Gyeongju bakery in Hwangnidan-gil for apple pie: Gyeongju Tokyo Pie

While walking through an alley in Hwangnidan-gil, Gyeongju, I stopped by Gyeongju Tokyo Pie (경주도쿄파이). I knew it as a handmade pie shop where the Japanese owner makes the pies personally. I packed a six-piece gift set with apple pies and Tokyo anko pies to share with my family.

Where is the bakery, and what about parking?

The shop is at 38 Poseok-ro 1095beon-gil, 1st floor, unit 106, in an alley of Hwangnidan-gil. The hours listed when I visited were 11:30 AM–7:00 PM on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and 11:30 AM–8:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday. It was closed every Tuesday. The shop may close early when ingredients run out.

Local currency and card payments were listed as available. The nearby parking option introduced was “Hwangnidan-gil Parking Lot,” with parking listed at ₩1,900 for 60 minutes and ₩700 for each additional 10 minutes.

What can you choose in the gift sets?

I chose handmade pies as a snack to take home from my Gyeongju trip. The gift sets came in six- and nine-piece sizes, so I could choose based on how much I wanted to share.

• Six pieces: Four apple pies plus two pieces chosen between anko and chocolat.
• Nine pieces: Five apple pies plus four pieces chosen between anko and chocolat.

I chose the six-piece set with two flavors: the apple pie called “Gyeongju Tokyo Pie” and “Tokyo Anko Pie.” I also wanted to try the chocolat pie, but it was already sold out when I visited.

When are the pies released, and was anything sold out?

The listed pie release times were 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM, twice a day. I visited late and could not choose the chocolat pie; a sold-out sign went up as soon as I finished my order. I was the last customer that day.

At the time of my visit, an event offering either an apple pie or an Americano was also posted.

How was the six-piece gift set packaged?

The gift set came in a neat box. I liked the packaging, and carrying it around during my trip put me in a good mood.

What did the apple and anko pies taste like?

The apple pie called “Gyeongju Tokyo Pie” is made with Korean Fuji apples, according to the shop. It contained aged apples, so instead of the strong sweetness of jam, I noticed a subtle apple sweetness.

“Tokyo Anko Pie” was filled with Korean red bean paste. Along with its sweetness, it had a substantial nutty flavor typical of red beans. I liked that the sweetness did not linger as the only strong flavor.

Is it good as a Gyeongju travel snack or gift?

It was easy to take out and eat one at a time while visiting nearby attractions, and the neat box made it suitable as a snack or gift to share with family. The downside was that my preferred flavor was sold out because I arrived late. If I visit again, I want to try the chocolat pie I missed this time.