1.Taegeukdang Bakery

Seoul’s Oldest Bakery

Founded in 1946, Taegeukdang is the oldest bakery in Seoul, preserving tradition and quality for decades. Taegeukdang was originally established in 1946 in Myeong-dong after which it relocated to its current location near Namsan in 1973. The bakery offers a variety of classic Korean-style bakeries and desserts.

The grand chandelier immediately catches your attention upon entering the shop, adding to the store’s retro and vintage ambiance. The mural of the milk cow on the other side of the wall is also a symbolic tribute to the bakery’s history or more specifically its former dairy farm, called Taegeukdang Nongchukwon.

In the past Taegeukdang used to operate its own dairy farm in Namyangju to ensure the freshness and quality of the ingredients used in their baked goods and ice cream. Although the Taegeukdang farm no longer exists, the bakery still emphasizes traditional methods and high-quality ingredients.

Must-Tries from Taegeukdang

With the “retro” (레트로) trend booming in Korea especially among the younger generation, the nostalgic mood and flavors of Taegukdang make both the brand and its products popular among all generations.

Taegeukdang is most famous for its Monaka ice cream (a crispy wafer filled with rich milk ice cream) and red bean bread (a classic Korean-style bread with sweet and smooth red bean filling). Most items at Taegeukdang are affordably priced at around 3,000 KRW, making it a great option for a budget-friendly breakfast or snack.

2.Twelve Namsan

A Luxurious European-Inspired Café

While having breakfast at Ambassador Pullman Hotel’s 18th-floor lounge, there was a beautiful building across the street that caught my eyes — and it turned out to be Twelve Namsan. Located inside Shinsegae Namsan, a corporate training center, this café specializes in modern European-style brunch and desserts. FYI Shinsegae Group is one of South Korea’s largest retail & luxury conglomerates, known for its luxury department stores and shopping malls.

Upon entering the cafe you’re greeted by an enormous chandelier and a museum-like architecture, creating a grandiose atmosphere. While the chandelier in Taegeukdang was more classic and vintage, the one at Twelve Namsan was massive and dramatic.

Menu at Twelve Namsan

Twelve Namsan features high-end brunch and patisserie items with premium pricing: their coffee menu starts from 7,000KRW while the brunch dishes start from 20,000KRW. The upscale ambiance and premium pricing make it ideal for special occasions, anniversaries or dates rather than casual visits.

3.Tous Les Jours L’atelier

A Premium Bakery Experience

After visiting Shinsegae’s Twelve Namsan I headed over to CJ, another major conglomerate spanning food, entertainment, and logistics industries in Korea. Tous Les Jours L’atelier is located on the first floor of the CJ CheilJedang Center.

Unlike other regular Tous Les Jours stores, this premium L’Atelier (meaning “workshop” in French) branch offers high-end brunch dishes, artisanal pastries, and beautifully crafted desserts. This place is a true paradise for bakery lovers.

Cakes, Salads & Sandwiches at Tous Les Jours L’atelier

Tous Les Jours is particularly famous for its cakes, known for their delicate sweetness and moist texture. The cakes at the L’atelier branch are an upgraded version of their already famous specialty, with more refined ingredients and seasonal flavors. When I visited in February the seasonal emphasis was on winter straberries, adding a festive and refreshing touch to both the flavor and presentation.

The salad and sandwich options at Tous Les Jours L’atelier also complement their premium bakery offerings, focusing on fresh quality ingredients. The store offers a variety of options from classic deli sandwiches to fresh salads creatively combining healthy toppings like roasted vegetables, smoked salmon and avocado. Both the salads and sandwiches are a great option for those looking for a light and well-balanced brunch meal.