Must-Try Korean Desserts That Will Make You Smile

Korean cuisine is well-known for its unique and flavorful dishes, but the dessert scene is equally delightful. If you're a fan of sweet treats, you must try these traditional and modern Korean desserts that are sure to make you smile!

1. Bingsu (빙수)

Bingsu is a popular Korean shaved ice dessert that comes in various flavors and toppings. The base is finely shaved ice, which is often topped with red bean paste, fruits, condensed milk, and syrup. Some of the most popular varieties include mango bingsu and green tea bingsu. This refreshing dessert is perfect for hot summer days and is a must-try when visiting Korea.

2. Tteok (떡)

Tteok refers to Korean rice cakes that come in a variety of shapes and flavors. Made from glutinous rice, tteok can be filled with sweet ingredients like red bean paste, fruit, or even ice cream. Some popular types include Songpyeon, which is traditionally eaten during the Chuseok holiday, and Injeolmi, coated in powdered soybean flour.

3. Hotteok (호떡)

Hotteok is a type of Korean pancake filled with a sweet mixture of brown sugar, honey, chopped nuts, and cinnamon. Typically sold at street stalls, these warm and crispy pancakes are a perfect snack for those chilly days. Their gooey, sweet filling is sure to bring a smile to your face!

4. Kkwabaegi (꽈배기)

Kkwabaegi is a twisted doughnut that is deep-fried to golden perfection and coated with cinnamon sugar. This delightful treat has a chewy texture and is beloved by many Koreans. Kkwabaegi is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert and is particularly popular during fairs and festivals.

5. Patbingsu (팥빙수)

Patbingsu is a variation of bingsu that specifically features sweetened azuki beans as one of its main toppings. Along with the shaved ice, it often includes condensed milk, fruits, and a sprinkle of crushed nuts. This dessert is not only visually appealing but also offers a wonderful combination of flavors that make each spoonful enjoyable.

6. Choco Pie (초코파이)

Choco Pie is a beloved snack in Korea, consisting of two soft chocolate cake layers filled with marshmallow and coated in chocolate. Often compared to the American Moon Pie, Choco Pies are incredibly popular, both as a dessert and a quick snack, and they’re available in many variations, including green tea and strawberry flavors.

7. Jeolpyeon (절편)

Jeolpyeon is a type of Korean rice cake that is colorful and often patterned. Made using glutinous rice flour, it can be filled with various sweet ingredients or simply enjoyed plain. This dessert is often served during special occasions and celebrations.

8. Sikhye (식혜)

Sikhye is a traditional sweet rice drink made from fermented malt and cooked rice. It has a refreshing taste and is often enjoyed as a dessert drink to aid digestion after a meal. The subtle sweetness and unique flavor profile of sikhye make it a perfect way to cleanse the palate.

9. Dalgona (달고나)

Dalgona, a sweet and fluffy candy made from sugar, baking soda, and water, gained popularity worldwide through social media. Traditionally, it’s poured into a shape using a mold and is often served with a metal stick for easy eating. The crunchy texture combined with the sweet taste makes it a delightful treat.

10. Yakgwa (약과)

Yakgwa is a traditional Korean honey cookie made from wheat flour and sesame oil, usually shaped like a flower or a circle. The cookies are deep-fried and then soaked in honey syrup, giving them a sweet and rich flavor. Perfect for celebrations, yakgwa is loved for its distinct taste and texture.

Whether you’re visiting Korea or trying your hand at making these delightful desserts at home, these must-try Korean sweets are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Indulge in the sweet, unique flavors of Korean desserts and explore the wonderful world of Korean cuisine!