Pumpkin Spice Lattes in Pyeongtaek
- Melissa Edwards-Whittington
- Aug 29
- 8 min read
Updated: Sep 3
Pumpkin Spice Lattes in Pyeongtaek: Where to Find PSLs in Korea This Fall
It’s that magical time of year again, the air gets crisp (well, eventually), the sweaters come out of storage, and pumpkin spice lattes (PSLs) start popping up everywhere.
In the U.S., PSL season is basically a cultural holiday, Starbucks drops the drink in late August, social media explodes, and suddenly every candle, cookie, and lip balm has a pumpkin spice version.
But here in Korea? The PSL craze isn’t quite the same. While pumpkin itself is loved here (호박 hobak shows up in soups, porridges, and even lattes), the “pumpkin spice” blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and ginger isn’t as ingrained in local fall traditions. That means your standard Korean “pumpkin latte” (호박라떼) is usually a warm, slightly sweet drink made with actual pumpkin puree, not the cinnamon-spiked, nostalgia-filled concoction many of us crave when the leaves start to turn.
And while Americans may be sipping PSLs before Labor Day, here in Korea the season often starts later. With summer heat hanging on, local cafés usually introduce pumpkin spice lattes in September, where they stay on menus as cozy companions through fall and even into winter.
Pumpkin Spice Latte vs. Pumpkin Latte in Korea: What’s the Difference?
This is where expats can get tripped up. Order a “pumpkin latte” at your neighborhood café, and what you’ll get is a creamy, orange-colored drink that tastes more like baby food than fall in a cup. It’s good, it’s wholesome, it’s very Korean, but it’s not pumpkin spice.
A pumpkin spice latte is all about the spice blend. It’s not about the pumpkin itself (though there may be pumpkin involved); this is really all about the spice. It’s that cozy mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a flannel blanket at a bonfire.
Where to Find Pumpkin Spice Lattes in Pyeongtaek Cafes?
The good news? Local cafés in Pyeongtaek have caught on to the love foreigners have for pumpkin spice lattes and many now create their own seasonal syrups to bring this fall favorite to life. Each year, a handful of expat-friendly shops roll out their versions, giving us all a little taste of home in a cup.
Independent coffee shops around Anjeong-ri, especially near Camp Humphreys, are often the first to experiment with PSLs. Some baristas even craft syrups specifically with their foreign customers in mind, so it’s always worth asking if they’ve got something special brewing for fall. Just don’t wait too long, PSL season in Korea tends to appear for only a short window, and they can disappear as quickly as they arrive.
Here are a few local spots to keep an eye on the social media accounts when PSL Season in Korea hits (which can happen as early as September 1):
Café Counting Stars
Café Hangout
Café Louis
Coffee DO
Coffeeville
Cosmic Cat Bagel Café
Cosmic Cat Donuts
The Cottage
Giddy
Good Neighbor
Hundreds Lounge
Tio John’s
Why Pumpkin Spice Latte Season Feels Like Home for Expats in Korea
For many of us, the pumpkin spice latte isn’t just about coffee, it’s about tradition. It’s that little reminder of home, the comfort of familiar flavors, and the joy of being part of a seasonal ritual. In Korea, where seasons are already celebrated with their own unique flavors (think bingsu in summer, hotteok in winter), PSLs are like a cultural bridge, something distinctly American that still finds its place here.
So, PSL lovers, rejoice! Fall in Korea may not look exactly like fall back home, but the flavors of the season are never too far away. With local cafés stepping up their game, your pumpkin spice cravings can absolutely be satisfied, latte art and all. And a few locations add some other fall drinks in Pyeongtaek as well such as apple ciders or other seasonal favorites.
Pumpkin Patch Fun in Korea: The Bear Foot Gardens Experience
Missing that classic American pumpkin patch tradition? You don’t have to! Each fall, Bear Foot Gardens brings the pumpkin farm experience right here to Korea. Chef Ryan Wesley Phillips and his crew host Pumpkin Family Farm Days, giving families and friends the chance to celebrate autumn in a festive, all-American way.
Think more than just pumpkins, you’ll find activities like pumpkin carving, a haunted house, a cozy photo zone to capture your finished jack-o-lantern, plus delicious seasonal food to round out the day. It’s an event that has quickly become a fall favorite for expats craving those nostalgic pumpkin patch vibes.
Keep in mind: these events usually require pre-payment and reservations for your time slot, so be sure to plan ahead.
For the latest updates, dates, and details, check out their Facebook page: Bear Foot Gardens Events.
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Bear Foot Gardens
반월동 311-21
Gyeonggi-do Hwaseong-si Banwol-dong 311-21
Pyeongtaek Cafes Serving Pumpkin Spice Lattes
Make sure to check out their social media accounts to see when PSL season Korea begins at the cafes in Pyeongtaek below!
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292LU Bakery
경기도 평택시 팽성읍 42-49
Gyeonggi-do Pyeongtaek-si Paengseong-eup 42-49
Café Counting Stars
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Counting Star
경기도 평택시 신장동 302-133
Gyeonggi-do Pyeongtaek-si Sinjang-dong 302-133
Café Hangout
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CAFE HANGOUT
경기도 평택시 팽성읍 113-209
Gyeonggi-do Pyeongtaek-si Paengseong-eup 113-209
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CAFE HANGOUT
경기도 평택시 팽성읍 51-2
Gyeonggi-do Pyeongtaek-si Paengseong-eup 51-2
Café Louis
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Cafe Louis
경기도 평택시 팽성읍 141-15
Gyeonggi-do Pyeongtaek-si Paengseong-eup 141-15
Coffee DO
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Coffee Dio
경기도 평택시 팽성읍 1-1
Gyeonggi-do Pyeongtaek-si Paengseong-eup 1-1
Coffeeville
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Coffee Maeul
경기도 평택시 팽성읍 127-31
Gyeonggi-do Pyeongtaek-si Paengseong-eup 127-31
Cosmic Cat Bagel Café
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Cosmic Cat Cafe&Bagel
경기도 평택시 팽성읍 99-30
Gyeonggi-do Pyeongtaek-si Paengseong-eup 99-30
Cosmic Cat Donuts
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Cosmic Cat Donut
경기도 평택시 팽성읍 113-72
Gyeonggi-do Pyeongtaek-si Paengseong-eup 113-72
The Cottage
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The Cottage Cafe
경기도 평택시 팽성읍 153-24
Gyeonggi-do Pyeongtaek-si Paengseong-eup 153-24
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DewDrop
경기도 평택시 팽성읍 369-10
Gyeonggi-do Pyeongtaek-si Paengseong-eup 369-10
Giddy
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Giddy
경기도 평택시 서정동 839-3
Gyeonggi-do Pyeongtaek-si Seojeong-dong 839-3
Good Neighbor
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GOOD NEIGHBOR
경기도 평택시 팽성읍 41-68
Gyeonggi-do Pyeongtaek-si Paengseong-eup 41-68
Hundreds Lounge
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HUNDREDS
경기도 평택시 팽성읍 41-69
Gyeonggi-do Pyeongtaek-si Paengseong-eup 41-69
Tio John’s
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Tio John's
경기도 평택시 팽성읍 원정리 140
Gyeonggi-do Pyeongtaek-si Paengseong-eup 140
Fall Recipes and Pumpkin Spice Favorites in Korea
While you’re daydreaming about your perfect pumpkin spice latte, why not fall into all things cozy, culinary, and wonderfully autumnal? Here are some seasonal delights to inspire your taste buds and your travel stroller:
Get your bake on with a rustic, mouthwatering Pumpkin Bread Recipe: Fall’s Coziest Homemade Loaf. This bread is the kind that makes your entire home smell like comfort—and pairs beautifully with a warm PSL.
Turn dinner into something elegant by trying Italian Cooking: Pumpkin Ravioli. Fall meets Italy in a pasta dish that’s as indulgent as it is heartwarming.
Dress up your dessert game with the ultimate holiday star:The Ultimate Gingerbread Bundt Cake Recipe for the Holidays. It’s festive, spiced, and guaranteed to impress.
For the pumpkin lovers in Pyeongtaek, check out 3 Fall Korean Foods for Pumpkin Lovers (with Pyeongtaek Locations) on South of Seoul’s blog. Two thumbs up from me for its mix of tasty autumn eats and local context.
Think PSL vibes, but Korean-style with an exploration of Pumpkin Spice Season in Pyeongtaek: Pumpkin Spice Season in Pyeongtaek. It’s a local perspective worth bookmarking this fall.
Finally, don’t miss out on the wonderfully quirky: Pumpkin Duck in Pyeongtaek—yes, you read that right. Duck and pumpkin bring serious autumn drama to the table, and it’s a dish that deserves its own cinematic close-up.
Fall Foliage and Autumn Adventures in Korea
Forget scrolling through endless pine filter photos; the true magic of autumn in Korea waits just outside your door. From lantern-lit nights to scenic hikes, here’s your curated guide to fall’s finest foliar moments and seasonal escapades:
Map out autumn’s palette with a guide to Fall Foliage in South Korea. It’s your personal cheat sheet to the country’s most Instagram-worthy foliage returns.
Bask in golden glow at Korea’s premier festival: Jinju Lantern Festival on Namgang River showcases over 400,000 lanterns illuminating the water and trees—pure enchanting fall vibes that light the soul (and your Instagram feed).
Pyeongtaek’s palette: For close-by wanderers, there’s no need to go far. Fall Colors Near Pyeongtaek highlights the best local spots for leaf-peeping with minimal travel required.
Hit the trails: Lace-up your hiking boots and head out with confidence using this guide: Hiking During Fall Colors. Expect crisp air, scenic views, and that addictive crunch underfoot.
Perfect day plan: Want a tried-and-true local itinerary that’s low-stress and high-cozy? The Best Basic Fall Day in Pyeongtaek is tailor-made for an effortless autumn outing.
Pick your autumn snack: Nothing says “fall” like hand-picking your fruit. Fall Apple Picking in South Korea pairs scenic orchard strolls with the undeniable joy of crisp, sun-warm apples.
Bring your pup along: Allergic to ‘stay home day’? This guide to a Fall Dog-Friendly Saturday Itinerary in Chuncheon invites both you and your furry BFF for an autumnal adventure.
Travel off-peak, enjoy fall’s quiet beauty: Ditch the crowds and discover the understated charm of Korea’s quieter side with this thoughtful read: Off-Season in Gangwon-do.
Pumpkin Spice Season in Pyeongtaek, Korea: Final Thoughts
Whether you’re sipping on a pumpkin spice latte in Pyeongtaek, nibbling on fresh-baked pumpkin bread, carving pumpkins at Bear Foot Gardens, or planning a crisp hike through Korea’s stunning fall foliage, one thing’s certain, autumn in Korea is anything but ordinary.
For expats, PSL season is more than just coffee; it’s a nostalgic taste of home wrapped up in cinnamon, nutmeg, and cozy vibes. For locals, it’s a chance to try something new, blending traditional Korean flavors with international influences. Together, it creates a fall season worth celebrating.
From hidden cafés crafting pumpkin spice syrups to pumpkin patch family fun, apple picking, lantern festivals, and leaf-peeping across the peninsula, there are endless ways to make the most of autumn in Korea. And let’s be honest, pairing a PSL with a scenic stroll under fiery fall foliage or a jack-o’-lantern photo op? That’s the kind of bucket-list moment you’ll want to repeat year after year.
So here’s your challenge, PSL lovers and fall enthusiasts: don’t let the season slip by. Support local cafés in Pyeongtaek, book your spot at Bear Foot Gardens for the full pumpkin patch experience, try a new fall recipe, grab your friends (and maybe your pup), and make this autumn in Korea your most colorful yet. Because while pumpkin spice may not be everywhere here, with a little curiosity and adventure, you can always find that perfect sip and slice of fall magic.
Share your favorite PSL spots, pumpkin patch memories, or Korean autumn adventures with us on social media. Tag United on the RoK Magazine and show us how you’re celebrating pumpkin spice season in Korea!
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