If you’re exploring Seoul beyond the famous chain bakeries, one neighborhood deserves a stop: Dogok (도곡동) in southern Seoul. Tucked among residential towers and small office buildings is La Patisserie Kim (르파티세리 김), a bakery that combines classic European techniques with Korean creativity. The bakery is run by a Korean master baker and his son, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, and has built a reputation for using quality ingredients and traditional baking methods. 

Unlike many trendy cafés that focus on Instagram-worthy desserts, La Patisserie Kim feels like a neighborhood bakery where locals stop by daily. During my visit, I found shelves filled with breads, pastries, cookies, and seasonal specialties that showcased both French and Korean influences.