Finding good fresh bread in Seoul can be difficult in a country where a common greeting is ‘밥 먹었어요?’, which literally translates to ‘have you eaten rice?’. It is immediately obvious to anyone who has been to South Korea that rice is by far the more superior carbohydrate, and unfortunately, freshly baked bread is a rare thing to casually stumble across.
Bakeries can be found all over Seoul, but they tend to be chain stores which produce more sweet breads, pastries and cakes rather than simple and traditional loaves of bread. And while bread can be found in most food marts, these are usually factory produced loaves which don’t have quite the same charm as freshly baked bread made with natural ingredients.
Although you won’t find them on every street corner, there are a few great bakeries in Seoul to find fresh delicious bread, if you are willing to go out of your way a bit, they are definitely worth it!
Dear Bread | Seodamun-gu, Seoul
This bakery is located near Ewha Woman’s University, and is well known for its variety of fresh homemade bread at reasonable prices. Their bread is made from natural ingredients for a distinctive delicious and healthy taste. There is no seating within the bakery but they do offer free samples and many snacks if you want a lighter option.
The Baker’s Table | Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Fresh, healthy and delicious German-style bread in Itaewon.
The bakery sell a wide selection of homemade bread as well as hummus, jams, spreads, wines and much more. There is seating available inside the bakery to enjoy breakfast or lunch from the main menu and don’t forget to take away a delicious baked treat away with you!
Maybell | Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Sugar-free, vegan bread made with natural ingredients. This bakery in Itaewon is well-known for its delicious range of fresh bread, so expect there to be a long queue if you visit. For those wanting to stop by for something to eat or drink, they have another shop nearby where customers can sit down and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.
By To With | Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Located near Noksapyeong station, By to With is a small European Bakery hidden in an alley. Even though the shop is small, you can find different kinds of fresh bread from traditional to a more innovative ones, but be careful, because they are quickly sold out. And to make your day even better, the bakery is also giving out a small piece of cake as a service if you buy something!
Paul and Paulina | Mapo-gu, Seoul
This bakery is well-known for producing delicious artisan bread, made with all natural ingredients. Prices are reasonable and they usually provide plenty of free samples! Visit the bakery early though, as they are extremely popular and tend to sell out fast.
Publique | Mapo-gu, Seoul
An authentic French-style bakery which produces fresh bread made with flour imported from France. They offer a range of sweet and savory bread which attract masses of satisfied customers every day.
There is seating within the bakery but avoid rush hour as there is usually a full house and a long queue.
Retro Oven | Gangnam-gu, Seoul
This bakery focuses on producing simple, delicious bread made the old-fashioned way. Expect to find a wide variety of fresh, homemade bread at Retro Oven. There is no indoor seating available at this bakery, so find a spot near-by to enjoy your bread while it’s still fresh!
Rustique | Seocho-gu, Seoul
Rustique is a small bakery located in Seocho-gu. Rustique which means “Rustic style” in French, offers traditional French bread as well as cakes and french pastry such as apple pies, Montblanc, and more. When entering the bakery, it welcomes you with a nice smell of fresh bread and pastries that you can buy as a take-out or even eat inside since they also offer seats in a nice and warm atmosphere.
Bonanza Bakery | Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Bonanza Bakery sell organic bread made with no sugar, milk, butter or eggs. This bakery focuses on simple bread made with only natural ingredients. Fresh bread is baked daily and sold at reasonable prices, so will not disappoint.
If you found this article helpful, leave a comment below! You can also check out our article on “5 Restaurants For Healthy Food in Seoul“.