The Most Delicious Korean Desserts You Can’t Miss

Korean cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors and beautiful presentation, and its desserts are no exception. From rice cakes to ice creams, Korean sweets offer a delightful end to any meal or a perfect snack. Here’s a list of the most delicious Korean desserts you can’t miss.

Bingsu (빙수)
One of the most popular Korean desserts, bingsu is a shaved ice treat that often features toppings like red bean, fresh fruits, and sweetened condensed milk. Traditionally, the ice is made from finely shaved blocks, creating a fluffy texture. Variations like mango bingsu and injeolmi bingsu have gained immense popularity, making it a must-try during the hot summer months.

Gmarket (떡)
Korean rice cakes, or tteok, come in various forms and flavors, often enjoyed during festivities and celebrations. From chewy and sweet injeolmi (steamed rice cake dusted with soybean flour) to the colorful songpyeon (half-moon rice cake filled with sweetened sesame or other fillings), these delightful treats showcase the essence of Korean desserts.

Hotteok (호떡)
This warm, sweet street food is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Hotteok is a pancake filled with a mixture of brown sugar, honey, chopped peanuts, and cinnamon, served hot off the griddle. The crispy outside and gooey filling create a delightful contrast that captures the hearts of many.

Sikhye (식혜)
Sikhye is a traditional sweet rice beverage that is often enjoyed as a dessert. Made from fermented sweet rice and flavored with malt, it is usually served cold with pine nuts sprinkled on top. Not only is it refreshing, but it is also said to aid in digestion, making it a lovely addition to any meal.

Patbingsu (팥빙수)
This is another variation of bingsu with a key difference: it is topped with sweetened red beans (pat) along with various ingredients like diced fruits, mochi, and even ice cream. Patbingsu represents the perfect combination of textures and flavors, making it an iconic summer dessert in Korea.

Jelly (젤리)
Korean jelly desserts, such as yut (윷) are made with a variety of ingredients, often containing fruit or grain. Served in adorable shapes and sometimes with a sprinkle of sugar, these jellies are not only visually appealing but also refreshing and subtly sweet.

Chajeong (차정)
Chajeong is a unique Korean dessert made from steamed glutinous rice flour dough filled with sweet fillings like red bean paste or fruit. Each bite offers a chewy texture combined with the sweetness of the filling, making it a delightful treat to enjoy with tea.

Korean Honey Butter Chips (허니버터칩)
These popular snack chips have taken the world by storm. With a perfect balance of sweet and salty, they are made by frying thinly sliced potatoes and coating them in a honey butter mixture. The irresistible taste has made them a favorite among dessert lovers and a great companion for coffee or tea.

Tangerine Rice Cake (귤떡)
This delightful dessert combines the flavors of chewy tteok with the refreshing taste of tangerines. The rice cake is filled with sweetened tangerine segments and often enjoyed during special occasions, providing a burst of citrus flavor that’s truly unique.

Odeulgi (오늘기)
Odeulgi is a sweet and sticky rice flour dumpling, typically filled with either red bean paste or sweetened sesame seeds and covered in a coat of powdered soybean flour. The combination of the chewy texture and the nuttiness of the filling creates an unforgettable dessert experience.

Whether you’re a fan of cold treats like bingsu or prefer the chewy texture of tteok, Korean desserts present a rich variety of flavors and textures that can satisfy any sweet tooth. Don't miss out on these delights during your culinary journey in Korea!