UPDATE: Cupcake Factory has closed down and no longer exists.
When living or traveling in Asia, the search for good western food is a quest sometimes ending in disappointment or basking in an explosion of deliciousness. The journey for a good cupcake can be futile in Korea or Japan, but you must always try. Luckily, I was able to experience adorable cupcakes and try out a cupcake shop featured on CNN as one of the best cupcake shops in Seoul.
To get there, you’ll be venturing down the interesting back alleys of Hongdae, and finding many other interesting cafes in the process. The charm of Seoul is never knowing what you’ll find. An establishment could look like a sugar shack on the outside but shine like a million dollars inside.
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You’ll know you’ve found Cupcake Factory because its pink and white exterior cannot be missed. The shop has some wear and tear outside, but it adds to the adorable vintage theme,
Walking into the shop, the warm fuzzies will slam you as you take in the cuteness explosion. The interior is adorable and perfect for a tea party or relaxing afternoon. You will feel welcomed by the homey atmosphere, adorable stuffed animals and girly decor throughout the cafe. The display case proudly shows off well decorated cupcakes that immediately draw you toward it. The presentation of the cupcakes make you drool and the decision of which to choose will be even harder.
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About The Cupcakes
The cupcakes are a bit pricey, going for 4,500 won a pop. I guess this is in part to the claim they are baked fresh every day. Having heard good things about the crown mint choco, mousse chocolate, and red velvet, we immediately ordered those. Opting out of the cupcake and drink set, we chose a table in the back and sat by the ornament tree and stuffed animals. Our sweet treats were served warm on a heart shaped plate.
After picking up the fork, cutting through the frosting and biting into this anticipated dessert, there were a few thoughts running through my head. For a place so revered in 2011, the pastry didn’t live up to the my expectations. The Five Best Cupcake shops in Seoul claims saccharine cupcakes in comparison to the interior; however, I’m pretty sure whoever wrote it must have a sugar sensitive tongue because the actual cake itself isn’t as sweet as it could be.
Personally, I would have liked the cupcake a bit sweeter. Maybe at one point they melted like heaven in your mouth, but you can’t always judge a book by it’s cover. The cupcakes were bit dry, (this could be because we went around the early afternoon) but the frosting was the saving grace. The combination of the two was delicious, giving it a light balance. Luckily, the frosting helped bring some moisture back into the pastry.
Ranking the cupcakes from the top, you can never go wrong with red velvet. The thicker, sweet cream cheese frosting made the red velvet my number one pick.
Overall Vibe
Cupcake Factory is clean, cute and everything you would like to see in the cafe. The atmosphere is wonderful and relaxing as you enjoy your cupcake in a unique setting. It’s definitely worth stopping by if you don’t like really sweet treats and you just happen to see it.I enjoyed my time there and I sure you will too. Alas, my quest wasn’t too disappointing because the experience was awesome. I would give the cupcakes a 5 for the taste and a 9 for the presentation. The Cupcake Factory in Hongdae is a great find for all those that have a sweet tooth and a yearning for a cozy atmosphere.
How to get there: From Hongik University Station (Line 2) walk out exit 9. Walk about 4 blocks and turn left when you see the Angelinus Coffee. Walk down 5 streets on Jandiro and turn left at the 7Eleven. Walk about 2 minutes down until you see another 7Eleven and turn right up that road.
Address: 364-11, Seogyo-dong, Seoul, South Korea
서울시 마포구 서교동 364-11
Hours: 12pm-10pm
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29 Comments on Cupcake Factory in Hongdae
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Do you live in Seoul? That place looks so cute but a shame that the cupcakes weren’t up to par! I’ll probably still try and scope it out next time I’m in Hongdae though!
I don’t live in Seoul, but I live pretty close by so it’s not so bad to get everywhere I need to be. I was really disappointed about the cupcakes, but luckily their saving grace was the frosting.
Ooooooohhhh. I’m drooling now. And it’s fasting month for me 🙁
They all look so cute but like Nicole mentioned, such a shame it’s not up to par. Maybe I’d give it a try anyway when I’m in Seoul next.
I hope this month passes quickly for you! Do you like your sweets very sweet or just a bit sweet? If you like them a bit sweet then Cupcake Factory is definitely for you!
Love cupcakes and I love making all sorts of cool toppings. I took a cooking class a few years ago to learn how to make the ones with fondant toppings and cream toppings. I would love to stop by the Cupcake Factory for one of their own special cakes.
I hope you enjoy the Cupcake Factory! Their sweets are really beautiful and well presented. Do you prefer your sweets very sweet or just a bit?
Oh, man a sweet place, literally 🙂 Haven’t been to South Korea but it’s on the list. I’ll use your posts as resource for planning my way there.
Hahaha. I see what you did there. What kinds of activities are you looking for in Seoul?
Wow, these cute, little cupcakes look scrumptious. I am longing to visit Seoul for quite some time and I am collecting ideas where to go and, of course, where to eat, so this comes in handy 🙂 Thanks a lot, Gina!
I’m glad that this is helping you out! How long do you plan on staying in Seoul?
I was excited to try this place but since you gave taste a 5, I’m not sure its worth the trip. Maybe I’ll give it a try if I happen to past by it.
I think their taste is very catered to Korean tastes, but even some Korean desserts are pretty sweet so I’m not sure!
Great post, Gina! I was actually in Hongdae this past weekend. I’m not a huge sweets person, but it looks like an interesting spot to check out!
I think these sweets would be okay for you because it’s not too sweet!
I am a sweet tooth and I will definitely love to go there. I never heard about the cupcake factory until I read your article, the owner of this cafe must thank you for the PR. Thanks also for providing the direction, this will make it easy for me to go there. Next time, I will be sharing my own experience at Cupcake factory;
I’m not sure the owner will thank me after giving his cupcakes a 50/50. Hahahaa. It depends on what people’s taste preferences are if they’ll like the cupcakes. I thought they needed to be less dry and more sweet, but I know people that like that balance with the frosting. Lol.
Photos are really tempting but having lived in Korea for so long I have learned to not immediately be awed by appearances. But I still like the fancy and sweet presentation and ambiance is everything! Thanks for your honest write-up about Cupcake Factory.
I felt a bit let down because in Japan things were as delicious as they looked. Lesson learned for sure!
Shame that the cupcakes weren’t as great as you hoped. They certainly make up for it in presentation though – the pics totally made me crave a cupcake!
I’m still on a quest for the perfect cupcake in Seoul! I wonder if I’ll ever find one!
I’m a grown man, but inside me is this 16 year old girl that goes crazy about places like this. Seoul has such a cool cafe scene. I feel that most pastry is too sweet in Korea so maybe I would like it. Don’t like dry cake though.
I love how sincere you are! Hahaha. Inside you lives a 16 year old girl is perfect! I think there’s definitely one of those in everyone whether we’d like to admit it or not! 😉
Will definitely have to try this one next time we’re in Hongdae – pity the cupcakes weren’t as good as they look but sounds like it would still be worth a visit! Another café to add to the list! 🙂
Seoul is all about the beautifully presented sweets and funky cafes. Which have you been to?
Mmm… I love me some good cupcakes, but holly molly 4,500…. I guess they need to pay that Hongdae rent. Thanks for the post!
The price is most likely steep to pay that Hongdae rent! Would you go to Cupcake Factory?
Shame the quality wasn’t good, but they look super cute. Check out Gentle Lady Cupcakes in Sinsa-dong next time you’re in Seoul. I lived dangerously close to it and was a shameless regular.
I will definitely have to check out Gentle Lady Cupcakes for a good cupcake fix! If I dig them, think I might shamelessly buy a few to take home with me. 🙂
Just yesterday I was craving a cupcake and left myself disappointed knowing I wouldn’t be able to find a good one. I’m heading to Hongdae this weekend soooo I will have to try and find this place. I will be a bad vegan for a legit cupcake haha.