Gangneung takeaway café, black sesame vs corn sand: Gangneung Sand

Last week my husband and I went on a trip to Gangneung.

A review of visiting 'Gangneung Sand Main Branch,' the ultimate Gangneung dessert snack (Gangneung travel gift, souvenir recommendation)

Why we picked Gangneung Sand Main Branch for a travel gift

Every time I come back from a trip to Gangneung, I end up with the happy dilemma of "what souvenirs and snacks should I bring this time?" I visited a place that's perfect both as a gift for friends and as a sweet treat to enjoy during the trip: the already-famous 'Gangneung Sand Main Branch,' well known as a Gangneung travel gift, souvenir, and dessert snack spot.

The main branch itself is so spacious and pleasant that it seemed like a great place to sit and enjoy the cookies leisurely with a fragrant coffee, but because of the drive back up, I picked everything up to go and tasted it myself — here's my detailed review of the black sesame and corn flavors I fell for.

How big is the Gangneung Sand Main Branch store?

If you're looking for a place to rest during your trip while enjoying delicious dessert, Gangneung Sand Main Branch is an excellent choice. True to being the main branch, the interior is very spacious and neatly decorated, letting visitors relax comfortably.

I could spend time there in a relaxed atmosphere without feeling crowded or stuffy. Gangneung Sand, with its crisp outside and soft inside cookie packed with rich handmade filling, pairs perfectly with a warm Americano or latte. The sweetness melted away my travel fatigue, and I felt good the whole time I was there.

Black sesame sand vs Chodang corn sand: how the flavors differ

The essence of nuttiness! The heavy, deep-flavored 'black sesame sand'

The sweet and salty 'corn sand' that captures the taste of Gangneung

Black sesame sand: nutty, for lovers of old-school Korean flavors

The first flavor I bought was black sesame sand, loved across all ages regardless of taste preference. If you tend to have an old-fashioned palate or love nutty flavors, this is a menu you absolutely can't pass by. The black sesame cream sandwiched between the cookies is packed in generously without holding back.

The moment you bite in, the distinctive nutty, deep flavor of black sesame spreads heavily through your mouth — not overly sweet, but with a refined taste that's just excellent. The crisp cookie shell breaks apart and blends naturally with the soft black sesame filling, making the texture perfect too. It's a flavor that would definitely earn praise as a gift for older relatives.

Chodang corn sand: a sweet pick-me-up for the drive

The second flavor I chose was corn sand, a signature specialty of Gangneung. You can't leave Gangneung without trying a corn dessert. The distinctively sweet and addictive flavor of Gangneung corn comes through beautifully in the filling.

With every bite, a pleasant sweetness spreads that keeps you reaching for more — it has that irresistible charm. It's a familiar, crowd-pleasing yet refined flavor that anyone from kids to adults would love, and it was great to pop a few in the car for a sugar boost in the middle of the trip.

It's great with coffee, and just as great with milk.

What the Gangneung Sand gift box packaging looks like

The Gangneung Sand I brought back, one solidly packed box of each flavor, had a clean and polished package design, making it really fitting as a travel souvenir or gift. The box packaging was neat with nothing out of place, so it's more than presentable to give to close friends, coworkers, or family without any embarrassment.

Everyone who received one raved, saying "this is so good" and "where did you get this," which gave me the extra satisfaction of gifting well. If you're planning a trip to Gangneung, I strongly recommend making this a must-stop. Gangneung Sand, highly recommended!!