Yakgwa: South Korea’s Traditional Honey Cookie Making a Sweet Comeback

When it comes to Korean desserts, most people think of bingsu (shaved ice), hotteok (sweet pancakes), or modern café cakes.

But lately, a centuries-old treat has been winning hearts again: yakgwa. These golden, honey-glazed cookies aren’t just a snack — they’re a taste of Korean history, culture, and celebration.

Yakgwa

What Is Yakgwa?

Yakgwa is a traditional Korean confection made with:

• Wheat flour

• Sesame oil

• Honey

• A touch of ginger and rice wine

The dough is shaped (often into a flower pattern), deep-fried, and then soaked in a sweet honey syrup. The result? A chewy, fragrant, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that balances richness with delicate sweetness.

The word yakgwa literally means “medicinal confection” — in the past, honey was considered a medicine, so this treat was thought to have health benefits.

A Sweet With Deep Roots

Yakgwa dates back to Korea’s Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392). Back then, it was a luxury sweet served in royal courts and Buddhist temples. Because honey was precious, yakgwa became a special-occasion dessert, reserved for holidays, ancestral rituals (jesa), weddings, and birthdays.

Eating yakgwa wasn’t just about enjoying something sweet — it was about honoring traditions and sharing blessings with family and community.

Why Is Yakgwa Trending Again?

In 2023–2025, yakgwa has had a major revival in Korea. Why?

• Modern cafés began re-inventing it — serving mini-yakgwa, ice cream sandwiches, or pairing it with lattes.

• Social media buzz made it popular with Gen Z, who see it as both nostalgic and Instagram-worthy.

• Gift culture: beautifully packaged yakgwa sets are now trendy souvenirs and seasonal presents.

It’s the perfect example of how Korea blends the old with the new, turning a traditional sweet into a modern favorite.

Where to Try Yakgwa in Korea

• Seoul’s Traditional Markets – Places like Gwangjang Market or Namdaemun sell fresh, homemade yakgwa.

• Cafés & Dessert Shops – Trendy cafés in Hongdae, Insadong, and Gangnam now serve creative yakgwa desserts.

• Temple Stays – Some Buddhist temples include yakgwa in their ceremonial offerings and tea sessions.

Tips for Travelers

• Pair yakgwa with Korean tea like green tea or barley tea — it balances the sweetness beautifully.

• Try mini-yakgwa if you want a lighter bite.

• If you’re bringing it home as a gift, look for nicely boxed sets in department stores.

A Bite of Korean Heritage

Yakgwa is more than a cookie — it’s a sweet symbol of Korea’s culinary history, from royal courts to modern cafés. For curious travelers (and anyone with a sweet tooth), tasting yakgwa is like savoring both tradition and trend in one bite.

So on your next trip to South Korea, don’t just try the famous street foods. Grab a piece of yakgwa, enjoy it slowly with tea, and experience a dessert that has stood the test of time.

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