May has already begun, and the weather in Seoul is just perfect for a stroll and a Seoul snack tour. Last month, I had some business in Dongdaemun and found myself there with a friend. After finishing a hearty lunch, we both had that familiar craving for something sweet to wrap up the meal.
We did a bit of searching on our phones and decided to visit two spots that everyone seems to be talking about lately: Its Kkwabaegi and Abebe Bakery. Even though these places are already quite famous, I wanted to see if they actually lived up to the hype. Since I paid for everything out of my own pocket, I’m excited to share my honest thoughts and give you a real look at this Seoul snack tour.
The Real Local Taste: Its Kkwabaegi
To start this Seoul snack tour, head to Dongdaemun Station (Line 1 or 4) and take Exit 10. Walk straight for a bit, then turn right into the first large alley. You’ll find Its Kkwabaegi just a short walk inside.
This area is packed with hidden spots. For those who want to spend a full day exploring nearby, I’ve put together [The Perfect Dongdaemun Itinerary: A Local’s Guide to History, Food, and Fashion] to help you plan your visit.
One thing that makes this stop on our Seoul snack tour very convenient is the kiosk. You can browse the menu and order easily without any pressure. They offer various set menus if you want to try a bit of everything, or you can just pick individual items.
I personally ordered 5 “Mu-ang-geum” (No Filling) Glutinous Rice Donuts for 5,500 KRW and a Chili Whole Mozzarella Cheese Stick for 3,900 KRW.
- Glutinous Rice Donuts (No Filling): These are perfect if you don’t like things too sweet. Since there’s no red bean paste inside, you can really taste the nutty, savory flavor of the dough. It’s incredibly chewy and light.
- Chili Whole Mozzarella Cheese: This one is a showstopper. The cheese is literally packed inside and stretches so far that it’s perfect for taking a “cheesy” video for your social media. The spicy kick from the chili balances the richness of the cheese perfectly.
What really warmed my heart during this Seoul snack tour was the owner. She is incredibly kind. While I was waiting, I saw her communicating in English with the foreign tourist in front of me. So, don’t be afraid to visit—she makes everyone feel welcome, and you’ll have no trouble ordering your 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!)
Note: They may close early if they run out of ingredients, so I recommend visiting before the evening rush.
Walking Along the Water: A Quick Paradise in the City
After grabbing your warm donuts at Its Kkwabaegi, walk back down the same alley you came from and cross the street toward Dongdaemun Pyeonghwa Market. Right behind it, the Cheonggyecheon Stream stretches all the way to Gwanghwamun. If the weather is nice, this is one of the best walking courses in Seoul.
There are plenty of spots to sit along the stream. Sitting by the water, listening to the gentle flow, and watching the fish and ducks while enjoying your fresh donuts makes time fly by. It truly feels like a small escape from the busy city. If you enjoy this vibe, you’ll love my other favorite evening route. Check out my [Best Seoul Night Route: Jongno Dakgalbi and Deoksugung Palace Walk] if you want to extend your peaceful stroll into the night.
Pro Tip for Your Seoul Snack Tour: Korea has many high-quality but very affordable coffee chains like Mega Coffee, Compose Coffee, and The Venti. You can get a refreshing Iced Americano or Latte for around 2,000 KRW. I highly recommend picking up a cup on your way to the stream to pair with your donuts—it’s pure paradise!
One More Budget Tip: If you’re traveling with a friend or a partner, stop by Mega Coffee and order the "Megaricno." It’s a massive size Iced Americano for only 3,000 KRW. Just grab two straws and share it! It’s a great way to save money while staying hydrated and cool.
After a short, relaxing stroll along Cheonggyecheon, head up toward Gwangjang Market. You’ll soon spot a place with a long line of people—that is our next destination, Abebe Bakery.
The Modern Legend: Abebe Bakery Seoul
As you walk toward the edge of Gwangjang Market, you’ll see the second highlight of this Seoul snack tour: Abebe Bakery. To get here directly, you can take Line 1 to Jongno 5-ga Station and come out through Exit 7 or 8, then head toward the stream side of the market.
Before you get in line for the trendy cream buns, make sure to explore the market’s deeper roots. I’ve written a full guide on [Gwangjang Market: From 100-Year-Old Traditions to Trendy Desserts] that covers the must-eat savory dishes first.
This place is incredibly famous among the “MZ Generation” (young locals) in Korea. If you’ve traveled to Seoul and want to taste the dessert that everyone is posting about on social media, this is the place you must visit. However, be prepared—there is almost always a long line, so you should expect a bit of a wait.
If the first stop was about simple, traditional tastes, this one is about pure indulgence. These are soft buns stuffed to the brim with incredibly thick, flavored cream. They use Jeju-sourced ingredients like peanuts from Udo or local matcha.
My picks for you:
- Udo Peanut Cream Bread: This is the one everyone talks about. It’s savory, sweet, and very rich.
- Injeolmi Cream Bread: It’s covered in roasted bean powder, making it a perfect bridge between old-fashioned Korean flavors and a modern pastry.
The prices for these cream-filled buns range from 3,100 KRW to 5,800 KRW. While they are more expensive than traditional donuts, the weight and quality of the ingredients make it worth every won. There is a seating area on the 2nd floor, so you can order on the 1st floor and head upstairs to enjoy your treats.
The bakery is open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Since it’s a staple of any modern Seoul snack tour, some popular flavors might sell out early, so try to arrive before the late afternoon!
To make sure you don’t get lost in the market, here is the map for Abebe: [Abebe Bakery Seoul Google Maps Link]
Here’s a Pro Tip: Because it’s a major hotspot, the 2nd-floor seats are often full. If you can’t find a spot, don’t worry! Just get your buns “to go.” Pick up one of those affordable coffees I mentioned earlier and head right back down to the Cheonggyecheon Stream. Eating your donuts by the water is not only a great way to save money on expensive cafe drinks, but it’s also much more relaxing than a crowded indoor space.
Today, I’ve shared my experience visiting these two popular dessert spots near Dongdaemun. I believe both Its Kkwabaegi and Abebe Bakery are the kind of places that everyone can enjoy without hesitation, as they offer the perfect introduction to Korean-style desserts.
If you’re visiting Seoul, I highly recommend trying out this Seoul snack tour route from Dongdaemun to Gwangjang Market. It’s not a fancy or grand itinerary, but it is truly the most certain way to experience both the traditional tastes of Seoul and the latest trends all at once!
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