoys the coolness, and saves money!
After enjoying a short, leisurely stroll along Cheonggyecheon Stream, head up toward Gwangjang Market. Soon, you will see a long line; that is our next destination, Abebe Bakery.
Abebe Bakery: “ㅇㅂㅂ”
As you walk along the edge of Gwangjang Market, you will come across Abebe Bakery, the second stop on this Seoul snack tour. If you are heading here, exit through Exit 7 or 8 at Jongno 5-ga Station on Line 1 and head towards Cheonggyecheon Stream.
This place boasts immense popularity among Korea’s MZ generation and frequently appears on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. If you want to taste a dessert that is trending on social media during your trip to Seoul, this is a must-visit spot. However, please keep in mind that there may be a wait as the line is always long.
If the first place I visited, It’s Kkwabaegi, had a simple and traditional feel, this is a place where you can truly experience the rich and abundant flavor of cream. It is characterized by soft bread filled with rich and delicious cream. They make their bread using local Jeju specialties, such as peanuts from Udo Island and matcha from Jeju.
Whenever I visit here, I always try a different donut. Rather than eating in the store, I usually get them to go and eat them at home, or sit by Cheonggyecheon Stream. The two menu items I recommend are below.
My picks for you
- Udo Peanut Cream Bread: This is a cream bread that anyone can enjoy without any strong preferences. You can definitely taste the perfect balance of salty and sweet flavors. It is a menu item that you can recommend to any foreign friend without fail.
- Injeolmi Cream Bread: This bread is sprinkled with roasted soybean powder on the outside, allowing you to experience a traditional Korean taste. The modern cream and traditional soybean powder harmonize perfectly, creating a flavorful taste. It is one of the items I frequently buy myself.
At Abebe Bakery, items are sold at prices ranging from 3,100 to 5,800 KRW. Seating is available on the second floor, so you can order on the first floor and go up to enjoy bread and coffee.
They are open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Since it is a very popular spot, I recommend visiting early rather than late in the afternoon.
To make sure you don’t get lost in the market, here is the map for Abebe: [Abebe Bakery Seoul Google Maps Link]
Eating Tip: Because it is a famous place, the seats on the second floor are always full. Don’t worry too much if there are no seats available! I will share a great tip for enjoying the bread, coffee, and Cheonggyecheon Stream all at once. Purchase the bread you like here and have it packaged! Then, buy a cup of coffee from the affordable coffee chain mentioned earlier! Then, head back down to Cheonggyecheon Stream! Sit by the stream and enjoy your bread and coffee! Not only can you save on drinks, but it is also a great way to spend a much more relaxing time than in a crowded indoor space.
Today, I have written a post about two popular dessert shops near Dongdaemun. I believe It’s Kkwabaegi and Abebe Bakery are places where anyone trying Korean-style desserts for the first time can enjoy them without any pressure.
If you are planning a trip to Seoul, I highly recommend the Seoul snack tour course that runs from Dongdaemun to Gwangjang Market. It is the best plan to experience both the traditional flavors and trendy vibes of Seoul at once.
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