Baumkuchen café in Jongno, Seoul: The Baum Gyeongbokgung Branch

How close is it to Gyeongbokgung Station, and is parking available?

The Baum Gyeongbokgung Branch (더바움 경복궁점) is 134 m from Exit 2 of Gyeongbokgung Station, about a two-minute walk. It occupies the first and second floors at 13-2 Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul. The original post lists its hours as 10:00–22:00, and parking is not available.

It rained on the day I visited, but the green sign stood out, making the shop easy to spot from a distance.

What baumkuchen varieties and gift sets are available?

The Baum specializes in baumkuchen, a layered cake baked one layer at a time. Along with baumkuchen and specialty coffee, it was also selling Dubai pistachio soft-serve ice cream.

As I entered, the variety of baumkuchen caught my eye first. The space had high ceilings and a hanok-like atmosphere. There were several gift-set options, and I thought they could be worth considering for the upcoming Chuseok holiday.

I felt it would be a nice place to choose a dessert with coffee or browse gifts for someone special.

What seating is available on the second floor?

There were many tables on the first floor, but it was nearly full when I visited, so I went upstairs. The upper floor had a better atmosphere than I expected and caught my attention.

There was group seating as well as several window seats. I thought it would work for a date or for spending some relaxed time alone. The original visitor information says group seating is for up to 12 people.

What drinks are available with the desserts?

There was a wide range of drinks. The menu included seasonal drinks served only iced, espresso drinks made with 100% Arabica beans, and cold brew. Smoothies, specialty ades, classic milk tea, fruit tea, and herbal tea were also available.

I ordered a café latte and three types of baumkuchen. The desserts were striking in shape, so I looked over each one before eating.

The café latte, made with specialty coffee, was nutty and had a good body.

How did the three baumkuchen I tried differ?

What was the texture of the Cheese Baked Baum?

The signature Baked Baum came in four varieties—strawberry, chocolate, cheese, and green tea—and I chose cheese. I liked the combination of soft cheese filling and baumkuchen that crumbled crispily.

How sweet was the Chocolate Eiffel Baum?

The Chocolate Eiffel Baum had a texture similar to a brownie. To my taste, it felt less sweet than a brownie, which I appreciated.

What is inside the Brûlée Matcha Custard Baum?

When I cracked open the Brûlée Matcha Custard Baum and looked inside, it was filled with custard cream. It was soft and sweet.

On this visit, it was fun to compare the different textures and sweetness levels of the baumkuchen. It is a place I would think of when I want coffee and baumkuchen near Gyeongbokgung Station, or want to choose a dessert as a gift.