Gyeongbokgung café for torched custard brûlée baumkuchen: The Baum

The Baum is a quirky bakery café known as a go-to dessert spot near Gyeongbokgung. My friend and I found it after touring the palace. We'd walked over toward Anguk Station when my friend spotted the sign and said, 'It's baumkuchen!'

Now that I think of it, I'd had baumkuchen (layered ring cake) in Japan before too, and I've always liked it — the fun of eating through the layers, the moist yet soft texture.

To think there's a dessert café near Gyeongbokgung specializing in exactly this.

Where is The Baum Gyeongbokgung Branch and how do you get there?

Located at 13-2 Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, The Baum sits close to both Gyeongbokgung Station and the Anguk Station café street, making it a perfect stop on a palace outing or date course. It's a very short walk from Exit 2 of Gyeongbokgung Station, so it's extremely convenient to reach by public transit.

Set near a palace area where hanok and modern touches meet, this unusual bakery stands out among dessert cafés near Gyeongbokgung Palace and catches visitors' eyes.

The Baum's baumkuchen lineup and café atmosphere

Stepping inside The Baum Gyeongbokgung Branch, I was surprised how much variety they've built around a single item — baumkuchen. There's a carefully wrapped gift set lineup, plus a brûlée-style baumkuchen that reflects current dessert trends.

The overall vibe is warm and cozy, making it a perfect date café for couples. There are plenty of pretty, colorful desserts to photograph, and it's an ideal place to rest when you're tired from walking around Gyeongbokgung. Thanks to this cozy atmosphere, it's become a beloved spot among Anguk Station café favorites.

What the brûlée baumkuchen looks like, inside and out

The Baum's signature brûlée baumkuchen has a showstopping look the moment it arrives at the table.

The surface is coated in a deep brown brûlée topping, torched until it gleams and crackles. The glossy, gradient browning is seriously appetite-inducing.

Cutting into it, the soft, moist yellow baumkuchen cake holds its shape firmly around the edge. At the center, smooth, thick custard cream fills the middle completely, forming an appealing contrast against the crisp brûlée coating on the outside.

How does the brûlée baumkuchen taste?

Cracking open the torched, golden-brown brûlée baumkuchen with a spoon and taking a bite made me let out an involuntary sound of approval. The first taste is the thin sugar shell shattering crisply, filling your mouth with intense sweetness.

Keep chewing and the baumkuchen's signature soft, fluffy layers and the richness of the custard cream come through. It's a textbook case of crisp outside, moist inside, and the sweetness and nuttiness balance so well that I never got tired of it, even down to the last bite. The unique texture and flavor made it obvious why this place comes to mind whenever people talk about dessert near Gyeongbokgung.

Who is The Baum Gyeongbokgung Branch best for?

The Baum Gyeongbokgung Branch is a great pick if you want to try an uncommon, premium baumkuchen dessert near Gyeongbokgung or Anguk Station. I'd recommend it to couples looking for a pretty, photogenic café near Gyeongbokgung Palace to fit into a palace date, or to dessert lovers who want to experience the charm of a proper, soft-layered baumkuchen.

I'd confidently recommend it to anyone looking for a thoughtful dessert gift for someone special, or simply wanting to rest in a good-atmosphere café near Anguk Station.