No Summer is Complete without Bingsu

Bingsu is a beloved summer dessert in Korea. The classic patbingsu is made with shaved ice topped with sweet red beans, jelly, rice cakes, and syrup. Bingsu topped with seasonal fruits or desserts has also become popular. From typical bingsu from franchise shops like Sulbing to luxury bingsu from high-end hotels, there are many varieties to choose from. Here are some of the best bingsu spots in Korea you must visit!

One of the Top 3 bingsu spots in Seoul. Bingsu shops these days generally use ice made with milk, but Dongbinggo uses regular ice. The bingsu here is topped with homemade sweet red beans with excellent texture. Chewy rice cakes are added on top. Along with the classic patbingsu, you can enjoy a variety of flavors, including misutgaru (roasted grain powder) bingsu and matcha bingsu, both of which are popular among locals.

Indulge in the luxurious Apple Mango Bingsu at The Shilla Hotel. Topped with fresh mango on a bed of milk ice, it’s a visual treat that’s perfect for photos. Paired with subtly sweet red bean paste and mango sorbet, it offers a balanced taste. Enjoy the refined atmosphere with live classic music performed every hour. It's best to visit early in the day or on weekdays to avoid crowds.

Enjoy bingsu in a beautifully renovated hanok, a traditional Korean house. Boobing became popular after being featured in a popular TV show in Korea. They offer unique bingsu varieties like black sesame, rice, and mugwort bingsu. Unlike typical bingsu where red beans are added on top, here they’re hidden inside the ice, allowing you to scoop up a perfect mix of red beans, rice cakes, and ice. You can even get a refill on the red beans. Seasonal menu like Chodang corn bingsu and pumpkin bingsu are also highly popular during summer.

True to its name, this spot serves Japanese-style bingsu. The cafe catches your eye with its bright red colored door. The signature dish is the Cherry Tomato Bingsu, topped with tomato syrup and a sprinkle of pepper over a mountain of shaved ice. The sweet tomato syrup pairs surprisingly well with the pepper. Once you’ve eaten a bit, you can sip the melted bingsu through a straw. Another popular option is the Strawberry Mascarpone Bingsu, featuring strawberry syrup and creamy mascarpone cheese over shaved ice—a delightful combination of flavors.

Yeonnam Salon is a beloved bingsu café in Yeonnam-dong, offering a range of options including Milk Red Bean Bingsu, Matcha Tiramisu Bingsu, and Matcha Red Bean Bingsu. The popular item here is the Vegan Pear Bingsu, made with 100% pureed pear instead of milk ice. Red bean paste and rice cakes are served on the side, perfect for mixing with the refreshing pear bingsu. The Matcha Tiramisu Bingsu is another favorite, with the rich bitterness of matcha blending smoothly with mascarpone cream. Located close to Yeonntral Park, it’s a great stop before or after a park visit.

Famous for its bingsu made with traditional Korean ingredients like black sesame, injeolmi (rice cake), and mugwort, this Seongsu café is a must-visit. The signature dish is Black Sesame Peanut Bingsu, topped with nutty black sesame, peanut sauce, and rice cakes on finely shaved ice. It's a perfect match with the buttery Monkey Monaka. For something unique, try the Doenjang Caramel Bingsu—the soybean paste flavor is subtle, so you're welcome to dive in.

For those hot summer days, enjoy a cool bingsu with a glass of wine. The signature Melon Prosciutto Bingsu features finely shaved milk ice topped with melon, prosciutto, cheese, olive oil, vanilla ice cream, and a sprinkle of pepper. The combination of sweet melon and salty prosciutto offers a delightful sweet-and-savory experience. Other options include Mango Bingsu and classic Red Bean Bingsu, so pick your favorite!

The most well-known dessert cafe in Korea. Sulbing has a variety of signature dishes like Snowflake Bingsu and Injeolmi Bingsu. Don't forget to drizzle condensed milk on top to fully enjoy their bingsu. Toppings range from injeolmi powder, red beans, whipped cream, cheese, and yogurt, to the recently introduced candy ice cream. If you visit the cafe in a group, try a set menu or the half & half bingsu. Among numerous branches nationwide, the Myeongdong branch is the largest and highly recommended.