Korean pastries are a delightful combination of traditional Korean flavors and baking techniques, often influenced by Western styles. Here are some popular types of Korean pastries:

1. Hodugwaja (Walnut Pastry)

• Originating from Cheonan, this is a small, walnut-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste and a small piece of walnut. The outer layer is soft and slightly cakey.

2. Gyeran-ppang (Egg Bread)

• A street food favorite, this oval-shaped pastry has a whole egg baked into a slightly sweet, fluffy bread. It's often served warm, making it a perfect comfort snack.

3. Soboro-ppang (Crumbly Streusel Bread)

• A soft bun topped with a crumbly, sweet streusel-like topping. It's rich and buttery, similar to a Western coffee cake.

4. Pat-ppang (Red Bean Bun)

• A soft bread roll filled with sweetened red bean paste, often enjoyed as a classic snack or breakfast item.

5. Bungeoppang (Fish-shaped Pastry)

• A popular street food, this fish-shaped pastry is filled with sweet red bean paste, custard, or even chocolate. It's crispy on the outside and soft inside.

6. Danpatjuk Tart (Sweet Red Bean Tart)

• A modern take on traditional red bean porridge, this pastry uses a tart base filled with sweetened red bean paste and often topped with nuts.

7. Injeolmi Croissant

• A fusion pastry that incorporates injeolmi (glutinous rice cake coated with roasted soybean flour) into a flaky croissant. It's chewy, nutty, and buttery.

8. Green Tea Matcha Pastries

• Matcha (green tea powder) is often used in cakes, bread, and croissants, providing a slightly bitter and earthy flavor that balances sweetness.

9. Castella Cake (Gyeran-sponge Cake)

• Originally inspired by Portuguese sponge cake, Korean castella is soft, airy, and less sweet, making it a light dessert or snack.

10. Hotteok (Sweet Filled Pancake)

• While more of a fried dough, it has pastry-like qualities. The dough is filled with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts, then cooked until golden and crispy.

Where to Find Them:

• Korean Bakeries: Chains like Paris Baguette and Tous les Jours serve a variety of Korean-style pastries.
• Street Vendors: Popular for hodugwaja, gyeran-ppang, and bungeoppang.
• Homemade: Many recipes are simple enough to recreate at home!