Rediscovering Korean Desserts: The Hip Transformation of Yakgwa and Yanggaeng

1. Muiyo: A Cozy Season in One Bite (Yeonnam-dong)

Located at the end of an alley in Yeonnam-dong, the tea room ‘Muiyo’ presents a neat array of snacks that pair well with tea. The highlight here is the handmade Yanggaeng, which adds fun to both taste and appearance by utilizing seasonal fruits. Particularly, the ‘Lemon Yuzu Yanggaeng,’ resembling a mountain shape, fills the mouth with its refreshing taste and subtle aroma. The ‘Cozy Set,’ featuring six snacks including Gae-seong Juak, Mo-yakgwa, and Kumquat Jeonggwa, is a great choice for those wanting to experience a wide range of Korean snacks. It is recommended for those who want to focus solely on desserts in a quiet atmosphere.
INSTAGRAM: @muiyo___

2. Golden Piece: The Glamorous Transformation of Yakgwa (Hanam-dong)

‘Golden Piece,’ leading the ‘Yakgwa craze’ with its popularity in catering and gift items, showcases the brand’s intention to modernize tradition with a golden curved desk resembling Yakgwa and classic displays in its Hanam-dong showroom. It targets the MZ generation’s taste with traditional flavors like sesame and black sesame, as well as unfamiliar combinations like lemon yogurt and Earl Grey. While maintaining the chewy and sweet essence of Yakgwa, the trendy variations are the secret to its popularity. Recently, they have also introduced an ice cream menu topped with glutinous rice and chocolate Yakgwa, which is worth trying together.
INSTAGRAM: @goldenpiece_korea

3. Muwon: Ingredients from Our Land, Born as Modern Desserts

‘Muwon,’ born from the collaboration between the ceramic brand ‘Mujagi’ and the premium Yanggaeng brand ‘Jeokdang,’ presents modern desserts using high-quality ingredients from across Korea. Signature items include Financier made with Gyeongsan jujube, seaweed Financier enhanced with Seosan gamtae, and ‘Patbingsu’ topped with cream so smooth that you won’t feel the red bean grains. The bingsu maximizes the nuttiness and mildness of red beans without any astringency, appealing even to those who do not like red beans. Be sure to try the various handmade Yanggaeng, such as apple Yanggaeng that preserves the freshness of fruits and chestnut Yanggaeng with chewy chestnut pieces, which showcase the deep flavors of the ingredients.
INSTAGRAM: @cafe.muwon

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. What is the ‘Halmaenial’ trend?

A. It is a neologism combining ‘grandmother’ and ‘millennial,’ referring to the younger generation that enjoys the tastes and culture of the grandmother generation. The phenomenon of traditional foods like Yakgwa, Sujeonggwa, and black sesame being reinterpreted as ‘hip’ items is also part of the Halmaenial trend.

Q. Do the introduced places require reservations?

A. Reservations are essential for the snack sets at ‘Muiyo’ and the tin case packages at ‘Golden Piece.’ ‘Muwon’ can be visited relatively freely, but there may be a wait on weekends. It is advisable to check the announcements on each brand’s Instagram before visiting.

Q. Are there any noteworthy Korean desserts besides Yakgwa and Yanggaeng?

A. Various menus that reinterpret traditional desserts in a modern way are gaining popularity, such as ‘Gae-seong Juak,’ made by kneading glutinous rice flour and frying it in oil, ‘Ang Butter Seolgi,’ which combines rice cake, red bean, and butter, and ‘Jeonggwa,’ which consists of seasonal fruits stewed in honey or sugar.