Even as a frequent traveler, it was always hard for me to appreciate business trips.

Being unable to unplug from work always ruined the fun of jetting off to a new place. And even a boring day at the office gave me peace of mind that I could never find while standing tiredly in baggage claim, in a middle-of-nowhere hotel where I would get four hours of sleep, or in a car driving through a city I’ll never get a chance to explore.

Until a trip to South Korea last November changed my perspective. It was short, hectic and left me with little time to myself, but I quickly learned that food can tell you so much about a place – it’s a gateway to understanding the unfamiliar.

I always reached for something sweet because it was quick energy on the go. And maybe I should have felt guiltier about the sugar rush, but those small indulgences are part of the experience – and I wouldn’t trade those moments for anything.

Seoul’s eclectic blend of old and new through its rich history, world-class technology and pop culture influence requires a more detailed itinerary, but its dessert culture kept me on my toes for the trip.

Whether you’re in Seoul for business or for pleasure, here are five cafes and dessert spots worth visiting.

Hotteok, various street food stalls along Myeongdong, Jung District

Bleary-eyed from my early morning flight, I found myself in the vibrant Myeongdong shopping area, where my search for a snack was rewarded. This is where I first tried hotteok.

This soft and chewy flour dough pancake with a gooey center never failed to keep me warm. It is a Korean street food staple in the colder months, with an influx of street food vendors in the area selling their own hotteok variations beginning in November. Brought to the Joseon dynasty in Korea from Qing-dynasty China during the 19th century, hotteok usually contains brown sugar, honey, cinnamon and nuts.

ILHO Coffee Bar, Gwangjang Market, Jongno District

Many coffee lovers flock to Gwangjang Market’s ILHO Coffee Bar, a viral coffee roaster that won the 2025 Korean Coffee Roasting Championship – and it’s more than deserving of the hype.

This cafe keeps coffee interesting with its bold and unique concoctions. More traditional coffee drinkers may be skeptical while browsing the menu, but its penchant for experimentation is a nice introduction to Korean coffee culture.

There’s a drink for everyone. I gravitated toward its signature Kwangjang Latte, which was the perfect balance of velvety espresso and fragrant floral notes. For a tea drinker who was sulking over the nearest teahouse closing early for the day, the Kwangjang Latte was a very pleasant substitute.

Punoya, near Bukchon Hanok Village, Jongno District

Seoul’s take on purin, or Japanese custard pudding, is still unapologetically Korean. Even if Punoya’s Jongno District branch seems out of place amid the traditional Korean houses in the area, it echoes the nearby Bukchon Hanok Village’s atmosphere: a love for community.

Don’t let its liminal storefront intimidate you. Unlike Punoya’s usual takeout service, this branch showcases its offerings all around the store to encourage on-site tasting and community gathering. I nearly lost track of time admiring the quirky, pudding-packaging-inspired architecture while devouring all six flavors on the menu: namely custard, matcha, chocolate, annindofu (almond tofu), hojicha and sweet potato.

I was partial to the matcha variant, which is no surprise to anyone who knows me.

Jayeondo Sogeumppang & Jayeondoga, Ikseon-dong, Jongno District

This bakery is a must-try for those who want a more filling dessert. Sogeumppang, or Korean salt bread, exhibits all the qualities of a simple yet delicious pastry. It’s shaped like a croissant but has its own distinct taste – crispy and more sea-salt-leaning at first, before dissolving into a fluffy and slightly sweet, buttery texture.

Take a well-deserved break from strolling around Seoul in its outdoor sitting area and relish in the Korean architecture surrounding Ikseon-dong.

Bocado Butter, Seongsu, Seongdong District

Seongsu is an industrial town turned hotspot for trendy cafes, restaurants, shopping outlets, art galleries and performance spaces. Often referred to as ‘the Brooklyn of Seoul’, it’s easy to miss Bocado Butter, a crepe and coffee place in one of the neighborhood’s more secluded streets.

I stumbled on this cafe the night before my trip home. Its boxed crepes are best enjoyed with family and friends, but I didn’t let my homesickness get in the way of enjoying my last dessert of the trip – with my box of crispy crepes and assortment of dipping cream, I sat on a brightly lit sidewalk and dreamed of returning to Seoul with them.