The proliferation of large-scale franchise bakeries has occurred over the past two decades, with the number of establishments increasing to the point that it appears that there is at least one franchise bakery on every corner serving conventional cakes and baked products.
But in recent years, the number of independent bakeries that serve goods fresh out of the oven alongside hot drinks has increased, not only in major cities but also more frequently on the outskirts of towns and cities. Customers are drawn to these "destination bakeries" by their distinctive décor and innovative menus, which are updated on a regular basis.
Another reason for the popularity of mega-sized bakeries among visitors who wish to stay is the abundance of seats, which is commonly used to take in the view that is unfolding outside the window.
In most cases, destination bakeries are located an hour or two away from the city center, making them an excellent choice for a special weekend brunch, as well.
One such location is the Yangsuri Bread Factory, which is located in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province. Five-story bakery with a panoramic view of Dumulmeori, the point where two branches of the Han River come together. The open kitchen allows visitors to observe the chefs kneading dough on one side and decorating pastries on the other. The bakery is located on the second floor.
If you find yourself overwhelmed by the variety of baked goodies on offer, there is assistance available: A separate display features staff recommendations, which are shown alongside the most popular goods on trays numbered one through three.
"Our employees, including the bakers, participate in tasting sessions four times a year to determine which bread is the best. "We are able to assure our consumers that they can rely on our selections, and we are extremely happy of that," Yang In-hye, the store's manager, said in an interview with The Korea Herald on Jan. 7.
According to Yang, the outdoor patio tables are completely occupied on weekends due to a large number of pet owners and families with young children. All baked goods are created and sold on the same day, with any unsold items being donated to Pushpin, a nongovernmental group that aids the communities in the surrounding area.
The price of typical baked goods ranges from 6,000 won to 8,000 won, and a cup of Americano costs 6,000 won.
P.Ark Cafe and Bakery is a 10-minute walk from the Busan International Cruise Terminal and is one of the largest bakeries in Yeongdo. It is open seven days a week and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
On a Saturday afternoon, a diverse range of clients, ranging from young couples to huge families, were busy making selections from the extensive selection of bread and baked goods available.
According to a man in his 60s, "I recently discovered this location on a popular website with a list of bakeries where you can stay and eat near Busan," he located the bakery online. "When it comes to bread, my wife is extremely picky, and she declared this establishment to be the best in town. "I appreciate this magnificent vista, which changes in color every time I come here, therefore we come here frequently." Another popular delicacy created by the bakery is the squid-ink cream cheese donut, which is often in high demand and frequently sold out.
A little indoor tropical forest is positioned in the center of the bakery, which makes it feel like a mini-vacation destination in and of itself.
"P.Ark is an abbreviation for the Platform of Ark for Creators. Everything in this building is centered around the bakery, which is where we attract the bulk of our clients. All of the other places given in this building combine to create a holistic experience while enjoying bread and coffee," a store employee told The Korea Herald.
Depending on the item, prices might range from 3,000 won to 8,000 won. A cup of Americano costs 6,000 won.
A total of five Frangerie locations may be found throughout Seoul and Gyeonggi Province. The largest, which debuted in September in Seoul's Sinchon district, is the most recent addition. The lower floor of the two-story bakery is dedicated to serving customers, while the upper floor is dedicated to cooking.
The apple bread is the most well-known of the 150 different types of baked goods that are produced three times a day in the bakery. The filling, which is shaped like a brilliant red apple, is made up of a rich apple jam and cream cheese mixture.
Due to our location in the city core, we are also available through delivery applications such as Coupang Eats and Baemin. A business manager said Wednesday that more customers come in on weekends to dine in and enjoy the "quiet and unusual environment and music that are hard to find in other franchise bakeries in the area."
It costs 3,900 won for the apple bread, and many other popular things, such as buttermilk scones, are available for purchase at the same price.