Melting on the road. In the scorching heat, ice cream transfusions become a necessity. Especially the dense and thick gelato will revitalize your body in the heat with one bite. Here are eight gelato spots that you’ll want to mark on your map and hit like a sparrow’s mill. From classic flavors to seasonal fruit, inventive flavors, and refreshing sorbets, these sparrows seem to have something for everyone.
1. Dangdo
A summer staple in Mangwon-dong, Dangdo has expanded beyond Mapo-gu and can now be found all over Seoul. Dangdo has signature flavors such as thyme, hazelnut, black cashew, and roasted pistachio. They also introduce flavors inspired by their travels to European cities where gelato comes from. They’re constantly coming up with new ice cream-based flavors like granitas and affogatos, and they’re also staying on top of trends with their ice cream wine pairing menu. They also pay attention to branding, so is a place where you can expect more than just cold and sweet flavors.
📍Mangwon Branch, Seoul Forest Branch, TTRS Seongsu Branch, Lotte World Branch
2. Before it melts
Located between Daeheung and Gongdeok stations is Melt Before, which opened in 2017. It offers flavors made with seasonal fruits such as peach yogurt and apricot, as well as sugar-averse flavors such as odi and mugwort. The president of Mukjeon, known as “Noksa,” always shares news on Instagram in a witty and fluffy tone, and recently wrote a book called “Good Mood” that summarizes his attitude toward work and life. This book, which started with a job posting, will make you enjoy the time and flavor of gelato more.
📍Yeomri-dong, Mapo-gu, between Gongdeok and Daeheung Stations
3. Koop
If you’re a walker who enjoys walking along the Gyeongui-seon Forest Path, stop by Coop in Yongmun-dong. Cozy in a small brick building, Coop’s signature flavors are white coffee with rice flour, milk tea, and cherry cream.
📍Yongmun-dong, Yongsan-gu, near Hyochang Parkmaeun Station, Gyeongui-sun Forest Road
4. Scooper
No trip to Seochon is complete without a stop for ice cream at Scooper’s colorful bus stop chairs. Flavors include honey watermelon, dill pear, fig cream cheese, and Jeju matcha. They also sell Florentine-style affogato, which has become more trendy thanks to the hottest photographer right now, Sam Youkilis. Last year, they also opened a branch in Samseongji, which has become increasingly busy in recent years.
📍Gyeongbokgung Palace Branch, Samseongji Branch
5. Cotati
After drinking at Hwanghae Village, you should stop by Kotati for a bite to eat. The roasted pistachio gelato is rich with flavors such as plum, roasted tea, and honeysuckle. It’s served on a buttery waffle that’s toasted in-house for a savory finish. Kotati also sells wine to go with the gelato. There is also a branch right in front of Ttukseom Station.
📍Hwanghae Village Branch, Seongsu Branch
6. Auchi
Auchi is an up-and-coming ice cream shop in Hannam. It was opened by renowned bakery chef Cho Eun-jung and the famous Honey Bee Seoul in Hwanangsi. Unlike other gelato places that offer a new lineup every day, Auchi is proud to offer four flavors of gelato and two flavors of soft serve ice cream made with fresh fruit as a fixed menu that is delicious anytime.
📍Hannam Branch, Shinsegae Department Store Gangnam Branch
7. Malachite
Espresso bar Bamacel, bakeries Ousblanc and Mui, and countless old-timers. In Namyeong-dong, a quiet neighborhood of powerhouses in their respective fields, is Malachite. Along with their signature plum, they have tangerine raspberry, chestnut yogurt, and apricot latte flavors, and for summer, they have watermelon blossom with sorbet.
📍Namyeong-dong, Yongsan-gu, near Namjungang area
8. ZENZERO
The Cheongdam-dong neighborhood is dominated by ZENZERO. It is fun to watch as it collaborates with various brands in the neighborhood, including luxury fashion, French restaurants, and plate brands. The flavors are rich with ingredients such as raspberries, peas, sesame, cherry, and corn.
📍Gangnam-gu Office, Dosan Branch, Apgujeong Branch