본문영역 바로가기 메인메뉴 바로가기 하단링크 바로가기
ENG

카드뉴스

서울연구원에서 만드는 카드뉴스입니다.

From “Small Luxury” to a Growing Industry: Seoul’s Dessert Scene Today
  • 14
  • 등록일2025.12.03
  • 조회수462
  • dessert
  • industry
  • gourmet
  • seoul

서울연구원 Card News Fromsmall luxury to a growing industry seoul's dessert scene today
Dessert Is Now Dining  Dessert is no longer just an after-meal treat. With advances in coffee and confectionery technology, dessert has evolved into a dining culture of its own. Dessert cafes have become cultural spaces that reflect consumer values and lifestyle trends.
The Social Media Effect  Since the mid-2010s, photo-sharing platforms have turned dessert into a popular
10 Years, Twice the Size Between 2012 and 2022, the number of dessert businesses and workers in Seoul nearly doubled. Growth has been driven by the cafe-centered market, and the age of business owners is becoming increasingly diverse. Changes in the Size of Seoul's Dessert Industry Number of Businesses  2012: 14,446 2022: 27,658  Number of Workers  2012: 52,749 2022: 90,998
AM 10:11  Seoul's Sweet Spots  Garosu-gil in Gangnam, Hongdae & Hapjeong, Songnidan-gil, and Seongsu-dong… Across the city, dessert cafes are reshaping local districts. Trendy neighborhoods where tradition and modernity coexist are attracting both locals and visitors.      Hongdae-Hapjeong: Dessert Hotspot     Seongsu: Trendy Dessert District     Songnidan-gil: Scenic Cafe Spots     Sinsa-Apgujeong: Patisserie Cluster
Sweet Support Is Growing  Local governments have supported the dessert sector mainly through events and certification programs. Recently, policies such as street branding and local ordinances are being introduced to further nurture the industry.      Gangneung Coffee Festival     Daejeon Bread Festival     Cheonan Certified Bakery
A Gourmet City Needs Dessert  It's time to fully integrate dessert into Seoul's
What began as a small luxury is now emerging as a new source of vitality for Seoul. For more details, please refer to the full research report on the Seoul Institute website. Report Current Status of the Dessert Businesses in Seoul and Policy Implications Mook Han Kim · InHye Yu Card News by Seunghoon Oh, PR & Cooperation Team The Seoul Institute (서울연구원)

[Card News Episode 14] From “Small Luxury” to a Growing Industry: Seoul’s Dessert Scene Today

Seoul’s dessert industry is rapidly evolving from a small indulgence into a dynamic economic force. Over the past decade, the number of dessert businesses and workers has nearly doubled, while areas such as Gangnam, Seongsu, and Songnidan-gil have become major dessert destinations. Dessert is now more than a snack—it has expanded into dining, tourism, and a broader cultural experience. Local governments are also strengthening their support, from events and certification systems to new ordinances and street branding. By incorporating dessert into the “Gourmet City Seoul” strategy, Seoul can link the sector to local business revitalization and youth entrepreneurship. A sweet transformation is underway.

Current Status of the Dessert Businesses in Seoul and Policy Implications