Bread in Seoul: Western-Style Bakeries

If there is one thing I have heard all of my fellow ex-pats commenting on is how much they miss bread. I mean, Korea does have loads of different types of bread but they are all very different from what most people from western countries are used to. Sometimes all we want is a good and old simple bread that is not overly salty – and definitely not sweet. 

Finding such bread in this country might be a little bit difficult. If you end up becoming a member “missing bread club”, don’t worry! Here is a list of five bakeries in Seoul where you can satisfy your western bread cravings.

Dear Bread

This place is close to my memories as I found it during my first weeks in Korea when I stayed near Ewha Woman’s University. Dear Bread is located around that area and is well-known for offering a wide range of fresh, homemade bread at cost-effective prices.

Thanks to the natural ingredients – such as levain – their bread has a distinct flavor that is both delicious and healthy because it is made with natural ingredients. 

Extra point: they have bread samples, so you can find bread truly love before making your purchase

Dear Bread (비밀)

Address:  Seoul, Seodaemun-gu, Ewhayeodae 7-gil, 48
Korean Address: 서울특별시 서대문구 이화여대7길 48
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 08:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Saturdays: 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sundays: Closed

Paul & Paulina

This chain is also very well known for its artisanal bread. The bakery serves a perfect blend of the finest baked goods from Europe. It combines both sweet and salty tastes perfectly. Every time you enter one of their six franchises you will for sure be greeted by the scent of freshly baked bread that invades the entire establishment. 

Double extra points: they also have plenty of bread samples and the goodies are at very fair prices!

Paul & Paulina (폴앤폴리나)

Paul & Paulina Yeoido (폴앤폴리나 여의도점): 180 Ouisadangdae-Ro, Yeongdeungpo-Gu, Seoul(서울 영등포구 의사당대로 108 아일렉스 상가)

Paul & Paulina Gwanghwamun (폴앤폴리나 광화문점): 104-Ho, 1 Fl, 42 Sajik-Ro 8-Gil, Jongro-Gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 사직로8길 42 광화문시대 1층 104호)

Paul & Paulina Yeonhui (폴앤폴리나 연희): 56 Yeonhui-Ro 11-Gil, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul (서울 서대문구 연희로11길 56)

Publique

Half shop, half bakery, Publique brings to Korea what France has best to offer: fresh baguettes stuffed with goat’s cheese and a great variety of éclairs. But that is not all.

They also make amazing madeleines, tartes, cakes, oils, and milk products at all of their franchises! If you are a lover of French Pastries like me, there is no way you are not going to fall in love with them. Publique is the ideal option for anyone looking for both convenience and quality. With the range of products they offer are all at a reasonable price as well. 

Friendly recommendation: strawberry tarte!

Publique Gwangheungchan (퍼블리크 광흥창점)

Address:  195 Tojeong-Ro, Mapo-Gu, Seoul
Korean Address: 서울 마포구 토정로 195 1층
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 08:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Sat & Sun: 09:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Taffin

This is also a bakery that specializes in French pastries and cakes. Straight from Lyon to Seoul, the owners made everyone fall in love with their food.

The menu includes tartes, baguettes, croissants, and pain au chocolat, providing a culunary trip to France with each bite. Don’t stop at Publique, go and visit Taffin too and have the complete experience! 

Gold tip: why not order the opulent gâteaux de voyage with one of the bakery’s sandwiches?

Taffin (따팡)

Address:  20 Huam-Ro, Yongsan-Gu, Seoul
Korean Address: 서울 용산구 후암로 20 1층
Opening Hours: Tue-Sat: 10:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Sun & Mon: Closed

Maybell

Finding establishments that offer vegan menus is hard anywhere in the world. In Korea it is no different. That doesn’t mean, however, it is impossible. 

Maybell is a bakery located in Itaewon, Yongsan-gu and it is known for a really good reason. Its products are all not only vegan, but also sugar-free! The variety of bread is something that impresses everyone, making all of them comment a lot about it. Not only is the bread not sugary, it is also made with natural ingredients so you can eat anything from their menu without guilt!

Maybell Bakery Hannam (오월의종 한남점)

Address:  24 Itaewon-Ro 49-Gil, Yongsan-Gu, Seoul
Korean Address: 서울 용산구 이태원로49길 24
Opening Hours: Tue-Sat: 11:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Sun & Mon: Closed

Outro

When things get a little bit harder, there is nothing better than a taste from home. I am sure many of you feel the same after eating a freshly baked slice of perfection. So, whenever you feel like having a piece from home, try going to one of these small heavens and gift yourself a fully and delicious piece of bread! 

Want to try a michelin star bakery in Korea? Click Here to learn about Sungsimdang Bakery in Daejeon!