Top Holiday Sweets in South Korea
The Best Holiday Food in Korea
South Korea is a dessert lover’s dream, especially during the holiday season! Not only are these desserts rich in history, they also come with interesting flavors and lots of delicious textures. If you plan a road trip to explore this dessert-filled wonderland, you’re in for a treat (pun intended). From chewy rice cakes to warm, gooey pancakes, South Korea’s holiday desserts are just waiting for you to try.
So buckle up and get ready for a sweet road trip you won’t want to stop taking! Before you hit the road, don’t forget to get your international driver’s license online to make sure your international driving permit is ready for your sweet adventure!
1. Jeolpyeon (Korean rice cake)
Why you’ll love it:
Jeolpyeon is more than just a snack – it’s a work of art! These rice cakes are often printed with beautiful designs, so it’s like tasting a little piece of Korean culture. Made with non-glutinous rice flour and sometimes filled with sweet red bean paste, these little guys are chewy, nutty, and super delicious. Plus, sesame oil adds a hint of saltiness that’ll make your taste buds dance!
Runner up:
Injeolmi: Glutinous rice cake rolled in kinako flour – chewy and fun!
Chapssaltteok: Rice cakes with sweetened red bean filling. Think mochi, but better.
2. Shaved ice (shaved ice dessert)
Why you’ll love it:
Shaved ice is like a snow cone, but fancier. It’s made with finely shaved ice, and you can top it with all sorts of delicious things like sweetened condensed milk, fresh fruit, red beans, and even matcha. It’s super refreshing and completely customizable, so whether you’re a fruit lover or a red bean fan, shaved ice has something for you.
Runner up:
Patbingsu: A classic, loaded with sweet red beans.
Fruit Bingsu: Fresh fruit + shaved ice = the perfect road trip combo.
3. Hot pancakes (sweet pancakes)
Why you’ll love it:
Hot Pancakes are the dessert you never knew you needed in your life. These warm, crispy pancakes are filled with a gooey brown sugar, cinnamon, honey, and crushed peanuts. The filling just flows out when you bite into it, giving you the perfect blend of crunchy, gooey, and sweet. It’s the ultimate winter treat, and trust us—you’ll want to eat one (or two, or three).
Runner up:
Gyeranppang: Warm, fluffy egg bread that is the perfect snack.
Sikhye: A sweet rice drink that goes perfectly with hot pancakes!
4. Hodugwaja (Walnut Cookies)
Why you’ll love it:
These little walnut-shaped cookies are filled with red bean paste and crunchy walnut bits. They’re the perfect bite-sized snack while you’re exploring the streets, and they make a lovely souvenir (if you can resist taking one home!). Crunchy, sweet, nutty—what’s not to like?
Runner up:
Yakgwa: Deep-fried honey biscuits that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Gangjeong: A light and crispy rice snack that will keep you munching on it happily.
5. Yeot Gangjeong (Rice Sugar Candy)
Why you’ll love it:
If you love a simple yet satisfying snack, yeot gangjeong is for you! Made with nuts and rice sugar, this candy is light, crunchy, and not overly sweet—just enough to satisfy you’re craving without sending you into a sugar coma. It’s perfect for sipping while you head to your next destination.
Runner up:
Dalgona: Caramelized candy that’s fun to make and even more fun to eat.
Chalbori: Sticky rice cake filled with sweet red bean paste – a must-try on a road trip!
6. Gotgamssam (Persimmon wrapped in walnut)
Why you’ll love it:
Gotgamssam is like a fancier, healthier version of a candy bar. With dried persimmons wrapped around walnuts, this snack is naturally sweet and nutritious. It’s perfect for when you want something light but still full of flavor.
Runner up:
Misu: A chewy sweet rice flour snack that is soft and satisfying.
Saenggang: Candied ginger, which warms you up on cold days.
Top Road trip tips for those with a sweet tooth
Before you hit the road to sample all of these delicious desserts, here are a few quick tips to make your food adventures even more exciting:
Travel insurance: Always a good idea! Provides coverage for medical emergencies, lost luggage, and other issues that may arise.
Rental Car Insurance: Make sure your rental car is insured. You don’t want to encounter any accidents on the road. Also, remember to follow Korean traffic rules to avoid trouble.
Visa and passport checks: In addition to travel and car rental insurance (especially if you want to drive), double-check that your passport is valid and confirm if you need a visa. No one wants to be stranded at an airport!
South Korea visa for Pakistani
Food Safety:
Street Food Safety: Look for food vendors who maintain clean and safe food preparation areas.
Allergies: If you have food allergies, always let the vendor know—better to be safe than sorry!
Conclusion
A road trip in Korea is like a sweet tooth lover’s dream come true. With treats like jeolpyeon, bingsu, hotteok, and more, you’re in for a delicious adventure that’s not just about the food, but also about the memories you’ll create.
Just remember to bring your travel insurance, check your documents, and get ready to enjoy some seriously awesome desserts. Sweet Road awaits!
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