atelier POND

This is one of the most elegant and refined places in Seoul for beautifully crafted desserts and drinks. The matcha yuzu pound cake has been selling out so quickly, so I visited the store hoping to try it. Although I couldn’t taste it this time, they kindly managed to reserve one for me for Christmas. The visit itself was an immersive, multi-sensory experience. I was impressed by the ceiling, the service, the flavors, and even the scent—every detail felt impeccably executed! I live in Tokyo, and all of my Japanese friends love Pond whenever I bring it to them. They even insist on paying for every variety. And for the record, this is nothing like Gendy—a completely different story.

We visited this cafe and bought some pastries, but were told we couldn’t dine in unless we also bought a drink. This policy wasn’t communicated clearly upfront, and it felt like we were forced to make an unnecessary purchase. The drinks were nothing special — overpriced and underwhelming. Really disappointing experience overall. Wouldn’t return.

The head patissier was busy glorifying his Michelin experience, but his "creation" is just a copy of Japan's Gendy. Nothing original to be found in their food, marketing, nor branding. Embarrassing.

Pastry boutique, specializing in financiers and caramel bars, reminiscent an art gallery/ bar. Refer to their Instagram account for details as they seem to come up with new flavours every once in a while. I purchased a box of caramel bars. Lovely service and delicate taste. They take pre orders via Instagram DM.

The most lux experience..

This is a copycat of Gendy.

한남동에 있는 유명한 디저트 가게라서 그런지 비오는 날이었음에도 불구하고 손님이 많았습니다. 마들렌과 머스켓듀를 먹었는데 정말 맛있네요. 커피보다는 차가 어울릴거 같다는 생각이 맞았습니다. 디저트 종류도 많아서 취향대로 즐기기 좋은 가게인거 같습니다.

아틀리에 폰드는 디저트를 조금 더 ‘경험’에 가깝게 만든다. 카라멜바는 과하게 달지 않으면서도 깊은 풍미가 살아 있고, 파운드와 쿠키 역시 재료의 질감과 향을 섬세하게 조율한 느낌이다. 한 입마다 완성도가 확실하게 느껴진다. 매장 분위기는 차분하고 단정해서, 잠시 머무르기만 해도 기분이 정돈된다. 커피와 디저트의 조합이 자연스럽게 이어지며, 조용히 쉬어가기 좋은 공간이다. 응대도 과하지 않고 세심해서 전체적인 인상이 매우 좋다. 선물용 패키지까지 고급스럽게 마무리돼 있어 누구에게 건네도 충분히 만족할 만하다.