The Rise of 'Halmaenial': Why Young Koreans are Obsessed with Traditional Desserts
The Rise of 'Halmaenial': Why Young Koreans are Obsessed with Traditional Desserts Move over macarons and milk tea. There is a massive new wave taking over the culinary streets of Seoul, and it is coming straight out of grandma’s pantry. Welcome to the world of "Halmaenial" (할매니얼) —a clever blend of the Korean word for grandmother ( Halmoni ) and Millennial . This massive cultural lifestyle phenomenon describes the global Gen Z and Millennial obsession with old-school Korean tastes, vintage fashion, and traditional treats once considered outdated. Walk into any high-end bakery or pop-up store in Seoul today, and you won't just find classic croissants. Instead, you will find long lines of young foodies waiting for hours to buy glossed medicinal pastries, deep-fried rice donuts, and lattes infused with roasted grains. For international travelers and global foodies, this trend offers a delicious entry point into Korea's evolving lifestyle scene. ...