Learn Key Korean Words, Expressions, and Cultural Tips for Exploring Bakeries in Korea (빵집)

Bakeries (빵집) in Korea are a beloved part of daily life. From artisan patisseries to convenience store pastries, Korean bakeries offer a unique blend of Western-style bread and traditional Korean twists. Whether you’re ordering a croissant, choosing a fresh sandwich, or asking about allergens, this guide has you covered!

🍞 Must-Know Bakery Vocabulary in Korean

Korean	Pronunciation	English
빵집	bbang-jip	Bakery
제과점	je-gwa-jeom	Confectionery shop
빵	bbang	Bread
케이크	ke-i-keu	Cake
크루아상	keu-ru-a-sang	Croissant
식빵	sik-bbang	White loaf bread
단팥빵	dan-pat-bbang	Red bean bun
소보로빵	so-bo-ro-bbang	Streusel bun
모닝빵	mo-ning-bbang	Dinner roll / morning bun
마카롱	ma-ka-rong	Macaron
파이	pa-i	Pie
쿠키	ku-ki	Cookie
머핀	meo-pin	Muffin
타르트	ta-reu-teu	Tart
샌드위치	saen-deu-wi-chi	Sandwich
버터	beo-teo	Butter
크림	keu-rim	Cream
생크림	saeng-keu-rim	Fresh cream
초콜릿	cho-kol-lit	Chocolate

🍩 Bakery-Related Verbs & Adjectives

Korean	Pronunciation	English
굽다	gup-da	To bake
만들다	man-deul-da	To make
촉촉하다	chok-chok-ha-da	Moist (for cakes, bread)
부드럽다	bu-deu-reop-da	Soft
달콤하다	dal-kom-ha-da	Sweet
고소하다	go-so-ha-da	Nutty, savory
따뜻하다	tta-tteut-ha-da	Warm
바삭하다	ba-sak-ha-da	Crispy
신선하다	sin-seon-ha-da	Fresh

🗣️ Common Bakery Phrases & Expressions in Korean

Korean	Pronunciation	English
어떤 빵이 제일 인기 있어요?	eo-tteon bbang-i je-il in-gi iss-eo-yo?	Which bread is most popular?
오늘 만든 빵이에요?	o-neul man-deun bbang-i-e-yo?	Was this bread made today?
따뜻한 빵 있어요?	tta-tteut-han bbang iss-eo-yo?	Do you have warm/freshly baked bread?
이거 안에 뭐 들어있어요?	i-geo an-e mwo deu-reo-iss-eo-yo?	What’s inside this?
견과류 들어 있어요?	gyeon-gwa-ryu deu-reo iss-eo-yo?	Does it contain nuts?
유제품 들어 있나요?	yu-je-pum deu-reo it-na-yo?	Does it have dairy?
포장해 주세요.	po-jang-hae ju-se-yo.	Please wrap this up.
계산 도와주세요.	gye-san do-wa-ju-se-yo.	Please help me with payment.
샘플 먹어봐도 돼요?	saem-peul meog-eo-bwa-do dwae-yo?	Can I try a sample?

🍰 Korean Bakery Culture & Tips

🥯 Korean-Style Bread = Sweet and Soft

Unlike many Western bakeries, Korean breads are often slightly sweet, soft, and filled with cream, custard, red bean, or sweet potato. Even savory breads often have a sweet note.

🎂 Cakes for Every Occasion

생크림 케이크 (fresh cream cakes) are very popular for birthdays and anniversaries.
Custom cake orders are usually available if ordered 2–3 days in advance.

🍴 Tongs and Trays

Use 집게 (tongs) and 트레이 (tray) to pick up your baked goods. Don’t touch anything with your hands — it’s considered rude and unhygienic.

🕘 Bakery Peak Hours

Morning: Fresh bread and pastries are stocked.
Late afternoon: Many bakeries offer discounts on items baked earlier in the day.

🧁 Bonus Vocabulary for Bakery Shopping

Korean	Pronunciation	English
유통기한	yu-tong-gi-han	Expiration date
포장지	po-jang-ji	Wrapping paper
보관 방법	bo-gwan bang-beop	Storage instructions
냉장 보관	naeng-jang bo-gwan	Keep refrigerated
실온 보관	sil-on bo-gwan	Store at room temperature
당일제조	dang-il je-jo	Made today
유제품	yu-je-pum	Dairy
알레르기 성분	al-le-reu-gi seong-bun	Allergen ingredients
할인행사	hal-in haeng-sa	Discount event
적립 포인트	jeok-rip po-in-teu	Reward points

🎯 Vocabulary Quiz

What’s the Korean word for “crispy” when describing bread?
How do you say “What’s inside this bread?” in Korean?
Translate: “Does this contain nuts?”

💬 Share your answers in the comments and tag a bakery buddy!

📚 Want to Learn More?

✔️ Rice cakes in Korean
✔️ Second-hand shopping in Korean
✔️ Attending Sports Matches in Korean

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