Six authentic European Bakeries in Seoul

This bright and intimate shop is no ordinary bakery, but also a patisserie specializing in French pastries and cakes.

Entrance to Taffin [MARIE-JOSEPHINE HATJE]

Taffin

This bright and intimate shop is no ordinary bakery, but also a patisserie specializing in French pastries and cakes. The French and Korean owners took their business from Lyon to Seoul in 2019 and have been enchanting Korea’s capital with their scrumptious expertise ever since. Their affordable collection of tartes, classic bakery items — baguettes, croissants, pain au chocolat, etc. — the more luxurious gâteaux de voyage and sandwiches take you on a culinary trip to France’s sweeter corners.

So why not enjoy a buttery croissant and coffee from one of their bar stools or bring home some authentic French tartes that cost 5,000 won ($4) to 10,000 won as a treat for family, friends and yourself? If those options do not suit you, rest assured the menu of 28 items will have something for everyone.

Instagram: @patisserietaffin Seoul, Yongsan-gu, Huam-ro 20 Business hours: Tue-Fri 10-19 / Sat 9-19 Phone: +82 0(2) 3789 0199 website: https://www.taffinseoul.com

Paul & Paulina shop in Yeouido, western Seoul [MARIE-JOSEPHINE HATJE]

Paul & Paulina

Some like it sweet, others salty. Paul & Paulina’s bakery offers it all. A perfect mix of Europe’s finest baked goods finds its home in this Seoul based bakery. When entering one of their six establishments, the smell of freshly baked bread and joy welcomes customers. What makes bread delicious is the attitude of the person who kneads and moulds the dough into its final shape, and the bakers at Paul & Paulina have genuinely mastered that skill. Go and grab a German Stick Brezel and an Italian Ciabatta for a total of 7,500 won on your way to the Han River, or offer your friends a warm and crunchy baguette (5,000 won) to nibble on. If you already know what you want, reserve your favorites in advance to ensure a full stomach.

Instagram: @paul.and.paulina Seoul, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Uisadangdae-ro 108 / Yeonhui-dong / Gwanghwamun / Jamsil / Bangi-dong / The Hyundai Seoul Business hours: Mon-Fri 12-19 / Sat-Sun 11-18 Phone: +82 (0)2 761 1966

Cakes and tartes displayed at Publique [MARIE-JOSEPHINE HATJE]

Publique

Half bakery, half shop; Publique allows its customers to leave wholly satisfied — a fresh baguette with goat’s cheese in one hand and five different éclairs in the other. The largest of the six bakeries offers everything from madeleines to tartes to full-on cakes, oils and milk products. There might be a hint of Korean influence here and there, but we are in Korea after all. With its reasonable prices and wide array of pastries, breads and spreads, Publique is the perfect choice for someone who seeks convenience and quality. Their strawberry tarte, with its tough crust and smooth filling, is more than recommended.

Instagram: @publique_bakery Seoul, Mapo-gu, Tojeong-ro 195 Business hours: Mon-Fri 8-21 / Sat-Sun 9-21 Phone: +82 (0)2 702 6919

Bread displayed at Slowoven [MARIE-JOSEPHINE HATJE]

Slowoven

Slowoven, or Yeoseotsi Obeun, is a high-end bakery brand found exclusively in Lotte department stores around Seoul and Gyeonggi. This slightly more expensive bakery is definitely worth saving for. Their loaves of bread with cranberry, olive, herb or fig fillings are to die for, and new variations are not uncommon. Any fans of Weihnachtsstollen — a sweet German bread with nuts, spices and dried fruit, coated with powdered sugar and eaten across Europe at Christmas — will be glad to know that slowoven has brought that luscious tradition all the way to Korea.

Instagram: @slowoven_official Seoul, Songpa-gu, Olympic-ro 240, underground / Lotte department store main branch / Lotte department store Dongtan Business hours: Mon-Sun 10.30-20 Phone: +82 (0)2 2143 7079

Bread displayed at Bukhansan Atelier [MARIE-JOSEPHINE HATJE]

Bukhansan Atelier

Bukhansan Atelier sells pastries with a view. Both bakeries can be found surrounded by nature and sunshine — on a good day. Besides bakery classics like baguettes, croissants, apple turnovers and various loaves of bread, customers can also find more modern and international twists on European pastries. For instance, a cream cheese croffin or a whole wheat seed bread stuffed with pumpkin and cream cheese. Even though some of their creations can be a little risqué, their baked goods are some of the most affordable and undoubtedly delicious products on this list. So if you ever visit Eunpyong’s Hannok Village, be sure to stop by the bakery to grab tradition and modernity all in one go.

Instagram: @bukhansanatelier Seoul, Jongro-gu, Gyeonghuigung-2-gil 10 / Bukhansanjeom Business hours: Mon-Sun 10-18 Phone: +82 (0)70 8833 3546

Bread displayed at Pain de Echo [PAIN DE ECHO INSTAGRAM]

Pain de Echo

As the name suggests, Pain de Echo is a haven for bread lovers. The snug and inviting bakery on the second floor of a corner building near Seoul Forest will take care of all your unfulfilled sourdough dreams. Make sure to arrive early, especially on weekends, so you do not miss the opportunity to snack on a garlic onion baguette (4,500 won), a pain de campagne (8,000 won) or a simple but flavorful rye bread (8,000 won). If bread is not your passion — and it really should be — you will find a corner of the bakery dedicated to sweet goods, such as pain au chocolat, banana bread and scones with or without jam.

Instagram: @pain_de_echo Seoul, Seongdong-gu, Yeonmujang-gil 44 Business hours: Wed-Sun 11-19 Phone: +82 (0)10 3510 4730

BY STUDENT REPORTER MARIE-JOSEPHINE HATJE [kjd.kcampus@joongang.co.kr]