[FOOD COURT] Five authentic gelaterias in Seoul

K-campus

Published: 18 Jun. 2022, 07:00 Updated: 03 Mar. 2023, 17:40

[FOOD COURT] Five authentic gelaterias in Seoul

Gelato at GLT [MARIE-JOSEPHINE HATJE]

They say the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach. To help on that journey, “Food court” offers a series of tips on all the best places to eat, drink and be merry in Seoul and around Korea.

The days are getting longer and hotter, and the need for refreshment grows. Many dishes and drinks might do the trick, but gelato has to be one of the most delicious ways to beat the heat.

Glacier Park

Inside Glacier Park [MARIE-JOSEPHINE HATJE]

Henry Jong Park’s gelateria at the edge of Seoul Forest in eastern Seoul is best described with one word — homemade. Everything from the gelato to the hand-painted mural inside the corner shop is made with love and authenticity. The owner, who went from the U.S. financial industry to owning an ice cream shop in Seoul, gives classical Italian gelato that special twist, with Korean ingredients such as hallabong and a shot of alcohol here and there.

Before you feast on two scoops of gelato inside a freshly baked cone from Glacier Park (6,000 won), check out their Instagram for today’s menu. Glacier Park’s ice cream is not only tasty but also the only gelateria on this list selling ice cream in handmade waffle cones. Food Court recommends trying the earl grey orange, one of Park’s best creations. Ask the man himself, however, and he might suggest one of his alcohol-induced concoctions.

Instagram: glacier_park_gelato
Seoul, Seongdong-gu, Seoul forest-gil 2
Business hours: Tue-Sun 12 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Phone: 0507 1369 0877

GLT Gelato

Exterior of GLT [MARIE-JOSEPHINE HATJE]

Amid the busy streets of Hongdae, central Seoul, a small one-person gelato shop awaits you. The owner of GLT Gelato has yet to produce an ice cream flavor with that taste does not match its description perfectly. Take the lavender milk tea, for example, the color might be plain, but the flavor definitely is not. Imagine smelling lavender, but instead of experiencing the aroma through your nose, the gelato allows you to savor the smell on your tongue.

This gelateria changes its menu on a daily basis, increasing your chances of discovering a new sweet creation every time you visit. Take a seat on the pink bench outside with a cup of gelato (two flavors for 5,500 won) in hand and the sun on your face.

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to ice cream, but you can never go wrong with GLT’s zesty, strong lemon combined with a scoop of the rich hazelnut. Stop by and enjoy the hidden gem GLT Gelato to experience the delight of Yeonnam-dong.

Instagram: glt_gelato
Seoul, Mapo-gu, Yanghwanro 23-gil 10-8
Business hours: Tue-Sun 1 p.m. - 9.40 p.m.
Phone: 0507 1353 5629

Dangdo

Gelato at Dangdo [MARIE-JOSEPHINE HATJE]

The small yet adorable gelateria Dangdo makes you dream of hot and lazy summers in the countryside of Italy. Be warned there might be a queue, especially on weekends, but it is the perfect place to grab and go. Besides their tempting gelato flavors and low prices, Dangdo has a special offer that makes it the ultimate hotspot for frozen desserts.

When ordering two scoops of ice cream in a cup (4,500 won), you will find mini spoons on top covered with two additional flavors of your choice. The cup with two samples resembling rabbit ears refreshes you and lets you fantasise about your next visit.

Crazy combinations are the order of the day at Dangdo, with such unusual mixes as chocolate with apple tea sorbet with samples of melon and strawberry suddenly seeming surprisingly normal. Maybe the next time you visit gelateria Dangdo, you can share your crazy combos with us fellow gelato lovers.

Instagram: gelateria_dangdo
Seoul, Mapo-gu, Poeun-ro 106
Business hours: Tue-Sat 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Sun 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Phone: +82 (0)70 8690 1088

Cotati

Gelato at Cotati [MARIE-JOSEPHINE HATJE]

Cotati is the only gelateria on this list with multiple branches around Seoul, making the brand both convenient and tasty. After arriving at Ttukseom Station in eastern Seoul, purchase some ice cream at Cotati and wander off into Seoul Forest. The industrial space in which the Seongsu branch is found gives the ice cream a modern look. I

t might feel a bit less personal, but ultimately gelaterias are all about the gelato. They are versatile, to say the least, with concoctions for those who seek premium options (cups with two flavors for 7,000 won) and those on a budget (cups with two flavors for 5,000 won). If you are feeling especially hungry or wish to have that sugary stash in your freezer, then invest in Cotati’s take-out portion priced between 20,000 and 38,000 won.

If you’re feeling cautious, classic flavors like dark chocolate and cherry French vanilla are available, but for the more adventurous there is a cup of tomato basil sorbet with golden queen rice just waiting for you.

Instagram: gelateria.cotati
Seoul, Seongdong-gu, Sangwon 4-gil 10; Haebangcheon, Sinyongsan
Business hours: Tue-Sun 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Phone: +82 (0)2 469 7710

Pietra

Gelato at Pietra [MARIE-JOSEPHINE HATJE]

Gelateria Pietra’s name is just as unique as its gelato creations. You pay for more than just the ice cream at this high-end gelato shop. The biodegradable cups and spoons and the naturally sourced ingredients are just two of the many things you invest in by buying a cup of ice cream here.

The ten flavours (apple sorbet, Bronte pistachio, Piemonte hazelnut, Avola almond granita, Kyoto Uji premium matcha, vanilla manchego, Tanzania bean to bar chocolate, blood orange granita, godfather cold brew sorbet and Korean mint lemon sorbet) available at Pietra taste just as extravagant as they sound. If you feel like splurging (2 scoops for between 6,000 and 9,000 won) and perhaps even splashing out on your dog (1 scoop for 3,000 won), then gelateria Pietra is the right shop for you.

Fans of nutty ice cream should reach for the creamy hazelnut, quite possibly the greatest nut gelato to be found in Seoul. Once you get the chance to relax on Pietra’s beautiful rooftop with a mouthful of gelato, come and share what flavor you would die for.

Instagram: gelateria_pietra
Seoul, Mapo-gu, Seongmisan-ro 23-gil 62
Business hours: Tue-Thu 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Fri-Sat 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Phone: +82 (0)70 7722 5863
Website: https://pietra.kr/menu

BY STUDENT REPORTER MARIE-JOSEPHINE HATJE [kjd.kcampus@joongang.co.kr]