Bringing the Magic of Netflix's 'A Nation of Tteok' to Life! A Foreigner's Guide to Seoul's Best Tteok Shops (Jongno & Gangnam)

Have you fallen in love with the diverse charms of Korean tteok (rice cakes) after watching Netflix's 'A Nation of Tteok'? Now, on your trip to Seoul, it's your turn to have the real-life experience of the chewy, sweet tteok you saw on screen. Using the simple ingredient of rice, an infinite world of flavors is created. We will introduce you to the best tteok shops in Jongno and Gangnam, where Seoul's tradition and modernity coexist. With this guide, your travels in Korea will become even more special and sweet.

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Netflix's 'A Nation of Tteok,' an Invitation to the Dazzling World of K-Desserts

Released to the world in October 2025, Netflix's 'A Nation of Tteok' beautifully showcased the world of tteok, which is not just a simple dessert but is deeply embedded in the lives and culture of Koreans. Through vibrant colors, meticulous preparation processes, and the warm stories behind the tteok, the show introduced the new allure of K-desserts to many international viewers. Now, it's time to step outside the screen and experience the real taste of tteok.

Sweetness That Bursts Through the Screen: What Makes 'A Nation of Tteok' Special

'A Nation of Tteok' illustrates the significance of tteok, which is deeply rooted in the lives of Koreans, accompanying them through changing seasons, joyful celebrations, and somber occasions. The artistic tteok created by the masters featured in the show is breathtaking to behold and serves as another window into understanding Korea's culture of "jeong" (a deep, warm affection).

More Than Just 'Rice Cake'! The Stories and Philosophy Within Tteok

Tteok is more than a simple rice cake. There's Baekseolgi to celebrate a baby's birth, Songpyeon to give thanks for a bountiful harvest, and Chapssal-tteok to wish for success in exams. For Koreans, tteok is a food shared to express wishes and gratitude, and it is a vital cultural symbol that has carried the history of the community.

Before Your Tteok Adventure: What You Need to Know!

Knowing a few basic things before entering a tteok shop will help you choose tteok that suits your taste without feeling overwhelmed by the countless options. Here are some essential tips tailored for foreign travelers.

Endless Variety by Ingredient! The Top 3 Most Beloved Types of Tteok

• Injeolmi: A chewy tteok made from steamed glutinous rice and coated in savory roasted soybean powder. It's a fundamental tteok loved by all ages, known for its soft and delightfully chewy texture.

• Kkul-tteok (Honey Tteok): Bite-sized, round tteok filled with sweet honey or sugar syrup. The burst of sweetness when you bite into it is its main charm, making it especially popular with children and women.

• Baekseolgi (White Snow Tteok): Named for its resemblance to pure white snow, this tteok is made by steaming non-glutinous rice flour. Its clean taste and fluffy texture make it a perfect base for tteok cakes and pairs well with other ingredients.

"I'll have this one!" Foolproof Tips for Ordering at a Tteok Shop 

Tteok is usually sold in pre-packaged containers. If you want to try various kinds, you can say, "Jogeumssik seokkeoseo dama-juseyo" (Please mix a little of each). Most shops offer an assorted pack called 'modeum-tteok,' which is perfect for experiencing multiple flavors at once.

Where Past Meets Present: A Pilgrimage to Traditional Tteok Shops in Jongno

Jongno, the heart of Seoul, is lined with shops that hold long histories. Experience the deep, traditional flavors of Korea at tteok shops in Jongno that have been around for decades, or even a century.

Taste 100 Years of History: Nakwon Tteokjip, A Seoul Institution 

Established in 1919, Nakwon Tteokjip is a place whose history and value are recognized, having been designated as a Seoul Future Heritage site. Its signature item is 'Ssuk-injeolmi,' made with fragrant mugwort. Cut on the spot and generously coated in powder, this injeolmi's chewy texture and rich mugwort aroma create an unforgettable, profound impression. It's the perfect place to taste the essence of traditional Korean tteok while exploring the classic Nakwon Shopping Arcade area.

A Treasure Found in an Insadong Alley: Biwon Tteokjip 

Located near the traditional cultural streets of Insadong and Bukchon, Biwon Tteokjip is famous for continuing the legacy of royal court tteok. Their Dubteop-tteok and Yakgwa are particularly popular. While the prices are a bit higher, you get the special experience of tasting precious tteok that was once served on the king's royal table. Their elegant packaging also makes for an excellent souvenir from your trip to Korea.

Hip and Stylish: Exploring Tteok Shops in the Heart of Trends, Gangnam

In the glamorous and modern district of Gangnam, you can find tteok shops that offer a stylish, contemporary take on tradition. Let us guide you through the world of trendy K-desserts in the epicenter of K-pop and fashion.

The Very Tteok Loved by K-Pop Stars: Apgujeong Gongju Tteokjip 

Apgujeong Gongju Tteokjip became even more famous after it was known to be a regular spot for countless celebrities. The undisputed signature menu item here is the 'Heukimja-injeolmi' (Black Sesame Injeolmi). It's characterized by a generous coating of savory and sweet black sesame powder that completely covers the tteok. One bite fills your mouth with the chewy tteok and the rich flavor of black sesame. It's also popular as a gift for special occasions, thanks to its chic packaging.

The Magnificent Transformation of Tteok: Seolbom, an Online Haven for Fusion Tteok

Seolbom (famous for its origins as Bangbae-dong Gureum Tteokjip) now specializes in online sales, delivering its tteok with a modern sensibility right to your door. Its signature 'Gureum-tteok' (Cloud Tteok) is a nutritious delight, made with glutinous rice filled with various nuts like chestnuts and jujubes, and coated in red bean powder. You can also find a variety of other fusion tteok that capture the taste of the younger generation, such as Castella Pumpkin Injeolmi and Jeju Mugwort Injeolmi. If you're looking for a new experience, like enjoying trendy tteok as a dessert with coffee in the comfort of your home or hotel, ordering from Seolbom's online store is a must.

Seolbom Homepage

Beyond Netflix, Begin Your Own 'A Nation of Tteok' Journey

The感動 shown in Netflix's 'A Nation of Tteok' is now within your reach. Complete your very own 'A Nation of Tteok' tour by savoring the taste of history at a traditional tteok shop in Jongno and discovering new delights at a trendy one in Gangnam.

What Will Be the Best Tteok You Taste in Seoul? 

Besides the shops introduced in this guide, Seoul is full of hidden tteok gems. If you've discovered your own favorite shop or had a particularly memorable tteok, please share your experience in the comments!

Capture the Sweet Moments of Your Trip with Tteok! 

Take photos of your moments with colorful, beautiful tteok. How about sharing the sweet memories of your Korea trip with friends around the world on social media with the hashtags #ANationofTteok #SeoulTteok #Kdessert?