hotels in Myeongdong

Myeongdong Summer Desserts

Falling into Sweetness in Seoul!

A Dessert Haven in Myeongdong

I proudly identify as a dessert lover, and this summer, during my two-week tour from Seoul to Gangneung, Busan, and Jeju, what stole my heart the most was the incredible desserts I discovered in Myeongdong, Seoul.

A Sweet Adventure Begins at the Hotel

I hopped between several hotels before settling on The Plaza Hotel Seoul, and it was the perfect choice. Its location was unbeatable: just a ten-minute walk from the hotel door to a stretch of Myeongdong dessert shops. Minimal travel, maximum dessert time—that was the dream for someone like me who lives for sweet treats!

Myeongdong Street Desserts: Summer, So Sweet

Myeongdong’s streets were filled with temptations long before I got to the boutiques.

Potato Cheese Hot Dog
A crispy potato coating concealing stretchy cheese—it was the perfect starter: salty, savory, and delightful on a warm evening.

Watermelon Juice
Walking under the summer sun turned this drink into literal refreshment. One sip, and it felt like I’d rediscovered energy. Refreshing, sweet, and exactly what I needed.

Marshmallow Ice Cream
A giant marshmallow warmed gently to reveal ice cream inside—crispy on the outside, gooey and cold within. Almost too photogenic to eat, yet I savored every bite.

Fruit Mochi
Soft, round rice cakes wrapped around fresh fruit—each bite delivered chewy mochi and juicy burst, perfect for a warm summer. Flavors ranged from blueberry to mango and strawberry, making each bite feel special.

Iconic Dessert Spots in Myeongdong: Bingsu, Waffles, and Myeongdong Sand

Sulbing Myeongdong Branch (10-minute walk)
I tried the Injeolmi Bingsu: milk ice shavings topped with chewy rice cake and nutty bean powder. This sweet and nutty combination explained exactly why Korean bingsu is so addictive. One bowl and all the summer heat faded away.

Coin Coffee (10-minute walk)
A hidden cafe gem offering the Coin Special Waffle: crisp on the outside, moist inside, topped with ice cream and fresh seasonal fruit. Paired with an iced Americano, it was perfection—a hidden treasure for dessert lovers.

Myeongdong Sand (12-minute walk)
The iconic Myeongdong cookie sandwich—crispy, stuffed with sweet creamy filling—was a satisfying traveler’s snack. Popular as souvenirs too, I bought a few boxes; they even comforted me on train rides between cities.

The Slice of Luxury Desserts at the Hotel

Back at the hotel, another sweet treat awaited—the Blueberry Bingsu at The Lounge on the L-floor. Vibrant yogurt ice cream, layered with blueberry compote and topped with seasonal blueberries—it was whimsy in bowl form. Meltingly fresh and flavorful, it washed away every bit of tiredness, and I thought, “Now this is hotel-level dessert.”

After a day full of tasting sweet treasures around Myeongdong, returning to a calm, tidy room at The Plaza felt like... a dessert in itself. The quiet atmosphere served as the perfect way to seal that sugar-soaked day.

In Summary

Gangneung, Busan, and Jeju Island were all incredible. But for me, the highlight of Korea’s summer was undoubtedly Myeongdong in Seoul—the contrast of street treats, boutique desserts, and hotel serenity all came together so beautifully. If you’re a dessert lover, I can confidently say: never skip Myeongdong during summer—it’s a must.