Froyo Hype in Korea

​Since 2024 there has been a viral surge of frozen yogurt across Korea, with a new trend of customizing yogurt ice cream with a variety of toppings such honeycomb and fresh fruits. Its popularity on social media platforms has significantly contributed to this craze, with numerous celebrities sharing their unique ‘recipes’ online. The enthusiasm is also prominent in delivery apps where frozen yogurt has become one of the most popular delivery menus, offering consumers the convenience of enjoying their customized desserts at home. ​

Yoajung

Established in 2020, Yoajung has rapidly ascended to become a frontrunner in Korea’s froyo scene. Its rise can most probably be attributed to the combination of high-quality ingredients & toppings and aggressive marketing.

Yoajung Apgujeong Branch

📍 Google Map Link
🕒 Operating Hours: 12:00PM – 12:30AM (Opens at 11:00AM on Fri-Sun)
❌ No closed days

I visited the Apgujeong branch of Yoajung, just a 5-minute walk from Exit of Apgujeong Rodeo station. The store had a quite intimate setting with approximately 3-4 small tables for two. Despite its modest size, the café was pretty quiet even on a weekend, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a chill dessert spot amidst the bustling streets of Apgujeong. ​

Yoajung’s Menu

Yoajung offers a diverse menu centered around yogurt ice cream and Greek yogurt, complemented by a wide array of toppings from fresh fruits to honeycomb, nuts, and snacks. I feel like one of the biggest strengths of Yoajung is the freshness of its fruits. Especially the mangoes at Yoajung are somehow always super fresh (never frozen) and perfectly ripened, making them an absolute must-have topping for me.

Riize Sungchan’s Yoajung Recipe

Yoajung is also well known for the viral celebrity recipes. One of the most famous combinations is RIIZE Sungchan’s “5억 요아정” (which translates to “500 million Yoajung”) recipe, which became popular not only among his fans but also to Yoajung lovers in general. Sungchan’s recipe includes: golden mango, honeycomb, chocolate shell, shine muscat, banana, and strawberry pop-pop(딸기팝팝) – I tried this combination myself (but without the honecomb). As the name suggests, adding all these extravagant(?) toppings makes your froyo very expensive so let’s see if it’s worth spending the money.

As usual Yoajung’s mangoes were perfectly ripe and sweet, and the generous topping of shine muskat added extra fruitiness to the dessert. The colorful 딸기팝팝 (strawberry pop pop) topping introduced a fun popping texture that reminded me of Baskin Robbins’ “Shooting Star” flavor. But for those who prefer a more classic touch, the chocolate shell offers a better satisfying crunch and a rich sweetness that complements the soft texture and tangy flavor of the yogurt ice cream.​

Yogurt World

Emerging onto the froyo scene in 2021, Yogurt World has quickly established itself as a formidable competitor of Yoajung. With a similar focus on variety of toppings but with more options in the froyo flavors, the brand appeals to consumers seeking even more creativity and combinations.​

Yogurt World Sinsa Branch

📍 Google Map Link
🕒 Operating Hours: 12:30PM – 11:00PM
❌ No closed days

The Sinsa branch of Yogurt World felt a bit more spacious than the Yoajung store in Apgujeong. But in general the two stores are very similar in their layout and atmosphere. Like Yoajung, Yogurt World’s menu also focuses on yogurt-based desserts and a large variety of toppings. But it seems like Yogurt World has a wider range of flavors for their froyo base including Jeju matcha, strawberry, deep chocolate and other seasonal flavors like walnut and corn.

Yogurt World’s Menu & Low-Sugar Froyo

Another point that distinguishes Yogurt World from other froyo brands is the availability of low-sugar option. (FYI Yoajung recently followed suit and introduced a low-sugar version of their froyo in early 2025, but Yogurt World was definitely ahead of this health-conscious trend.) On my recent visit I chose the low-sugar froyo as the base and paired it with these toppings: chocolate shell, shine muscat, and chocolate rings.

I’m not sure if this is from the low sugar content or the difference in the general recipe, but Yogurt World’s froyo tasted firmer and more frozen compared to the one at Yoajung. Those who favor a more solid and icy froyo might find Yogurt World more to their liking, while those who prefer softer & smoother texture should go for Yoajung. Other toppings like chocolate shell and fruits from the two brands tasted indistinguishably similar.