The Most Iconic Korean Desserts You Should Try

Korean cuisine is renowned for its unique flavors and vibrant ingredients, and desserts are no exception. From chewy rice cakes to sweet rice drinks, there’s a rich variety of iconic Korean sweets that every dessert lover should try. Here’s a list of the most iconic Korean desserts that you shouldn’t miss.

1. Tteok (Korean Rice Cake)

Tteok is a traditional Korean rice cake made from glutinous rice flour and comes in numerous varieties. From the soft and chewy texture to the various fillings, including sweet red bean paste and fruits, there’s a tteok for everyone. Popular types include Injeolmi, which is coated with powdered soybean flour, and Songpyeon, which is shaped like half-moons and filled with sesame seeds or sweetened chestnuts.

2. Bingsu (Shaved Ice Dessert)

Bingsu is a popular summer dessert made from finely shaved ice topped with an array of ingredients. The most classic version is Patbingsu, which features sweetened red beans and condensed milk. Modern variations include fruits, matcha, and even ice cream. This refreshing treat is perfect for beating the heat!

3. Hotteok (Sweet Pancakes)

Hotteok is a beloved street food dessert that consists of a crispy outer shell filled with a mixture of brown sugar, honey, and nuts. Traditionally enjoyed during the winter months, these sweet pancakes are fried until golden brown and are best served warm, oozing with delicious syrup inside.

4. Yakgwa (Honey Cookies)

Yakgwa, often translated as “flowercake,” is among the traditional Korean sweets served at holidays and celebrations. Made with wheat flour, honey, sesame oil, and ginger, yakgwa has a rich taste and a unique texture. The cookies are fried and then coated with a honey syrup, creating a delightful sweet treat.

5. Kkul-tarae (Silk Cotton Candy)

Kkul-tarae is a mesmerizing dessert that resembles a silky, sweet nest made from strands of honey. Vendors typically prepare it at festivals, where they spin the honey around a stick, forming delicate layers. Traditionally filled with nuts or candies, it’s both a visual delight and a sweet pleasure.

6. Jeonggwa (Candied Fruits)

Jeonggwa refers to various types of candied fruits or vegetables that are often served as a snack or dessert during traditional celebrations. These fruits are simmered in a sweet syrup and can include ingredients like ginseng, jujube, and lotus roots. They are not only delicious but also considered to have health benefits.

7. Chocopie (Korean Moon Pie)

Chocopie, a favorite among both adults and children, consists of two soft cake layers filled with marshmallow cream and coated in chocolate. The combination of textures makes it an irresistible treat. While not traditionally Korean, it has become a staple snack in the country.

8. Dasik (Tea Cookies)

Dasik is a beautiful traditional Korean cookie made from glutinous rice flour and powdered ingredients, often shaped using intricate molds. These cookies are enjoyed with tea and come in various flavors, including green tea, sesame, and mugwort. Eating dasik is a delightful experience that also respects the art of tea drinking in Korea.

Exploring Korean desserts is a sweet journey that showcases the country's rich culinary heritage. Whether you're seeking something refreshing like bingsu or the chewy goodness of tteok, these iconic treats will surely satisfy your sweet tooth. Don’t miss out on these delicious Korean desserts during your next culinary adventure!