Gangneung café for tofu gelato near Central Market: Hi Gelato

I made a quick stop in Gangneung on my way to Samcheok! Every time I passed through Gangneung, I wanted to eat something, and this time I finally went to Hi Gelato, which is famous for its Gangneung tofu gelato 😊 It is near Gangneung Jungang Market and Seobu Market, so it was perfect for looking around the markets and having gelato! I had wanted to stop by every time I passed Gangneung, and I finally made it haha.

What is Hi Gelato near Gangneung Jungang Market like?

Hi Gelato is a specialist in Italian-style handmade gelato in Gangneung. They make it themselves in small batches every day, so the key point is that you can always have fresh gelato! Rather than artificial sweetness, they aim for the flavors of the ingredients themselves, so there are lots of distinctive flavors using local ingredients, like tofu gelato. Their seasonal limited-edition gelatos also change with the seasons, which means there is something new to try every time you visit 🌿

A small cup is ₩5,000 and a large cup is ₩6,500. The signature menu is ₩9,000, and they also have gift boxes, so it would be perfect for presents too!

They go for gelato with a soft, chewy texture, making this a dessert spot that everyone from kids to adults can comfortably enjoy. There are tables inside if you want to sit for a bit, or you can take it out and eat it while exploring the market!

I chose tofu, corn, and rice gelato

I picked three flavors: tofu gelato, Corn Supernova, and Riso (rice), all in a small cup!

The tofu gelato that impressed me most

First up, the tofu gelato! I was not sure what to expect when I heard the name, but once I tried it, it made complete sense. The soft, nutty flavor distinctive to Gangneung tofu was captured right in the gelato, but it was not overly sweet and had such a clean taste—it was honestly fascinating. There was no artificial flavor at all; you could really taste the tofu 😍 It was the most impressive of the three! People are not kidding when they say it is a flavor you absolutely have to try in Gangneung haha.

The clean flavors of Corn Supernova and Riso

Corn Supernova had that nutty corn flavor and a gentle sweetness. It had the savory aroma of popcorn and tasted great, and it worked so well as gelato! Its bouncy, bubbly-sounding name felt like a perfect match for the flavor 😄

Riso (rice) has the clean flavor and subtle sweetness characteristic of rice. At first I thought it might be plain, but the more I ate, the more I kept reaching for it haha. The very idea of making gelato with rice felt so fresh!

All three were really delicious because the ingredients' natural flavors came through so clearly! If I had to rank them, tofu gelato was definitely first, Corn Supernova second, and Riso third. They were all good, but the tofu gelato was truly the kind of flavor that gives you a reason to come to Gangneung and try it!

They also added a tasting spoon of each flavor as a complimentary extra, so I could try a little of other flavors too 🥄 That small bit of thoughtfulness honestly made me so happy!

Why it was such a good stop on a Gangneung trip

I really, really recommend Hi Gelato for tofu gelato on a Gangneung trip! It is in the perfect location to pop into when you are craving something sweet while looking around Gangneung Jungang Market. I only stopped briefly on the way to Samcheok, but the tofu gelato alone made me want to come back next time I am in Gangneung!

Because it is handmade gelato made fresh every day, I felt I could trust the quality, and it felt even more special because there were so many distinctive flavors you can only have in Gangneung. It is perfect as a Gangneung travel treat! If you are looking for Gangneung desserts during your trip, make sure to stop by at least once 😊

At ₩5,000 for a small cup, it is great value too, and they serve two or three flavors together, which is perfect for enjoying several flavors! When planning a Gangneung itinerary, I think it would be perfect to add it to a route around Jungang Market 🗺️ If I have a chance to go to Gangneung again, I will definitely return. I am already excited to see which seasonal limited-edition flavor will be available then 🥄

• Make sure to try the tofu gelato
• A great location to stop by after exploring Gangneung Jungang Market and Seobu Market
• Fresh handmade gelato made in small batches every day
• Check out the seasonal limited-edition flavors, which change throughout the year