Discover Pierre Hermé’s Exquisite Macarons and Cakes at Lotte Department Store Pop-Up!

Pierre Hermé is a name every dessert obsessive knows.

In Korea you can catch his creations at spots like Andaz Seoul and Park Hyatt Busan.

I swung by his popup at Lotte’s flagship in Myeongdong this March to see what all the fuss is about.

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When you love sweets as much as I do, a popup like this is irresistible.

Here’s the lowdown on what I tasted and why it’s worth a visit.

The popup is set up on the B1 level of Lotte’s flagship

and ran from Feb. 20 through Mar. 31.

It’s a short window, so plan ahead if you want to try something special.

Because the brand is so sought-after, the popup drew steady crowds during my visit.

Expect lines and quick sell-outs for fan favorites.

That said, the display is worth scouting if you love refined pastries.

Among macaron obsessives, Pierre Hermé sits in the same rarefied air as Ladurée —

celebrated for imaginative flavors and textures like the famed Ispahan experience.

His macarons are prized for precision and balance.

Pierre Hermé’s macarons were a highlight of the popup.

During my visit, many customers were buying macarons — they were clearly a top seller.

If you want a guaranteed hit, grab a box early.

Paris-based pâtissier and chef Pierre Hermé brings more than macarons to the table —

the popup included an array of bakery treats and signature cakes.

I picked up a famous pound cake and a chocolate cake to taste-test.

The madeleines were especially hot — nearly as popular as the macarons.

They were selling fast, so grab them early if you want one.

Famous names can skew expectations, so I taste first and judge later.

Below are my honest impressions after sampling several items.

Short, sharp, and delicious — here’s what stood out.

I grabbed three each of three macaron flavors —

raspberry, chocolate, and passionfruit.

Here’s what I found.

The filling wasn’t overly sweet, which was a welcome surprise,

and unlike some macarons where flavors blur together,

each one showcased a distinct, honest flavor profile.

When some macarons veer cloying, these stayed balanced.

The shells cracked with a satisfying snap,

giving way to a chewy interior — classic, expertly executed texture.

I was sold — this felt like the real deal.

My favorite? The passionfruit chocolate macaron — bright, tangy, and perfectly balanced.

The chocolate cake delivered a pleasant, slightly bitter dark-chocolate note,

with an aftertaste that lingered in a very pleasing way.

The cream wasn’t cloyingly sweet; instead it left a lovely sweet-and-bitter finish.

Honestly, I found its finish more memorable than some I’ve had from La Maison du Chocolat.

Madeleines can be hit-or-miss — they often come out dry or too sweet.

These were offered in chocolate, hazelnut, and yuzu,

and while the glaze and filling sounded indulgent, the taste was surprisingly restrained.

Each ingredient had room to shine, so one bite felt just right.

The chocolate + yuzu pairing was a standout — sweet and zesty in the best way.

They felt sophisticated, not saccharine — a definite recommend.

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As a byword for luxury desserts and often dubbed the “Picasso of pastries,”

Pierre Hermé appears only rarely in Korea,

so don’t miss this chance — the popup at Lotte’s flagship in Myeongdong is worth the trip.

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