South Korea is a dessert lover’s dream, especially during the holidays! The sweet treats come with rich history, fun flavors, and lots of yummy textures. If you’re planning 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 sweets are just waiting for you to try them.
So buckle up for a sugary road trip that’ll leave you craving more! And don’t forget to get IDP online before hitting the road to make sure your international driving permit is ready for your sweet adventure!
Source: Photo by makafood
1. Jeolpyeon (Korean Rice Cake)
Why You’ll Love It:
Jeolpyeon isn’t just a snack–it’s a work of art! These rice cakes are often stamped with beautiful patterns, so it’s like eating a little piece of Korean culture. Made with non-glutinous rice flour and sometimes stuffed with sweet red bean paste, these babies are chewy, nutty, and oh-so-delicious. Plus, the sesame oil adds a savory touch that’ll make your taste buds dance!
Runners-Up:
- Injeolmi: Sticky rice cake rolled in soybean powder—chewy and fun!
- Chapssaltteok: Sweet red bean-filled rice cakes. Think mochi, but better.
2. Bingsu (Shaved Ice Dessert)
Why You’ll Love It:
Bingsu is like a snow cone but way fancier. It’s made with finely shaved ice, and you can top it with all sorts of goodies like sweetened condensed milk, fresh fruit, red beans, and even matcha. It’s super refreshing and totally customizable, so whether you’re a fruit lover or a fan of red bean, bingsu has got you covered.
Runners-Up:
- Patbingsu: The classic, loaded with sweet red beans.
- Fruit Bingsu: Fresh fruit + shaved ice = a perfect road trip combo.
3. Hotteok (Sweet Pancakes)
Why You’ll Love It:
Hotteok is the dessert you never knew you needed in your life. These warm, crispy pancakes are stuffed with gooey brown sugar, cinnamon, honey, and crushed peanuts. When you take a bite, the filling just oozes out, giving you the perfect mix of crispy, gooey, and sweet. It’s the ultimate winter treat, and trust us—you’ll want to eat one (or two, or three).
Runners-Up:
- Gyeranppang: Warm, fluffy egg bread that’s a perfect little snack.
- Sikhye: A sweet rice drink that pairs beautifully with hotteok!
Source: Photo by Kate Trysh
4. Hodugwaja (Walnut Cookies)
Why You’ll Love It:
These little walnut-shaped cookies are packed with red bean paste and crunchy walnut bits. They’re the perfect bite-sized snack to munch on while you’re exploring the streets, and they make an adorable souvenir (if you can stop eating them long enough to bring them home!). Crunchy, sweet, and nutty—what’s not to love?
Runners-Up:
- Yakgwa: Deep-fried honey cookies that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Gangjeong: Light, crispy rice snacks that’ll leave you munching happily.
5. Yeot Gangjeong (Rice Syrup Candy)
Why You’ll Love It:
If you like simple, satisfying snacks, yeot gangjeong is for you! Made from nuts and rice syrup, this candy is light, crunchy, and not overly sweet—just enough to satisfy your cravings without sending you into a sugar coma. It’s perfect for a little nibble as you cruise to your next destination.
Runners-Up:
- Dalgona: Caramelized sugar candy that’s fun to make and even more fun to eat.
- Chalbori: Chewy rice cakes filled with sweet red bean paste—a road trip must-try!
6. Gotgamssam (Persimmons Wrapped in Walnuts)
Why You’ll Love It:
Gotgamssam is like the fancy, healthy version of a candy bar. Dried persimmons wrapped in walnuts, this snack is naturally sweet and super nutritious. It’s perfect for when you want something light but still packed with flavor.
Runners-Up:
- Misu: A chewy, sweet rice flour treat that’s soft and satisfying.
- Saenggang: Candied ginger that’ll warm you right up on those chilly days.
Important Road Trip Tips for Sweet-Tooth Travelers
Before you hit the road to taste all these amazing desserts, here are some quick tips to make your foodie adventure even better:
- Travel Insurance: Always a good idea! Get coverage for things like medical emergencies, lost luggage, and anything else that could pop up.
- Car Insurance for Rentals: Make sure your rental car is covered. You don’t want any surprises on the road. Also, remember to follow the rules of the road in South Korea to avoid hassles.
- Visa & Passport Check: Aside from 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 stuck at the airport!
Food Safety:
- Street Food Safety: Look for food vendors who maintain a clean and safe food prep area.
- Allergies: If you’ve got food allergies, make sure to let vendors know—better safe than sorry!
Conclusion
A road trip through South Korea is like a sweet-tooth dream come true. With treats like jeolpyeon, bingsu, hotteok, and more, you’re in for a delicious adventure that’s as much about the food as it is about the memories you’ll make.
Just remember to pack your travel insurance, check your documents, and get ready to indulge in some seriously awesome desserts. The road to sweetness awaits!
