Sold out by 3pm: apple and red bean pie at Gyeongju Tokyo Pie

If you're planning a trip to Gyeongju and looking for Gyeongju gift recommendations, there's a spot worth watching! It's Gyeongju Tokyo Pie, newly opened in Hwangnidan-gil.

This was the top dessert I had in Gyeongju⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I confidently recommend it 👍🏻

Rather than a typical bakery where you eat in, it's a takeout-only bakery, so it was great for grabbing a dessert lightly while traveling. What really surprised me on my visit, though, was how fast things sold out.

Arrived at 3pm and the chocolate pie was already sold out

I visited around 3pm, and the chocolate pie was already gone. Of what was left, I picked apple and red bean (angko) pie. Right after I ordered, the entire menu sold out.

I'd heard they sell limited quantities, but visiting in person really showed me why you need to get there early.

Handmade pies in Hwangnidan-gil, made by a Japanese owner

Gyeongju Tokyo Pie's pies are handmade by a Japanese owner. Honestly, even before tasting it, the description "Tokyo pie made directly by a Japanese person" had me excited, and after actually eating it, I understood why people call him a craftsman.

The signature pie with a whole apple packed in

The signature menu item is a pie with a whole apple packed inside. Most apple pies use apple jam or finely stewed apple, but according to the owner, this one uses 100% domestic Fuji apples aged for a set time to preserve the apple's natural sweetness, acidity, juice, and texture.

I could actually see boxes of apples stacked in front of the store. Above all, it was clear they didn't skimp on apples. You can really feel the apple's presence inside the pie, and paired with the crisp, layered pie crust, it felt distinctly different from a typical jam-type apple pie. And the butter aroma is really strong.

Couldn't resist—ate one in the car

On the way home, I couldn't resist and ended up pulling one out to eat in the car. I think it would be delicious both warm and cooled, honestly—the pie's savory aroma and the apple's sweet yet refreshing taste went so well together. 🥹

I also saw a warm-store certification, plus a birthday event with 50% off one pie, and a receipt event—there are various events going on, so be sure to check haha

Baked twice a day, sold same-day

Gyeongju Tokyo Pie makes all its products in-house and bakes twice a day, at 11:30am and 2:30pm. They operate on a same-day made, same-day sold principle with limited quantities, so it can sell out early.

I actually experienced the sellout myself, visiting around 3pm, so anyone planning to visit while traveling in Gyeongju should really keep this in mind. Especially if you're buying several as Gyeongju gift recommendations, I'd recommend visiting as early as possible rather than later in the day.

Box of 6 gift set—wished I'd bought more than one box

There's also a box-of-6 gift set available, which suits anyone looking for a travel gift in Hwangnidan-gil. I really regretted only being able to buy one box that day because of the sellout. 🥹 I'd originally planned to buy several as gifts, but there was nothing left to choose from. Next time I go back to Gyeongju, I'm going to visit early and stock up on several boxes as gifts!

If you're looking for a slightly more special Gyeongju gift recommendation than the usual desserts you see around Hwangnidan-gil, this place is worth a visit for the fact alone that it's handmade pies made by a Japanese owner. Personally, I liked the taste enough that I'll remember to come back here whenever I'm in Gyeongju.

But like me, if you visit later in the afternoon, I'd recommend hurrying before it sells out so you don't miss the flavor you want. If you're looking for a light dessert to carry around during a Gyeongju trip, a Hwangnidan-gil gift, or a special Gyeongju gift recommendation, remember Gyeongju Tokyo Pie.