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Summer heat means milkshake season! Here is now to find this delicious treat in South Korea. We also share a bunch of spots to try in Pyeongtaek-si.
About Milkshakes in South Korea
Milkshakes in South Korea may look like the ones back home, but don’t expect the same flavors or textures. Instead of ultra-thick American-style shakes, many Korean cafes offer milk-based drinks that are thinner and lighter. You might find them closer to flavored milk than ice cream blends. But don’t worry, there are still plenty of indulgent options for sweet tooths! Look for specialty dessert cafés or American-themed diners if you’re craving a classic chocolate or strawberry shake.
Bring an open mind and you will love what you discover!
What to Expect from Milkshakes in Korea
Now that you know things might be different from home, here are different types of milkshakes you might find:
Classic American Milkshakes
This might be more common near US military bases located in South Korea:
- Made with: Real ice cream blended with milk
- Texture: Thick and creamy — you might need a spoon
- Flavors: Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and sometimes malted
- Toppings: Usually simple — maybe whipped cream or a cherry
- Where to find: American diners or cafes with a retro U.S. theme
- In Korean: 아이스크림 쉐이크
Korean-Style or Fusion Milkshakes
Served at American themed diners around the country:
- Made with: Ice cream or soft serve blended with milk or syrup
- Texture: Often lighter or icier than American versions
- Flavors: Oreo, green tea, injeolmi (roasted soybean), strawberry, banana
- Toppings: Drizzles, crunchy toppings, or even cereal
- Where to find: Dessert cafes, fusion restaurants, food trucks
- Note: Many are designed to be more of a dessert drink than a side to a meal
Freakshakes (a trend, not a tradition)
Located in cafes and trendy eateries:
- Made with: Milkshake + half a dessert on top
- Toppings: Whole brownies, donuts, churros, cookies, whipped cream towers
- Purpose: Instagram-worthy visuals and sugar overload
- Where to find: Trendy Instagram-focused dessert cafes
- In Korean: 프릭쉐이크
If You Love Milkshakes You Should Try the Seasonal Milks
Don’t be afraid to try new beverages that are milkshake adjacent. In Korea, strawberries (딸기) are a seasonal delicacy. During their winter and early spring season, many cafés go all out during. Dessert spots and cafes often offer fresh strawberry milkshakes made with real fruit and milk, sometimes layered with whipped cream or topped with cheesecake. These aren’t your typical syrup-based drinks. If you see 딸기쉐이크 or 생딸기우유 on the menu, you’re in for a treat. Visit cafés between January and April for the freshest options.
Where to Find Thick, American-Style Milkshakes in Korea
Craving a milkshake you need a spoon for? While most Korean cafés serve thinner styles, you can find rich, creamy milkshakes in places like:
- American burger chains (e.g., Shake Shack, Brooklyn Burger Joint)
- Retro diners and brunch spots in Itaewon or Hongdae
- Craft dessert cafés that focus on ice cream or handmade gelato
Milkshake Ordering Tip
When ordering in Korea, if you’re picky about consistency or sweetness, it helps to ask:
- 얼마나 진해요? (eol-ma-na jin-hae-yo?) – “How thick is it?”
- 우유 베이스예요? 아이스크림 베이스예요? – “Is it milk-based or ice cream-based?”
Also, remember: some Korean cafes may label smoothies, frappes, or even soft-serve drinks as “milkshakes” on the menu. If you’re chasing that thick, creamy diner-style experience, look for places that specialize in American or European desserts.
What to Search on Naver Maps or Naver Blogs
Use Naver to search for: “쉐이크” and your area “평택” in Hangul to discover spots near you.
Milkshakes Options in Pyeongtaek-si
If you live in or near Pyeongtaek-si, here are some milkshake options you might enjoy.
Biltong Box
010 4794 3103
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Name
빌통박스 앤 델리
Hangul Address
경기 평택시 팽성읍 안정순환로172번길 43
Description
South African meatpies and meals. A family run business with delicious flavors from home.
Happy Shake & More
Hangul Address
경기 평택시 중앙시장로 1-1
Description
Milkshakes, Smoothies, and more.
Rockys Burgers
031-667-4502
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Name
록키즈버거
Hangul Address
경기 평택시 쇼핑로 8
Description
A Korean/Western burgers joint done up to look like a 50s cafe. Quite popular with Koreans.
Main Street Cafe
031-684-2223
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Name
메인스트리트
Hangul Address
경기 평택시 포승읍 만호리 697-17
Description
Huge space, tons of photo ops, kids play area, 4 floors, very detailed and unique
Cosmic Cat Paengseong
Hangul Address
경기도 평택시 팽성읍 안정순환로222번길 93-3
Description
American style donuts filled with flavor.
292 Lu Bakery
0316546285
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Name
292루 베이커리
Hangul Address
평택시 팽성대교길 99
Description
This bakery began in Sosabeol and has since moved to its new, larger location outside the the gate of Camp Humphreys. It specializes in Sourdough, rye, and 6 grain bread, as well as sandwiches and salads.
Gravity Coffee Roasters Seojeong
0507-1364-4652
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Name
그래비티 서정점
Hangul Address
경기 평택시 서정역로36번길 92
Description
Gravity (Seojeong Branch) is a modern, café near Seojeong Station, offering a clean, European-style interior with plenty of seating, and some free parking. The menu includes drip coffee, lattes, blended drinks, smoothies, and signature desserts like croffles, cakes, and scones. Popular picks include iced Americano, berry herbal tea, milkshakes, and specialty fares like the “Himalaya latte.” Known for its cozy atmosphere, refill options, and dessert-rich menu, it’s ideal for dates, solo visits, or café tours.
Bibbia Cafe
0507-1491-0348
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Name
비비아
Hangul Address
경기 평택시 팽성읍 송화택지로 136 1층 비비아카페
Description
Cute and cozy donut and coffee shop with Instagram friendly spots for photos!
Cup Nut Godeok
070-7801-0202
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Name
컵넛 평택고덕신도시점
Hangul Address
경기 평택시 함박산7길 25
Description
Cup Nut in Pyeongtaek’s Godeok New City serves artisanal donuts and café drinks in a spacious, clean shop with parking. Open daily 10 AM–10 PM (last order 9:30 PM), with earlier opening during spring and summer. Try signature items like crème brûlée donut, Lotus donut, vanilla cream donut, mini churros, and seasonal bingsu. The café also offers lattes, teas, juices, and more . Order ahead via PASS app. Friendly staff and stylish interior make it perfect for coffee dates or casual outings.
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Jetta Allen
Ja Houn Gu
Jung Jun Seo
Eunseon Jeong