Where to Find Authentic Japanese Dango & Wagashi in Seoul: Ankko (Gangnam)
Aloha! ๐บ It’s Jihye in Seoul.
Have you ever watched the adorable Netflix stop-motion series, Rilakkuma and Kaoru? If you are a fan, you probably know how much Rilakkuma loves Dango (Japanese sweet rice dumplings). When that show was trending, I went on a massive hunt across Seoul to find the perfect Dango. Today, I’m sharing the hidden gem I settled on and have been visiting for years!
Welcome to Ankko (Gangnam-gu Office Station)
Ankko is a specialty Japanese dessert shop in Gangnam. They are famous for their Wagashi (traditional Japanese confections), Manju, Monaka, and of course, Dango. Because they use a lot of high-quality red beans, they are also highly loved by locals for their Red Bean Shaved Ice (Patbingsu) and Red Bean Porridge (Patjuk).
They have a few tables inside, including a cozy Kotatsu seat that I always want to try! (Just keep in mind they have a strict "one drink per person" policy if you dine in, so leave some room in your stomach after lunch!)
A Paradise of Chewy Delights: The Menu
Does just hearing the word "Strawberry" in winter make your heart flutter? Because it does for me! They offer four types of Dango, including a stunning Strawberry Dango, seaweed-wrapped Isobe Dango, and Mugwort Dango. But my ultimate go-to is their signature:
Mitarashi Dango: This is the reason I’ve been a regular for years! They grill the rice dumplings on a wire rack so it has a beautiful smoky char, then coat it in a sticky, sweet, and salty soy glaze. (Pro tip: If you take it to go in the winter, microwave it for exactly 10 seconds before eating!)
Strawberry & Tangerine Mochi: A winter season favorite. Even though it's a Japanese recipe, the sweetness is perfectly balanced to suit the Korean palate—not overwhelmingly sweet!
Yuzu Mochi: My personal favorite. Inside the chewy, rice-textured skin is a smooth white bean paste bursting with the fragrant scent of Yuzu. It’s mild, not too sweet, and absolutely incredible.
Gifts, Dorayaki, and... Street Eating?
They also sell gorgeously packaged Wagashi sets that are perfect for holiday gifts. If you love pancakes, try their Dorayaki! I tried the Matcha Dorayaki stuffed with domestic sweet red bean paste, and it was rich and satisfying.
I have a confession: I love their Strawberry Mochi so much that I usually end up eating it right on the street! Just remember to grab a napkin, or you'll end up with a white powdered-sugar mustache like I did! ๐ ๐ I even went back immediately to buy another Mitarashi Dango because one is simply never enough.
If you love chewy Dango or are looking for beautiful, elegant dessert gifts in Seoul, I highly recommend Ankko!
Mahalo! ๐บ
๐ Location & Information
Google Maps:
Ankko Gangnam Address: 32 Hakdong-ro 56-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Phone: +82 02-512-9877
Parking: Not available (Public transit recommended)
Hours: Daily 08:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Closed on the day of Seollal / Lunar New Year)
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