Lee Hae-rin is a City Desk reporter at The Korea Times, covering social issues, tourism and taekwondo. She is passionate about speaking up for the rights of minorities, including women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities and animals as well as discovering the latest makgeolli trend in town. Feel free to reach her at lhr@koreatimes.co.kr.
Hotels showcase luxury Christmas cakes to celebrate year-end festivities
Christmas cake collection by Andaz Seoul Gangnam / Courtesy of Andaz Seoul Gangnam
By Lee Hae-rin
Seoul’s top hotels are welcoming the holiday season with an array of high-end festive cakes designed to elevate Christmas celebrations. Pastry chefs at 23 premier hotels have unveiled limited-edition creations, blending artistry with premium ingredients to set new trends for the year-end dessert table.
At Andaz Seoul Gangnam, the Festive Tree Cake is a visual showstopper, featuring layers of ganache, cherry compote, and cacao sponge crafted over three days. Accompanied by a strawberry shortcake bursting with fresh berries and a hazelnut log cake, the trio sets a luxurious tone for the holiday celebrations. Early birds who book by Dec. 7 will enjoy a 10 percent discount.
Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas has launched 12 cakes, including the limited-edition chocolate Merry-Go-Round Melodie, which plays carols and contains assorted bonbons. Only 50 of these delicious treats are available. Other options feature bear designs and travel-themed cakes, with prices ranging up to 350,000 won.
Christmas cake collection by Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas / Courtesy of Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas
Grand Hyatt Seoul’s bakery is offering five festive cakes, including a raspberry-chocolate tree cake and a pistachio ornament cake, alongside classic favorites like tiramisu. Holiday breads and chocolate assortments are also part of the seasonal offerings.
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul is offering a holiday cake collection featuring three limited-edition options: smoked vanilla, modern Mont Blanc cake and a dark chocolate truffle cake. Preorders for the cakes are available, with pickup from Nov. 21 to Jan. 5.
Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun is introducing four cakes, including yule logs and matcha strawberry options, starting at 42,000 won.
Other properties — DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo, Le Meridien Seoul Myeongdong, Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul, Sofitel Ambassador Seoul, Sheraton Grand Incheon, Walkerhill Hotel & Resort, and more — are each offering their own seasonal cakes. Designs range from snow-inspired cakes to character-themed selections.
Holiday cake sales and reservations typically run through December, with some locations encouraging early reservations for popular items and offering early bird or preorder discounts.