Korean desserts are as rich in history and culture as they are in flavor. Often made with natural, fresh ingredients, Korean sweets (called “dal-gwa” or “dalkwa”) range from delicate rice cakes to decadent pastries. Many of these treats are not overly sweet but instead focus on harmony between flavors and textures. Traditionally, Korean desserts have been created using ingredients such as rice flour, sweetened red bean paste, chestnuts, and sesame seeds, offering a healthier, more subtle sweetness compared to Western treats.
In recent years, Korean desserts have gained popularity worldwide, thanks to the global influence of K-pop and Korean dramas. With their rich cultural significance and delightful flavors, Korean sweets are a fantastic way to explore the country’s food culture. In this article, we’ll explore 20 classic and beloved Korean sweet dessert treats that will introduce you to the delicious world of Korean confectionery.
1. Tteok (Korean Rice Cakes)
Tteok, or Korean rice cakes, are a central part of Korean dessert culture. They come in many varieties and are made from rice flour, sometimes with the addition of sweet red bean paste, sesame seeds, or fruits.
Some popular types include:
Baekseolgi Tteok: Soft, steamed rice cake that is often enjoyed at birthdays.
Songpyeon: Half-moon shaped rice cakes filled with sweet fillings such as red bean paste, sesame seeds, or chestnuts, typically made during the harvest festival Chuseok.
Tteok is often served during celebrations and rituals, making it a traditional favorite in Korean households.
2. Bungeoppang (Fish-Shaped Pastry)
Bungeoppang is a fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste or custard. The name "bungeoppang" means "carp bread," and the treat is usually enjoyed during the colder months.
The dough is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it a favorite street food in Korea. The slight sweetness of the red bean paste contrasts wonderfully with the crunchy exterior.
3. Hotteok (Sweet Pancakes)
Hotteok are sweet, filled pancakes that are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. These pancakes are filled with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped peanuts or sesame seeds. When fried, the sugar melts into a caramel-like filling.
Typically enjoyed in the winter, hotteok is a warm, comforting treat that fills your senses with sweet and spicy flavors.
4. Patbingsu (Shaved Ice Dessert)
Patbingsu is a popular summer dessert in Korea, made of finely shaved ice topped with sweetened red bean paste, condensed milk, and various toppings like fruits, mochi, and ice cream.
The cold, refreshing nature of patbingsu makes it the perfect dessert for hot days, and the toppings allow for endless customization, making each bowl a unique experience.
5. Yakgwa (Honey Cookies)
Yakgwa are traditional Korean honey cookies made from wheat flour, sesame oil, honey, and ginger. They are deep-fried and then soaked in a syrup made from honey, making them sticky and sweet.
These cookies have a dense, chewy texture and are often served during holidays and celebrations. They are usually shaped into decorative forms and are a symbol of good fortune.
6. Sikhye (Sweet Rice Drink)
Sikhye is a traditional Korean drink made from fermented sweet rice. It has a mildly sweet and refreshing taste, often served chilled. The drink is made by boiling rice with barley malt, which breaks down the starch and gives it a naturally sweet flavor.
Sikhye is often enjoyed as a dessert or snack after a meal, and it’s believed to aid digestion, making it a favorite in Korean homes.
7. Jeonggwa (Candied Fruits and Roots)
Jeonggwa is a type of traditional Korean candy made by boiling fruits and roots in honey and sugar syrup. The result is a sweet, chewy, and sometimes spiced treat.
Popular versions of jeonggwa include candied ginger, lotus root, and various fruits like persimmons. These treats are commonly served at celebratory events such as weddings and New Year's Day.
8. Gyeongdan (Sweet Rice Balls)
Gyeongdan are small, chewy rice balls filled with sweet red bean paste or sesame seeds. These rice balls are typically coated with a dusting of powdered soybeans, sweet rice flour, or sesame seeds.
They’re typically served as a snack or dessert and are easy to make at home, making them a staple in Korean households.
9. Chaltteok (Sticky Rice Cake)
Chaltteok is a chewy, sticky rice cake made from glutinous rice flour. It’s often filled with sweet fillings like red bean paste or rolled in powdered soybeans for added flavor.
The sticky texture makes it a fun and satisfying treat to enjoy with friends or family, especially at festive occasions like weddings or New Year’s celebrations.
10. Misu (Korean Sweet Porridge)
Misu is a sweet, warm porridge made from rice, barley, or beans. The dish is often prepared with sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon or ginger, making it both comforting and flavorful.
Misu is commonly served during winter, often as a dessert or snack to help keep the body warm.
11. Tteokbokki (Sweet Spicy Rice Cakes)
Although tteokbokki is traditionally known as a spicy street food dish, a sweeter variation also exists. The sweet version uses the same chewy rice cakes but is coated with a syrup made from brown sugar and soy sauce, creating a sweet and savory flavor.
This version is often enjoyed by those who prefer less heat in their food.
12. Choripdong (Korean Sweet Dumplings)
Choripdong are steamed or boiled dumplings filled with sweet red bean paste. These dumplings are similar to Chinese baozi but are smaller in size and typically consumed as a dessert.
They are comforting and chewy, with a natural sweetness that comes from the red bean filling.
13. Baesuk (Steamed Pear with Honey)
Baesuk is a warm, steamed pear dessert that’s traditionally served during cold weather. The pear is cooked with honey, ginger, and sometimes jujube fruits. The result is a soft, aromatic dessert with a natural sweetness and a hint of spice.
This dish is often served to relieve colds or improve digestion, making it a healthful dessert option.
14. Kkwabaegi (Twisted Donuts)
Kkwabaegi is a type of Korean twisted donut, often coated in cinnamon sugar. The donut is deep-fried to a crisp golden brown, then sprinkled with sugar, creating a sweet and satisfying treat.
These donuts are usually served warm and are popular street food snacks in Korea.
15. Cheongcho (Sweet Rice Cookies)
Cheongcho are crispy cookies made from glutinous rice flour, sugar, and honey. They have a delicate, crunchy texture and are sometimes flavored with sesame seeds or nuts.
These sweet rice cookies are traditionally made during holidays and family gatherings and are a delicious way to celebrate Korean food culture.
16. Gukhwa Hwajeon (Chrysanthemum Pancakes)
Gukhwa hwajeon is a traditional Korean pancake made with glutinous rice flour and decorated with edible chrysanthemum petals. The pancakes are slightly sweet and are often served with tea.
These delicate and fragrant pancakes are commonly made during the autumn harvest season, especially for Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving).
17. Jeon (Korean Pancakes with Sweet Fillings)
Jeon is a type of savory or sweet pancake made with a variety of fillings, including sweet red bean paste, vegetables, or seafood. The sweet version, filled with red bean paste or fruit preserves, is often enjoyed as a dessert.
The crispy, golden crust combined with a warm, sweet filling makes jeon a beloved dessert in Korean cuisine.
18. Danja (Sweet Steamed Cake)
Danja is a sweet, steamed cake made from rice flour and sweetened with honey or sugar. It has a soft, slightly spongy texture and is often served during ceremonies or special occasions.
The gentle sweetness and moist texture of danja make it a comforting dessert that’s enjoyed by both young and old.
19. Danpat (Sweet Bean Paste)
Danpat is a sweet red bean paste often used as a filling for various Korean desserts, such as rice cakes or pancakes. The beans are cooked and sweetened, creating a thick, rich paste.
Though typically used as a filling, danpat can also be enjoyed on its own or with a dollop of cream for added richness.
20. Injeolmi (Sweet Rice Cake with Soybean Flour)
Injeolmi is a chewy rice cake made from glutinous rice flour, rolled in powdered soybean flour or roasted soybean powder. The result is a nutty, sweet flavor with a chewy texture.
Injeolmi is typically served at weddings or New Year celebrations and is known for its deliciously chewy consistency.
Conclusion
Korean desserts are a beautiful reflection of the country’s culinary traditions and cultural values. From chewy rice cakes to refreshing fruit-filled treats, Korean sweets offer an experience unlike any other. While many of these desserts might seem unfamiliar to those new to Korean cuisine, they’re all packed with natural
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