A Taste of the North: Dosuhyang’s Famous North Korean-Style Rice Cake in Seoul(Apgujeong)

 Aloha! 🌺 It’s Jihye in Seoul.

Today, I want to introduce you to a very special, highly sought-after traditional Korean dessert. Have you ever heard of North Korean-style Injeolmi (Rice Cake)?

As you may know, Korea is a divided country. Because of this, authentic North Korean cuisine is quite rare and considered a very special, unique delicacy here in the South. Among all the North Korean treats, this specific style of Injeolmi from a famous shop called Dosuhyang in Apgujeong Rodeo is an absolute masterpiece. If you are a rice cake lover, you will go crazy for this!

🥟 What makes North Korean-Style Injeolmi so special?

Regular Korean Injeolmi is usually dusted with dry, roasted soybean powder. However, the North Korean style is completely different!

A perfectly chewy, densely pounded rice cake is generously covered in a soft, moist paste made from peeled red beans (Gipi-pat). It’s hand-squeezed, so you can actually see the rustic, charming finger marks on every single piece. The taste? It’s nutty, slightly savory, gently sweet, and melts in your mouth. Honestly, is there anyone in the world who could resist this flavor??

🏃‍♀️ My Lucky Walk-in Experience

I have always eaten Dosuhyang rice cakes when someone else gifted them to me, so this was my first time actually visiting their store. I was in the Apgujeong Rodeo area for an exhibition and suddenly remembered the shop was nearby.

When you open the door, it’s just a tiny space for pick-ups (the kitchen in the back must be huge!). Here is the catch: They officially state that you must make a reservation to buy them. I hadn't reserved, but I got incredibly lucky! They had a couple of "Small" boxes left for walk-ins.

(💡 Jihye's Pro Tip: If you plan to visit, please make a reservation in the morning! You can only reserve by phone call on the same day morning....Or you can simply visit early in the morning!)

👧 "Mom, I'm not ready to share!"

I bought the small box (16 pieces) and originally planned to share it with my sister. But my daughter took one bite and seriously looked at me, saying, "Mom... I am not ready to share this." She ended up eating almost all of it! Next time, I am definitely pre-ordering a massive box to give away before my daughter sees it! 🤣

📜 Menu & Reservation Info

Note: They only take reservations by phone (or 20 days in advance for big Korean holidays).

• Small (16 pieces): 26,000 KRW

• Medium (32 pieces): 50,000 KRW

• Large (50 pieces): 73,000 KRW

• Extra Large (162 pieces): 260,000 KRW

• Instagram: @dosuhyang2005

📍 Store Information

• Address: 21-4, Seolleung-ro 161-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

• Google Maps: Click here for Dosuhyang on Google Maps

• Hours: Mon-Fri (08:30 - 19:00), Sat (08:30 - 17:00), Closed on Sundays.

• Phone: 02-540-2939

• Parking: Brief parking in front of the store is possible for pick-up.

These beautifully packaged rice cakes make the absolute perfect premium gift. Have a wonderful day, and Mahalo! 🌺

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