Why Jeonju’s Famous Chocolate Pies Are a Must-Try Treat for Every South Korea Visitor

Classic Jeonju Choco Pie :)

When visiting Jeonju, South Korea, there's one treat you absolutely shouldn't miss: the chocolate pie, or "choco pie” as local Koreans refer to it. While Jeonju is widely known for its traditional dishes like bibimbap, its famous chocolate pies offer a delightful surprise that combines local flavors with a universally loved treat.

The choco pies found in Jeonju are far from your typical store-bought variety. Crafted by local bakeries in Jeonju, they're made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The pies often feature a soft, fluffy cake exterior that is more moist than most cakes found in Korea and which encase a sweet, creamy filling. Some variations even include a layer of marshmallow or fruit jam, adding an extra dimension to the taste. Finally, each pie is dipped in different flavors of chocolate, creating a diamond shape on top of the pie.

What sets Jeonju’s famous chocolate pies apart is the emphasis on authenticity and local flair. Many of the ingredients, like the flour and eggs, are sourced from nearby farms, ensuring a freshness that’s hard to beat. Plus, some bakeries in Jeonju infuse traditional Korean ingredients like green tea or red bean paste into their pies, giving them a unique twist that you won't find elsewhere.

Trying a choco pie in Jeonju isn't just about indulging in a sweet treat—it's about experiencing a piece of the local culture. These pies capture the essence of Jeonju’s culinary creativity, making them a must-try for any visitor looking to savor the city’s unique flavors. While you can choose from many shops and PNB is considered the original, we reccomend “전주 풍년제과 본점” or “Jeonju Poongnyeon Confectionery Main Branch”, located on the same street as the Jeonju Cathedral near the Jeonju Hanok Village. They offer a wide variety of baked goods, and offer a more vast variety of choco pies that tend to have more balanced flavor to sweetness ratios. Our favorite is the dark chocolate chocopie!

Address: 141 Paldal-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do

Hours*:
Sunday 8 AM–10 PM
Monday 8 AM–10 PM
Tuesday 8 AM–10 PM
Wednesday 8 AM–10 PM
Thursday 8 AM–10 PM
Friday 8 AM–10 PM
Saturday 8 AM–10 PM

*Hours may vary depending on Korean national holidays.

For anyone planning a trip to South Korea, be sure to add "trying a chocolate pie in Jeonju" to your list of must-do activities!