I tried to buy a 두쫀쿠 last week and the line was insane. Like, 50 people waiting before the store even opened. My husband was like “it’s just a cookie” and I was like “YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND.” This dessert is everywhere in Korea right now.
What Is 두쫀쿠?
두쫀쿠 (doo-jjon-koo) is short for 두바이 쫀득쿠키 (Dubai Chewy Cookie).
Breaking it down:
- 두 = 두바이 (Dubai)
- 쫀 = 쫀득 (chewy/sticky texture)
- 쿠 = 쿠키 (cookie)
It combines pistachio spread, crunchy kadaif noodles, chocolate coating, and chewy marshmallow cookie dough. The result is a soft, chewy cookie ball with crunchy-gooey Dubai chocolate filling inside, rolled in cocoa powder.
Fun fact: Despite the name, this dessert doesn’t actually exist in Dubai. It was invented in Korea.
How Did This Happen?
In 2024, Dubai chocolate went viral globally - that green pistachio bar with crunchy kadaif filling. Korea went crazy for it.
Around the same time, Korea already had 쫀득쿠키 (chewy marshmallow cookies) trending. Someone thought: “What if we put Dubai chocolate INSIDE a chewy cookie?” And 두쫀쿠 was born.
The trend exploded when Jang Wonyoung (from IVE) posted a photo eating one on Instagram in September 2025. After that, everyone wanted one.
Why Koreans Love It
The Texture: Koreans love 쫀득한 (chewy) textures - 떡, 찹쌀빵, 쫀득쿠키. This hits that perfect chewy-crunchy combo.
FOMO Culture: There’s a phrase: “안 먹어보면 뒤처진다” (If you don’t try it, you’re falling behind). This dessert became social currency.
The Hunt: Many places sell out within hours. This creates 오픈런 (open-run - running to stores when they open) and “두쫀쿠 지도” apps showing where to find them.
Essential Vocabulary
두쫀쿠 (dujjonku) - The dessert itself
오픈런 (open-run) - Running to a store when it opens
“내일 두쫀쿠 오픈런 할 거야” (I’m doing an open-run tomorrow)
품절 (pumjeol) - Sold out
“또 품절이야?!” (Sold out AGAIN?!)
쫀득쫀득 (jjondeuk-jjondeuk) - Describes chewy texture
“진짜 쫀득쫀득해!” (It’s so chewy!)
중독성 있어 (jungdokseong isseo) - “It’s addictive”
Where to Get It
Big Chains: 파리바게뜨, 던킨, 설빙
Famous Shops: 몬트쿠키 (often credited as the originator)
Price: Started at ₩3,000-4,000, now ₩10,000+ (pistachio imports struggling)
How to Order
Key phrases:
- “두쫀쿠 있어요?” (dujjonku isseoyo?) - Do you have dujjonku?
- “몇 개 남았어요?” (myeot gae namasseoyo?) - How many are left?
- “포장이요” (pojangiyo) - To go
- “여기서 먹을게요” (yeogiseo meogeulgeyo) - I’ll eat here
My Experience
I finally got one after three failed attempts. First time: sold out. Second time: 2-hour line with a toddler (no thanks). Third time: success.
Was it worth it? Yes. The texture is amazing - chewy outside, crunchy pistachio inside. I get the hype now.
My husband tried it and said “대박… 이게 뭐야?” He gets it now too.
🎯 Quick Quiz
1. What does 두쫀쿠 stand for?
- A) 두바이 초콜릿 쿠키
- B) 두바이 쫀득쿠키
- C) 두껍고 쫀득한 쿠키
2. What does 오픈런 mean?
- A) Running a store
- B) Running to a store when it opens
- C) Open running shoes
3. What does 쫀득쫀득 describe?
- A) Crunchy texture
- B) Chewy texture
- C) Soft texture
Check Answers
- B - 두바이 쫀득쿠키 (Dubai Chewy Cookie)
- B - Running to a store when it opens (to get limited items)
- B - Chewy/sticky texture
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