If you're looking for a fun and easygoing way to spend White Day in Seoul, I've got the perfect idea for you! Picture this: a day full of good vibes, delicious treats, and a dash of creativity. We all know the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach, but adding a little creativity? Now that's how you really impress! This course isn’t just about sharing a meal – it’s about creating unforgettable memories. Whether you’re spending the day with someone special or hanging out with friends, you’ll bond in a way that’s both fun and meaningful. Trust me, it’ll be a White Day you won’t forget!

As a European in Korea, living without an oven (and therefore without the ability to bake) has been an experience like no other. For weeks, if not months, I’d been looking for a place where I could live out my baking dreams again – and I found it right before White Day in 2024. I originally discovered Ponyosom on Instagram, like most of my favorite spots. Given that the only dessert my boyfriend truly loves is cheesecake, my passion for baking, and the fact that I was looking for something fun to do on White Day, it made for the perfect opportunity. For 35,000 won per person, I booked their one-day cheesecake baking class. The class included four different flavored cheesecakes – both baking and decorating, plus decorating the box.

This experience completely blew my mind. The staff was incredibly kind and helpful, documenting our progress every step of the way. When we arrived, we were welcomed by two friendly ladies who guided us to the baking area of the studio. They had already pre-portioned the ingredients for our mini cheesecakes and prepared a list of flavors to choose from. In the end, I chose Oreo and Biscoff (my favorite cookies), while my boyfriend went with Cheese-its and plain cheesecake.

The baking itself was so easy, thanks to the pre-measured ingredients and the kind guidance from our teachers. Within just thirty minutes, our cheesecakes were ready to go into the oven. While waiting, the studio encourages you to draw on the cake box – another creative activity I loved.

Once the cheesecakes finished baking, we decorated them, took some pictures around the adorable studio, packed up, and went on our way. The studio is located at Nakseongdae Station on Line 2, not too far from one of my favorite parks in Korea, Boramae Park. This park was once an airforce base but was remodeled into a beautiful green space.

We took a bus from the studio to the Boramae area, stopping by a café to grab some coffee and bread for our picnic. Of course, desserts were already covered! We sat down at a picnic bench, surrounded by other couples and happy families. The weather was warm and sunny, with flowers in full bloom thanks to the start of spring, and the air was still fresh and clean. Lunch was amazing as expected, with the cheesecakes being the perfect sweet touch at the end.

After the picnic, we strolled around the park. Luckily, it was just time for the water show on the lake. Though I’ve watched this show many times over the years, it remains just as beautiful as ever, especially with the surrounding scenery. We greeted some grandpas playing Go, watched the dogs at the dog park, and of course, checked out the section with the old military planes on display.

After leaving the park, we continued walking along Dorimcheon Stream, the stream that connects SNU and Gwanak Mountain with the Han River. We occasionally stopped to watch the birds, play at the workout zones, or cross the stepping stones. Right next to the stream is a famous café, Designery Café, which overlooks the stream. This place offers not only great coffee but also a really nice view of Sillim. What I love most about this café is the ability to sit outside and people-watch, which, as a European, I miss dearly and find rare in Korea.

We sat on the top deck of the café, taking in the views of one of my favorite neighborhoods in Seoul. Sillim’s charm isn’t about being trendy or fast-paced – it’s the quietness, warmth, and sense of community that you just can’t find anywhere else. It’s the perfect place to recharge on the weekend, and you can really feel that energy while sitting on the rooftop terrace of this café.

After what felt like hours of chatting with my boyfriend at the café, the clock struck 6 – time for dinner! Though I love Korean food, today just felt like a day for Japanese cuisine. We crossed the stream to the other side of Sillim, a neighborhood that might seem quiet at first glance. But here, you’ll find one of my favorite restaurants in Korea: Sinten, a local Tendong place.