On a trip to Daejeon, Sungsimdang is less a bakery and more a destination in itself. It started in 1956 as a small steamed-bun shop in front of Daejeon Station and celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2026.
The problem? There are so many kinds of bread inside.
On your first visit, it’s hard to know what to put on your tray. So here are Sungsimdang’s signature breads that are hard to go wrong with, even for first-timers.
1. First Time? Start With Twigim Soboro
If you could pick only one thing at Sungsimdang, it would be the Twigim Soboro (fried streusel bread).
Created in 1980, it combines red bean bread, soboro (streusel) bread and a doughnut in one bite, and the official website introduces it as Sungsimdang’s No. 1.
The outside is crunchy like streusel, and it’s filled with sweet red bean paste, so it’s fairly hearty.
Since it’s deep-fried, I’d suggest trying one or two first rather than eating several at once.
First visit → this is the first bread to grab.
2. Savory, Not Sweet: Myeongran Baguette
If you’re not a fan of sweet breads with red bean or cream, go for the Myeongran Baguette.
Sungsimdang’s website describes it as a baguette filled with Deokhwa myeongran (seasoned pollock roe). The crisp baguette and salty roe make it a completely different style from the Twigim Soboro.
It’s closer to a meal bread than a snack, so it goes well with milk or soup as well as coffee.
If you’re buying several, mix sweet and savory — for example one Twigim Soboro plus one Myeongran Baguette.
3. A Must on Any List: Bomunsan Meari
If you’re looking for a bread to take as a gift, Bomunsan Meari is a popular pick.
It’s made from layers of moist pastry rolled together and is one of Sungsimdang’s official signature products. It was launched in 2012 to celebrate the opening of the Daejeon Station branch.
Unlike the single-serving Twigim Soboro, it’s great for sharing.
If you’re choosing bread to enjoy with family after your Daejeon trip, Bomunsan Meari is a practical choice.
4. The 40-Year-Old Pantalong Buchu Bread
Alongside the Twigim Soboro, one of Sungsimdang’s longest-standing favorites is the Pantalong Buchu Bread (garlic chive bread).
It was created in 1986 and marks its 40th birthday in 2026.
It suits people who prefer mild, savory flavors over sweet dessert breads.
If you’re sampling several kinds with kids, it’s a good idea to mix in one or two meal-style breads like this rather than only sweet ones.
5. For Kids: Pure Madeleine
If you’re visiting with children, the Pure Madeleine is worth a look.
Sungsimdang describes it as a soft treat made with plenty of milk.
It’s not hard like a baguette and easier to eat than the Twigim Soboro, so it’s an easy snack for kids or for eating on the go.
It’s ideal for families looking for something simple to eat in the car or back at the hotel.
6. At the Cake Boutique: Pure Roll
If bread alone isn’t enough, stop by the Sungsimdang Cake Boutique too.
Its signature item is the Pure Roll.
It’s a soft castella sponge filled with fresh cream made from pure milk, launched when the main Cake Boutique opened in 2013. It’s still introduced as the boutique’s signature.
If you prefer soft desserts to bread, you may actually like the Pure Roll even more than the Twigim Soboro.
7. For Something Wholesome: Stone-Ground Whole Wheat Bread
If you prefer plain meal bread to fancy creams and toppings, try the Stone-Ground Whole Wheat Bread.
Whole wheat is ground in-house, mixed with organic flour and studded with walnuts.
On a first visit it’s easy to gravitate toward the Twigim Soboro or cakes, but if you’re looking for an everyday breakfast bread, check out this kind of loaf too.
8. For Gifts: Daejeon Blues Manju
For a Daejeon souvenir to take home, something easier to store and carry than bread is the way to go.
Daejeon Blues Manju is Sungsimdang’s signature gift item, made in six flavors: chestnut, Hwangnam (Gyeongju-style red bean), black sesame, yuja (citron), pumpkin and sweet potato.
Split your shopping — Twigim Soboro or Myeongran Baguette to eat that day, manju for gifts — and choosing becomes much easier.
What Should You Buy at Sungsimdang?
On a first visit, there’s no need to buy every popular item at once.
Here’s how I’d put together combos:
- First visit: Twigim Soboro + Pantalong Buchu Bread
- Savory over sweet: Myeongran Baguette + Pantalong Buchu Bread
- Sharing with family: Bomunsan Meari + Pure Roll
- Kids’ snacks: Pure Madeleine + Pure Roll
- Gifts from Daejeon: Bomunsan Meari + Daejeon Blues Manju
Rather than buying lots of everything, picking four or five different flavors is the best way to really taste Sungsimdang.
Main Store or DCC Branch?
The Sungsimdang main store is at 15 Daejong-ro 480beon-gil, Jung-gu, Daejeon, and is currently open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
If you’re exploring the Eunhaeng-dong and Jungang-ro area, the main store is the most convenient. The Cake Boutique, Sungsimdang Cultural Center and other related shops are clustered nearby, so it’s easy to treat Sungsimdang itself as a walking course.
If you’re visiting Expo Science Park, the National Science Museum or Hanbat Arboretum, the DCC branch is the better choice.
It’s on the first floor of the Daejeon Convention Center, and the first-floor store is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
For a Daejeon trip with kids, National Science Museum → Expo Science Park and Hanbat Arboretum → Sungsimdang DCC branch makes a natural route.
The Bottom Line
On your first visit to Sungsimdang, I recommend starting with three: Twigim Soboro, Myeongran Baguette and Bomunsan Meari.
Then add Pantalong Buchu Bread or Pure Roll to suit your taste.
Rather than buying every famous bread, it’s far more practical to split your picks into breads to eat right away, kids’ snacks and gifts to take home.
If you’re looking for things to do in Daejeon with kids, combine Sungsimdang with an Eunhaeng-dong walk or the National Science Museum and Expo area for a well-rounded day.