Seoul's Top Bakeries: A Guide to the 'Bread Champion' Contestants

The 'Bread Champion' competition, which excites bread lovers nationwide, has arrived in Seoul with a lineup of talented bakeries. From the unique shops in Mapo to the elegant dessert boutiques in Gangnam and Songpa, the lineup representing each district's pride is more spectacular than ever. Here’s a detailed guide to 17 of Seoul's hottest bakeries in 2026, divided by region.


Mapo-gu: The Unique Bakeries Captivating Hongdae and Mangwon

The Mapo area is dominated by bakeries armed with original recipes and overwhelming visuals. Starting with Ugly Bakery, known as a mecca for bread enthusiasts and famous for its leek bread bursting with fillings, there's also Butter Bakery, which stays true to the basics while using deeply flavorful butter, and Fuhaha Cream Bread, famous for its melt-in-your-mouth salt cream bread. Joining them are Seppati, boasting sophisticated mousse cakes, and Aoitori, showcasing the essence of traditional Japanese baking techniques with its yakisoba bread, all defending Mapo's pride.


Seongdong-gu: The Epitome of Local Gourmet Connecting Seongsu and Oksu

Seongdong-gu, where the trendiest neighborhood of Seongsu-dong meets the established residential area, is home to healthy and sophisticated bakeries that highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients. Knoterdam, a unique dessert shop with Seongsu-dong vibes, and Bon Noel, famous for its healthy natural yeast sourdough bread, have made the list. In addition, Banggle, baking savory salt bread in a cozy atmosphere, and Local EAT, presenting focaccia creatively reinterpreting local ingredients, are representing Seongdong-gu.


Jongno & Yongsan-gu: Where Traditional Mastery Meets Hip Sensibility

Jongno, with its deep history, and Yongsan, the center of trends, feature talented bakers who have added new attempts on top of solid basics. Garlic Boy, the ultimate garlic baguette with plenty of rich garlic sauce, and Salt24, which focuses on croissants to show the essence of layered pastry, are representative. La Fraiseraie, recreating the taste of local French mille-feuille, and Bakery Mui, baking soft Danish that tears apart in layers in the back alleys of Yongsan, offer a world of deep bread flavors.


Gangnam, Seocho & Songpa-gu: High-End Desserts with Elegance

The southeastern Seoul area is dominated by premium dessert shops with elaborate plating close to works of art and deep flavors. Mill Gâteau, a long-standing favorite in Seocho-dong, presenting macarons with traditional French recipes, and Fred Mieux, notable for its sophisticated baked goods, have made the list. In addition, Atelier Er্থe, stimulating gourmets with original sliced cakes, and Reve doux, reaching the height of soft cream desserts, decorate the most splendid and sweet finale in Seoul.