
15 of the Best Bingsu in Seoul
If you’re into all things sweet, you have to try Bingsu. The Korean answer to shaved ice comes in a variety of flavors – ranging from the traditional Pat Bingsu (팥빙수) with red bean topping to modern variations with ice-cream, macarons, chocolate and all sorts of fresh fruit. Here are 15 of the best Bingsu in
The History of Bingsu
Shaved ice desserts have been extremely popular in many Asian countries for hundreds of years. The oldest mention of a version of “bingsu” is recorded in China around 3,000 BC. This version was prepared with snow or ice mixed with honey and fruit juice. Medieval world explorer Marco Polo also mentioned a recipe for “frozen milk” back from Beijing, China, in his “Oriental Book.” In Korea, records from the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897) mention officials eating crushed ice mixed with fruit to cope with the heat. “Patbingsu,” aka red bean bingsu, became the summer dessert after the Korean War, with many families preparing the dessert in their homes and was also sold as street food. Traditional toppings may include chopped fruit, condensed milk, fruit syrup, and red beans. Today, there are really no limits when it comes to bingsu, and you will find a wide variety of bingsu in cafés around Korea and all of Asia today.
CAFÉ BORA
카페 보라
Why go: Café Bora (Bora from the Korean word for purple) offers super Instagrammable and super delicious desserts made from purple sweet potatoes – definitely one of the best bingsu in
SULBING
설빙
Why go: Sulbing (설빙) is one of the largest dessert cafe chains in South Korea specializing in bingsu. With a regular menu and continuously changing seasonal bingsu varieties, Sulbing has established itself to be one of the leading bingsu cafés in Korea with more than 500 stores. Sulbing has also opened overseas locations in China, Thailand, Japan and
TOKYO BINGSU
도쿄빙수
Why go: Hailing all the way from Japan, Tokyo Bingsu is notorious for its one-of-a-kind flavor options. The two signature flavors Mt. Fuji Matcha and Tomato are popular among locals and visitors alike. Where: 414-56, Mangwon-dong, Mapo-gu,
DANGOJIB
당고집
Why go: Another Japanese inspired dessert place in
Where: 356-9 Hapjeong-dong, Mapo-gu,
TIRAVENTO
티라벤토
Why go: This cute little café in Noksapyeong became a hot topic after the airing of Olive’s entertainment program “Yeogi Go” where TV personalities introduce great places to eat. They serve shiltarae bingsu, inspired by a Korean noodle dish. When you eat this bingsu, you are supposed to cut the layered threads of bingsu with a knife. It’s incredible soft and melts in your mouth like butter. Where: 77-6 Noksapyeong-daero 26-gil, Itaewon 1(il)-dong, Yongsan-gu,
Homilbat
호밀밭
Why go: If you are looking for the traditional version of Bingsu, Homilbat is a great place to visit. They make their own homemade red bean paste with less sugar creating a healthier version of the popular Korean dessert. Where: 43 Sinchonnyeok-ro, Seodaemun-gu,
Sobok Cafe
소복카페
Why go: One of the best bingsu in
O’SULLOC TEAHOUSE
오설록
Why go: Korea’s leading green tea brand, O’sulloc doesn’t only offer delicious hot and cold beverages but also some of the best green tea flavored bingsu you can find. All of their green tea is grown and produced on Jeju Island. Where: 12 Myeongdong 7-gil, Myeongdong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu,
Okrumong
옥루몽
Why go: Using traditional methods only, Okrumong serves some of the best bingsu in
카페 오얏꽃
Why go: Nestled in
Maman Gateau
Why go: You can undoubtedly say that Maman Gateau is the undisputed master of the caramel bingsu. If you’re into a unique bingsu topped with toasted almonds, pecans and a good amount of homemade caramel ice cream with a piece of almond caramel brittle, all drizzled in the homemade signature caramel sauce – you need to try this! Where: 812-8, Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu,
Jiyugaoka Hatchome
지유가오카핫초메
Why go: Even though Jiyugaoka Hatchome is known as a specialty cake shop, it also serves a killer bingsu. Where: 33 Jong-ro, Cheongjin-dong, Jongno-gu,
Deux Amis
듀자미
Why go: Mostly known to be a premier bakery and pastry shop in Garosugil, Deux Amis also has a fantastic bingsu option. The most popular is the red bean sherbet with green tea. Just looking at the picture makes my mouth water – definitely deserves to be on the list of the best bingsu in
Colline Café
콜린카페
Why go: Colline Café is a gorgeous green space where the owner grows their own fruits, veggies and herbs. Besides delicious coffee and drinks, their fruit bingsu is especially popular. It resembles a rainbow in a bowl and tastes exactly as good as it looks! Where: 45-1 Eoulmadang-ro, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu,
Maison De La Catégorie
메종드라카테고리
Why go: Maison de la Catégorie is a casual but elegant bistro with chic Art Deco-style interior. You can not only find some of the most delicious French-style cuisine in
Best Vegan Bingsu Options in Seoul
Café Turtle
카페 거북이
Why go: Café Turtle is a vegan dessert cafe established in 2020. They serve a selection of cakes and bingsu plus beverages like coffee, tea, smoothie, beer, and wine. Where: 48, Bangbaecheon-ro 4an-gil,
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Pan Honesta
빵어니스타
Why go: This is an excellent vegan bakery. They use rice flour, no refined sugar and also have two kinds of bingsu in the summer. Where: 240-34, Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-Gu,
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Suyeon Sanbang
수연산방
Why go: Suyeon Sanbang is a traditional Korean tea house nestled deep in a quiet neighborhood. What’s more, this quaint hanok house was originally the house where the late Korean writer Lee Tae-Jun penned many contemporary literary works. Where: 8 Seongbuk-ro 26-gil, Seongbuk-dong, Seongbuk-gu,
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