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12 Places to Try Yakgwa and Gaeseong Juak, Korea's Retro Dessert Trend

Updated 8/30/2026
12 Places to Try Yakgwa and Gaeseong Juak, Korea's Retro Dessert Trend

A list of spots serving chewy gaeseong juak and dense yakgwa, from Seoul cafés to regional destinations — check hours before you go.

Yakgwa and gaeseong juak have moved past a passing trend and settled into regular café-hopping and gift lists. The chewy, syrup-soaked juak and the dense, honeyed yakgwa offer a different kind of satisfaction than cake or donuts, drawing in people who once found traditional desserts unfamiliar.

This list runs from easy stops in Seoul to spots in Paju, Pyeongtaek, Pocheon, and Buan worth building a trip around. Because these desserts tend to sell out and often require reservations, it's worth checking each shop's current hours and stock before heading out.

01

Yeonrihuijae (Paju)

This brand has helped turn gaeseong juak into something that reads as a contemporary dessert. Alongside the classic version, it offers modern takes like cheesecake or basil-tomato juak, which makes it an easy entry point for people unfamiliar with traditional Korean sweets. The Paju flagship is worth the trip on its own, and it's also sold at department stores and online — worth confirming through official channels before you go.
02

Kimssibuin (Seorae Village)

Rather than treating yakgwa and gaeseong juak as grab-and-go snacks, this spot serves them as a sit-down tea experience. It fits the quiet mood of Seorae Village and suits anyone considering a gift set or a reservation. If quiet, understated flavors appeal more than flashy toppings, this is worth checking out — though it's worth confirming reservation availability ahead of a visit.
03

Golden Piece (Hannam-dong)

This brand treats yakgwa as a premium gift rather than an everyday snack, keeping the dense traditional flavor while modernizing the taste and packaging. It works well as a gift for older relatives or for someone abroad. The Hannam-dong store is worth a dedicated pickup trip, and seasonal sets appear from time to time — worth checking stock and hours before visiting.
04

Jangin Hangwa

Known for its crumbly pajiyakgwa, this brand comes up often in conversations about the yakgwa boom, including the rush some fans go through to snag popular batches. It leans more toward a traditional confectionery producer than a café, so it's worth checking how to order and current stock beforehand. Fans of a deep syrup flavor and dense texture tend to like it best.
05

Mannadang (Apgujeong)

This brand treats yakgwa less as a daily snack and more as a formal gift, with well-put-together sets like royal-style or citron yakgwa. It works for holidays or as a thank-you gift, though set contents and pricing can shift by season — worth confirming the latest details before ordering.
06

Saridang (Pyeongtaek)

Set inside a renovated hanok that's been in the same family for five generations, this spot is as much about the space as the gaeseong juak itself. It suits a day trip around Pyeongtaek, and the dessert is known for a crisp exterior with a chewy center — worth checking seating and hours ahead of a visit.
07

Soul (Seochon)

For anyone put off by the heaviness of fried yakgwa, this spot offers an oven-baked version alongside gaeseong juak. It fits naturally into a walk through Gyeongbokgung and Seochon, and popular items can sell out early, so checking stock beforehand is worth it.
08

Hangwawarak (Gangnam/Sinnonhyeon)

With gaeseong juak, yakgwa, and a tea menu all in one place, this spot works better for sitting down than for takeout. It's a solid alternative to the usual cake café if you're meeting friends somewhere in Gangnam.
09

Jjuakjjuak (Seosunra-gil)

The name itself puts gaeseong juak front and center, and the shop reimagines the traditional dessert with a playful, photogenic presentation. It fits well into a walk along Seosunra-gil, and items like juak topped with ice cream make it an approachable first stop for anyone trying gaeseong juak for the first time.
10

Bomhaeunniine (Buan)

This spot stands apart from the trendier Seoul cafés by using glutinous rice grown on reclaimed land near Buan, alongside Jeolla-style yakgwa, oranda, and jeonggwa. It's worth building into a trip to Buan or Byeonsan, and it's a good spot to compare yakgwa and gaeseong juak side by side.
11

Jangin-deo (Pocheon)

This brand presents yakgwa less as an old-fashioned snack and more as a dessert brand in its own right. The Pocheon flagship gets mentioned as a destination among yakgwa fans, and comparing the crumbly pajiyakgwa to the firmer jeongyakgwa is part of the appeal. Popular items can sell out, so it's worth checking any notices before visiting on a regional day trip.
12

Guppudang

This is more of an online-first yakgwa brand than a walk-in café, but it comes up often in yakgwa recommendations for its crisp texture and distinct character. Orders typically go through its online store or social media announcements rather than a physical counter, making it a good addition to a list for people who'd rather have yakgwa delivered.

Frequently asked questions

Which spot is best for trying yakgwa or gaeseong juak for the first time?

A baked version of yakgwa or a classic juak is an easier entry point than richer variations. Popular items sell out often, so it helps to check ahead that the signature menu is still in stock.

What should I look for when buying these as a gift?

Check the packaging and how long the dessert keeps before buying. Set prices and gift box contents can change seasonally, so it's worth confirming directly with the shop right before you order.

How should I plan a visit to the regional spots?

Places in Pocheon or Buan work best folded into a day trip or short regional visit. Opening days and parking vary by shop, so checking ahead can save you a wasted trip.

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Best Yakgwa and Gaeseong Juak Spots in Korea | Golladream