Review of Visiting Malttong Donut, the Largest Dessert Town in Korea

Everything About Maltong Donuts, All Sorted at Once!

Where on earth is this place? The hottest spot these days, seen everywhere from SNS to music videos and even commercials. If you're interested in hot places, you've probably seen it at least once. With its vivid colored exterior reminiscent of America, this is the cafe called Malttong Donut, known as LA Town in Paju, Gyeonggi-do. Keywords like 'the largest dessert town in Korea' and 'mega scale' perfectly describe Malttong Donut, where I braved the long wait to visit. I'll share everything from photo zones to donut reviews and insider tips. How about Malttong Donut for your date course this weekend?

The signboard is so big that your eyes and mouth drop wide open. Even from afar, it feels exotic, giving you the impression you're abroad. Since it's located in Paju, Gyeonggi-do, many visitors come by car. There's a large parking lot right in front of the building, and a second parking lot just a one-minute walk away, so parking is ample. However, many people say, "We're just taking out!" and don't park properly. Since this cafe has a long wait, I thought it would be nice if people parked properly out of consideration for others.

▶ Photo Zone ①: The entrance, so obvious you don't even need to mention it!

As soon as I stepped inside, even though I've never been to America, I thought, 'This must be what America feels like!' As a Seoul native, I felt like I was really traveling by going out to the outskirts. On one wall, there's a drawing of a baby with a grumpy expression unlike anything I've seen before. Why would a baby be grumpy in a place that delights the eyes and mouth? Haha.

▶ Photo Zone ②: Take a shot with the sulky kid!

Did you know the various donut-shaped circles are photo zones? The phrase written above, DONUT WORRY, BE HAPPY!, fits perfectly. Am I the only one reminded of a high-teen movie?

▶ Photo Zone ③: Sitting inside the donut is Malttong Donut's signature!

▶ Photo Zone ④: There's a large full-length mirror between ② and ③, so a mirror selfie is a must!

After taking photos, if you go up to the second floor, there is a spacious seating area where you can eat. Of course, there are seats on the first floor as well, but it tends to be crowded due to orders and photo zones.

To the right of the entrance is the Malttong Gift Shop displaying various cups and hoodies. They also sell cereals and snacks, so besides donuts, it's perfect for a palate cleanser or gifts. Now, shall we go eat donuts and drinks?

You just naturally line up behind the people already waiting at the entrance. Here's a must-know insider tip!

▶ Tip ①: If you visit with two or more people, one should line up while another secures a seat in advance.

▶ Tip ②: If you only want to order drinks or want to get drinks first, you can skip this line and go straight to the ORDER line!

When packing donuts, a small box holds 4-6 donuts, and a large box holds 8-12. If you pack many cream-filled donuts, the cream might burst, so the quantity varies.

After a long wait, I was finally about to order donuts, but I was confused because the donut names were not labeled in front of the showcase. You have to point with your finger and say, "I'll have this one," which was inconvenient. Since identical donuts were placed side by side, I even asked if they were the same. It was disappointing that there was no clear guidance.

▶ Tip ③: Since some menus are sold out, it’s convenient to take a photo of the menu on top of the showcase and decide in advance.

Donuts are broadly classified into regular glazed and cream-filled donuts. Most donuts with holes in the center are glazed and have the basic flavor we know. At Malttong Donut, you must try the cream-filled donuts. The chewy dough is generously filled with cream to the point it overflows.

▶ Recommended Menu ①: Malttong Choco. It tastes moderately sweet, like a creamy version of Papico.

▶ Recommended Menu ②: The 'Soil-covered' donut with caramel coating, Lotus powder, and fresh cream inside.

There is a wide variety of drinks including coffee, non-coffee, and gelato. Since I ordered donuts, I wanted to try the drink with an upside-down cone ice cream, but there was no photo of the drink, so I ordered incorrectly. Remember that drinks with donuts on top are shakes, and those with gelato on top are smoothies.

▶ Tip ④: If you ordered donuts, order a smoothie topped with gelato!

Malttong Donut had as many disappointments as expectations. If you are someone who must visit hot places, I recommend it. It's a chance to change your profile picture. Warm sunlight comes in during the day, and it’s said to be dazzling at night. I visited during the day this time, so if I get the chance, I want to visit at night to feel even more hip. DOUNT YOU LOVE IT? I LOVE DOUNT♥

Photo by Yoon Eun-ae