logo
6 popular bakeries beloved by Seoul locals

6 popular bakeries beloved by Seoul locals

Tatler Asia08-05-2025

Jayeondo Salt Bread
Jayeondo's signature salt bread has reached near-legendary status in Seoul's pastry scene. With a crispy, salty crust and an airy, buttery centre, this bread has been refined through over 1,000 baking trials and 100 ingredient combinations—proof that mastery takes time.
The original location in Ikseon-dong is a hanok-style café with a peaceful courtyard, perfect for leisurely dining. Their Seongsu outlet offers grab-and-go convenience via a kiosk system. Don't miss the scallion-studded spring onion pretzel bagel or the decadent cheddar cream cheese bagel, both of which are fan favourites.
Address: 21-17 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea, 56-1 Yeonmujang-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea Café Onion
A mainstay on Seoul's café tour circuit, Café Onion is a hit with those possessing a sweeth tooth and a love for design. The Anguk branch sits inside a beautifully restored hanok with an open-air courtyard, while the Seongsu location offers a gritty, industrial edge.
Their signature offering is a Korean spin on the Italian pandoro—while the original is usually a Christmas treat, their version is served year-round and is dramatically crowned with a heap of powdered sugar that practically begs to be photographed.
Address: 5 Gyedong-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea, 8 Achasan-ro 9-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
See also: How to spend 48 hours in Seoul Mil Toast House
Mil Toast House takes simplicity to decadent new heights with its signature steamed milk bread, served in a bamboo steamer and wrapped in linen. The result is fluffy, warm and delicately sweet—ideal for those who like their bread experience soft and soulful.
Located in Ikseon-dong, the bakery is housed in a beautifully renovated hanok that combines traditional Korean elements with modern, minimalist aesthetics
Address: 30-3 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea Soha Salt Pond
If you're looking for salt bread with a distinctive twist, drop by Soha Salt Pond in Ikseon-dong. The café's unique storefront is hard to miss. In addition to their classic Soha salt bread, the bakery offers a variety of innovative twists, including caramel salt bread, truffle salt bread, green onion salt bread, pollock roe salt bread and milk cream salt bread.
Address: 21-5 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea Teddy Beurre House
Serving arguably the best croissants in the city, Teddy Beurre House is a dream come true for pastry purists. The name says it all: "beurre" means butter in French, and these croissants are the real deal—crispy, flaky and perfectly laminated.
The café's whimsical teddy bear-themed décor adds a dose of charm to every bite. Start with their classic beurre croissant, then explore their almond croissant with apple jam, the pudding croissant, or the pistachio kouign-amann. Pro tip: Pair with the pistachio cream latte for full effect.
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Yongsan District, Hangang-daero 40ga-gil, 42 1층

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

The Shape of Memory: Humberto Campana's Dreamwork with Louis Vuitton
The Shape of Memory: Humberto Campana's Dreamwork with Louis Vuitton

Tatler Asia

time5 days ago

  • Tatler Asia

The Shape of Memory: Humberto Campana's Dreamwork with Louis Vuitton

For more than a decade, Humberto Campana's work with Louis Vuitton has drawn on the textures of Brazilian nature and the complexity of his inner world. His latest creations continue that delicate balancing act. In celebration of Louis Vuitton's formidable history of trunk-making, interior design, and artisanal innovation, the Louis Vuitton: Savoir Rêver event, convened at the Riverfront Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City, was a compelling showcase of the maison's heritage and craftsmanship. For Brazilian designer Humberto Campana, whose creations were among those exhibited in the Objets Nomades collection of limited-edition furniture and décor collaborations, the showcase marked another meaningful chapter in a career shaped by deep introspection and emotional depth. Above Brazilian designer Humberto Campana: 'All these things that I create are a kind of catharsis.' Visitors to the exhibition were invited into a narrative journey tracing Louis Vuitton's evolution from its beginnings in revolutionary trunk-making to its present-day identity as a purveyor of luxury lifestyle. Archival photographs and original artefacts, such as the iconic flat-top trunk designed for seamless travel by car, train, or ship, set the stage for the immersive experience. A striking highlight was the exclusive pyramid trunk, hand-painted with an evocative depiction of Vietnam's Halong Bay—a poetic tribute to the meeting of French craftsmanship and Vietnamese heritage. Anchoring the contemporary section was the Objets Nomades collection, where visitors could engage with tactile expressions of global design, such as Humberto Campana's Cocoon chair, the plush Bomboca sofa, and the lushly layered Bulbo chair. The tour concluded with a sparkling display of Louis Vuitton's high jewellery creations, featuring patented diamond cuts such as the Star Blossom and Marquise—each piece underscoring the maison's dedication to artistry, innovation, and storytelling. The Estúdio Campana pieces presented at the event stand amongst the most distinctive works to emerge from their long-standing partnership with Louis Vuitton; the works have won broad admiration as masterpieces of innovative form and function. Even in these bright moments of recognition and success, however, Campana remains grounded by a creative impulse that reaches inward as much as outward. 'I deal with a lot of shadow,' says Campana. 'I have a big gap, a dark side in my soul. So I need to bring my best in order to heal. All these things that I create are a kind of catharsis.' Read more: Louis Vuitton brings Savoir Rêver exhibition to Vietnam for the first time It's a thread that stretches back to Campana's earliest memories. Born with the gift of exquisite sensitivity in what he describes as the hyper-macho rural village of Brotas, Humberto and his younger brother Fernando were raised in a strict Italian Catholic household—one not especially attuned to artistic expression. From a young age, the brothers were drawn to a more poetic way of seeing the world. They found joy in the vibrant hues of nature and the dreamlike beauty of cinema at the local theatre. During Sunday mass, while the padre delivered his sermons, they were often mesmerised by the shifting shapes of sunlight and colour cast onto the floor through the stained-glass windows. When free to roam beyond the town, they would delight in discovering botanical wonders, recreating the scenography of the films they loved in the blush of petals and textures of leaves. 'It was an old generation that belongs to the past,' he says. But I'm still dealing with these beginnings. That's the way that I always come back to my childhood—by creating playful pieces that are very colourful, very happy.' Above Bulbo—a chair inspired by blooming tropical flowers, creating a sitting space that is both luxurious and cosy. The Campana Brothers creations on display at Savoir Rêver (perhaps whimsically translated as 'dreamskills') are striking examples of the brothers' work to craft beautiful innovations from the natural inspiration of the Brazilian countryside. The Cocoon hanging chair is an openwork fibreglass shell lined with calfskin, evoking the protective embrace of a butterfly's chrysalis. Suspended like a nest, it invites introspection and serenity, blending organic form with meticulous craftsmanship. The Bulbo chair, unveiled in 2019, resembles a blooming tropical plume flower, its layered petals crafted from Louis Vuitton leather and fabric, offering a luxurious and intimate retreat. Meanwhile, the Bomboca sofa, named after a traditional Brazilian confection, features modular, cloud-like cushions that assemble into a playful yet functional seating arrangement, reflecting the designers' penchant for combining comfort with imaginative design. Together, these pieces exemplify the Campana brothers' ability to transform natural motifs into innovative, dreamlike furniture that harmonises with Louis Vuitton's artistry and travel-inspired design. 'All of our pieces are inspired by nature,' explains Campanas. 'I love nature. I love to plant trees. I love to make drawings about microorganisms; yes, I'm very fascinated by this world.' Above Bomboca, a sofa named after a traditional Brazilian candy, impresses with a playful, imaginative yet functional design approach. Humberto Campana's love for the natural world is part of what attracts him to Asia, a region he associates with the character of grace and gentleness that was absent from his childhood. 'I feel at home here,' he sighs. 'I left the plane and I smelled the smell of Asia. There is a tenderness. A connection with spirituality, all these elements that make me feel relaxed.' This is his third visit to Vietnam; during a previous trip he was captured by a boat ride he took along the Mekong River, where he purchased a traditional folding bamboo chair to commemorate the experience. The piece reminded him of his own work with natural fibres back home. 'I think I am much more like an alchemist,' Campana explains. 'I love to transform things. Two years ago, I worked in India to create a cabinet made out of grass and brass. I also love to work with charcoal. Now I'm creating chairs in bamboo too, piling them, creating a very complicated structure. Our work is not minimalist, it's extremely complex. Like my soul, because I still don't know who I am today. 'More and more I want to focus on this, because natural elements heal you. It's a kind of calm. There is the smell of the wood, there is the colour of the grass. It brings a nice vibe to the ambience.' Read more: Discover the world of Louis Vuitton trunks: Heritage, innovation and the art of living Above The Campana Brothers creations on display at Savoir Rêver (perhaps whimsically translated as 'dreamskills') are striking examples of the brothers' work to craft beautiful innovations from the natural inspiration of the Brazilian countryside This creative momentum, grounded in memory but oriented toward renewal, continues to propel Campana's vision today. At the heart of his practice is a desire to give back to his country, to his community, and to the natural world that has inspired him since childhood. His latest ambitions include establishing a foundation in the Brazilian countryside, where design, environmental education, and poetic beauty converge. 'It's a way to regenerate nature, to create workshops, and to share our journey,' he explains. The foundation will house a small museum celebrating the Campana studio's four-decade legacy, while also offering space for crafts, contemplation, and connection. 'I don't have kids. I'm not married,' he says. 'This is what I leave behind. It's something for my community.' In that gesture, as in so much of his work, Campana moves to resolve the emotional and material threads of his life into a force that heals, uplifts, and inspires. At the same time, Campana was searching for his own sense of self-worth. 'I love the studio. I love my people working with me, and I love creating things that people can use. Maybe it's a way to be seen, to be validated. Because my work goes into people's homes, and I feel welcome. 'I'm a very shy person, I don't have so many friends. I love to be alone. For me, it's wonderful to be in silence, and that's perfect. I need silence in order to create, to deal with my devils.' READ MORE La Beauté - Louis Vuitton's new chapter in the world of beauty Louis Vuitton brings Cruise 2026 runway to Apostolic Palace heritage Louis Vuitton welcomes global superstar Lisa as new house ambassador

Fists and flying kicks: 10 K-drama martial arts shows to stream now
Fists and flying kicks: 10 K-drama martial arts shows to stream now

Tatler Asia

time6 days ago

  • Tatler Asia

Fists and flying kicks: 10 K-drama martial arts shows to stream now

2. 'The K2' (2016) A former mercenary turned bodyguard, Kim Je-ha (Ji Chang-wook) becomes embroiled in the dark underbelly of Korean politics when he's hired to protect the illegitimate daughter of a presidential candidate. Ji Chang-wook delivers heart-stopping action sequences, blending Krav Maga-style close combat with cinematic flair. You'll want to replay the staircase fight scene. It's a masterclass in choreographed chaos. 3. 'Fight for My Way' (2017) Go Dong-man (Park Seo-joon) was once a promising taekwondo champ, but now he sells pest control. It's not the usual premise for a martial arts K-drama, but wait for it. Dong-man's desire to prove himself simmers beneath his laid-back exterior. When he returns to the MMA ring, he's forced to confront his past and fight for a future that's entirely his. Park Seo-joon plays Dong-man with a perfect mix of charm and bruised pride, making this coming-of-age martial arts K-drama both grounded and empowering. See more: From Bit to Big Time: The K-drama roles that launched Korea's biggest stars 4. 'Arthdal Chronicles' (2019) Set in a fictional prehistoric land, Arthdal Chronicles follows Eun-seom (Song Joong-ki), a half-human warrior destined to challenge a corrupt empire. While not strictly a martial arts drama, the hand-to-hand combat scenes and military training sequences are intense, with Song Joong-ki showcasing agility and sword skills in elaborate battle choreography that leans into the epic. Who knew tribal warfare could be so fascinating? 5. 'My Name' (2021) After witnessing her father's murder, Ji-woo (Han So-hee) infiltrates a crime syndicate—and later, the police force—to seek vengeance. Han So-hee undergoes a complete physical transformation here, channelling rage and training into relentless fight sequences. From basement brawls to bathroom beatdowns, the choreography here, unlike other martial arts K-drama shows on this list, is savage, realistic and fuelled by grief. 6. 'Six Flying Dragons' (2015) This martial arts K-drama is where political intrigue meets blade-heavy combat brilliance. It's a riveting prequel to Tree with Deep Roots , which features Lee Bang-won (Yoo Ah-in), a real-life historical figure and future king, whose rise is marked by rebellion and, yes, lethal swordsmanship. From philosophical duels to full-scale battle choreography, this series redefines what martial arts looks like in a period drama. It's equal parts poetic, precise and unflinchingly brutal. 7. 'The King's Face' (2014) Prince Gwanghae (Seo In-guk) is a royal born with an unlucky face and remarkable instincts. The drama blends face-reading mysticism with palace scheming and, interestingly enough, intense martial training. Here, sword fighting isn't just for defence; it's an art form. Expect showdowns in moonlit courtyards and emotionally charged duels between crown contenders. 8. 'Kingdom' (2019–2020) Not your typical historical drama, Kingdom has Crown Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-hoon) slicing his way through an undead outbreak with the elegance of a seasoned swordsman. Between dodging political enemies and flesh-eating ghouls, Lee Chang proves that sword fighting is a survival tool as well as a royal birthright. The series is visually lush and choreographically sharp, with every swing having high stakes. Don't miss: 'Kingdom: Ashin of the North': 9 details you shouldn't miss 9. 'The Slave Hunters' / 'Chuno' (2010) Looking for gritty manhunts with acrobatic sword-and-fist showdowns? Lee Dae-gil (Jang Hyuk) is a slave hunter with a tragic past and lightning-fast reflexes. Chuno is famous for its dynamic fight scenes: hand-to-hand combat, knife fights and high-stakes sword duels that use real martial arts techniques, enhanced by dusty chase sequences and muscular performances. Think martial arts, but with emotional baggage and wild ponytails. 10. 'Iljimae' (2008) Lee Joon-gi dazzles as Iljimae , a masked vigilante who leaps across rooftops and slices through injustice with balletic grace. Inspired by classic martial arts tales, the drama, which feels like Robin Hood learns wuxia, leans heavily on sword techniques, stealth training and hand-to-hand combat that would make any martial arts hero proud. Bonus: Lee Joon-gi performed many of his stunts.

The scent of memory: A conversation with Francis ‘Kurky' Kurkdjian of Maison Francis Kurkdjian
The scent of memory: A conversation with Francis ‘Kurky' Kurkdjian of Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Tatler Asia

time6 days ago

  • Tatler Asia

The scent of memory: A conversation with Francis ‘Kurky' Kurkdjian of Maison Francis Kurkdjian

You have been a ballet dancer, an aspiring fashion designer and you have a history of creating artistic olfactory installations. What do you see as the relationship between perfume-making and other arts? Any form of art is a language, aimed at telling a story and create emotions, while expressing the artist's vision. Scent is the language I use to express mine, to tell my stories. However, I believe perfume in a bottle is not art, as it is not entirely the process of a free expression. Perfume is meant to be pleasant and please. It is supposed to evoke nice, beautiful emotions and convey seductiveness, pleasure, glamour and positive attitude. Art is not about that only. Art is about the whole spectrum of emotions, positive and negative. This difference is very important to me. Beauty in art can be conveyed through dark thoughts or even ugliness or misery; the opposite of what beauty (in commercial products) is about. This is why I believe olfactive installations can bring a total new field in the world of smell, real art and new emotions. It's a territory where I can freely explore feelings that I would not be able to express in the context of a commercial scent. I had the chance to have a family that got me into the world of arts at an early age, so I grew up curious about everything and developed a love of art, music, ballet and couture. My career as a classical ballet dancer was short-lived but I can assure you that ballet and perfume are more similar than you might think. A dancer must know how to master a stage with their movements, in the same way that a good perfume fills up the space with its trail. The mastery of the space, the concept of balance, the fluidity of movement which must be seamless… these elements are like the sequence of the ingredients in a formula, they have to be mastered to get the desired result. I have worked with my friend, art director Cyril Teste on scenting the Cocteau / Philip Glass Trilogy interpreted by pianists Katia and Marielle Labèque, with three accords diffused over the course of the concert. We conceived a beautiful show mixing music, light and fragrance for a poetic experience at the Paris Philharmonic and the Barbican Theatre, in London. Our artistic installation at West Bund Art & Design, a prestigious art fair in Shanghai, explored the cultural ties between France and China, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between the two countries. We achieved that through scented rose petals, handmade at the Manufacture de Sèvres, the very best of French porcelain-making. You see, both the rose and the craft of porcelain come from China and became some of the finest symbols of French lifestyle around the world, showing how cultural influences and exchanges can beautifully influence our world.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store