What Is Bingsu – Korea’s Ultimate Summer Dessert?🍧

If you haven’t tried Bingsu (빙수) yet, now’s the perfect time! This Korean shaved ice dessert isn’t just refreshing — it’s a true symbol of summer in South Korea. And it comes with some fun facts you might not know 😉

Bingsu with mango, grapefruit, condensed milk, and ice cream

💡 Fun Facts About Bingsu:

🔹 It’s not just ice! Traditional bingsu is made with shaved milk ice, not plain water — giving it a soft, snowy texture that melts in your mouth

🔹 Korean, but inspired by Asia: While similar desserts exist in Japan (kakigori) and Taiwan, Korea took it to the next level — topping it with sweet red beans, fruits, ice cream, and even cheesecake

🔹 It started off simple: In the early 20th century, bingsu was made with just red beans and condensed milk. These days? You’ll find flavors like mango, strawberry, Oreo, matcha, Nutella — the possibilities are endless

🔹 There’s even “premium bingsu” In Seoul, some cafes offer luxury versions topped with gold flakes or truffle cream. Prices range from ₩10,000 to ₩20,000 — and yes, they’re totally worth the experience

📍 Where to Try It?

You can find bingsu at nearly every café or bakery in Korea during summer — including chains like Sulbing, A Twosome Place, Café de Paris, and even some Starbucks. You can also order it through delivery apps like Baemin or Coupang Eats 🎯 My Tip:

Try the mango bingsu or the one with sweet red beans — they’re classics! It’s best to share one large portion between two people — it’s seriously huge 😄

Bingsu with black beans

Bingsu isn’t just a dessert — it’s a summer vibe. It’s delicious, Instagram-worthy, and something you’ll want to come back to again and again

Be sure to add it to your Korean must-try list 💛