Bingsu is finely shaved ice topped with sweet things. The classic is patbingsu with sweet red beans, but these days cafes compete every summer to create the most eye-catching new version.
Popular kinds
- Patbingsu (팥빙수) — sweet red beans and chewy rice cake, the traditional original.
- Injeolmi bingsu (인절미 빙수) — roasted soybean powder and soft rice cakes, nutty and not too sweet.
- Fruit bingsu — mango, melon or strawberries piled high, depending on the season.
Good to know
One bowl is meant for sharing. You can find bingsu everywhere from simple neighborhood cafes to luxurious hotel lounges, and it is the perfect break on a hot afternoon of sightseeing.