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 Seoul. Also check out my popular article 25 Free Things to do in Seoul.

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 Seoul. Their desserts have become so popular that they opened several locations around Korea and even in Canada. Where: 75-3 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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 Cambodia. Where: Find the nearest Sulbing Café on their website.

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, Seoul

DANGOJIB

당고집

Why go: Another Japanese inspired dessert place in Seoul‘s Hapjeong district is Dangojib. Dango refers to soft rice cakes covered in a sweet sauce. My favorite is their special cherry blossom dango, which they serve all year around. Even if you’re not up for dango or shaved ice, you can opt for one of their other Japanese foods, such as rice balls. This makes Dangojib definitely one of the best bingsu in Seoul.

Where: 356-9 Hapjeong-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

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, Seoul

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, Seoul, South Korea

Sobok Cafe

소복카페

Why go: One of the best bingsu in Seoul is served at Sobok Cafe. Using healthy ingredients such as nuts, dried persimmons and sweet pumpkin, this is a very unique type of bingsu you won’t find anywhere else. Where: 58 Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

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, Seoul

Okrumong

옥루몽

Why go: Using traditional methods only, Okrumong serves some of the best bingsu in Seoul. The traditional red bean bingsu is served with sweetened milk, warm red-bean syrup, and two chewy pieces of Korean rice cake. Where: Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

카페 오얏꽃

Why go: Nestled in Seoul‘s popular Ikseon-dong neighborhood, Café Oyaskkot is housed in a beautiful old Korean hanok house. If you are looking for delicious cheesecakes, scones and a refreshing grapefruit bingsu, you’re in the right place. Where: 15 Donhwamun-ro 11da-gil, Donui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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, Seoul

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, Seoul

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 Seoul. Where: 28 Dosan-daero 11-gil, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

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, Seoul

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 Seoul right here, but also an interesting fusion variety of bingsu. The peach shaved ice is especially popular and makes for a fun Instagram post, too! Where: 85 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

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, Seoul

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by 비건빵 비건음식 VEGAN (@hy__joy)

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, Seoul

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by 빵어니스타 | 정직한빵 (@panhonesta)

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, Seoul

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by 수연산방(since 1998) (@sooyeonsanbang)

Recommended Travel Guides for Korea

If you want to learn more about South Korea and have a handy travel guide in your pocket, check out these three options below:

DK Eyewitness Top 10 Seoul

This Top 10 Seoul guide is a great pocket guide that breaks down the best of Seoul into helpful lists of ten – from selected highlights to the best museums and galleries, and the most authentic restaurants, tearooms, bars, shops, and markets. I personally helped update the most recent version of this guide. Buy this book.

Lonely Planet Korea

You really can’t go wrong with a lonely planet guide in your hand luggage! I’m a huge fan of Lonely Planet and own this guide myself. What I love is the brand-new pull-out, passport-size ‘Just Landed’ card with wi-fi, ATM and transport info – all you need for a smooth journey from airport to hotel! Buy this book.

South Korea: The Solo Girl’s Travel Guide

Calling all my solo female travel ladies out there – this guide is amazing! Part of the #1 Travel Guidebook Series for Women (and couples), this take on South Korea will help you avoid the scams, creeps, and tourist traps and skip ahead to the cities and adventures that are worth your time (and money)! Buy this book.

 Get your Free Seoul City Check List

This downloadable checklist for Seoul contains insider information on what to see, do, eat and where to shop and party in Seoul, South Korea.

Pin it and save it for later!

 Explore more Korea Content