Bingsu

A Dessert Born in the Palace

Bingsu (빙수) is one of Koreas most beloved desserts. With its fine, snow-like ice made from milk and a variety of sweet toppingsranging from red bean paste to fruits, condensed milk, and even ice creamit offers a sensory delight that melts in your mouth.

Its earliest form, Patbingsu (팥빙수), dates back to the Joseon Dynasty (13921897). At that time, shaved ice with red bean paste was a luxury reserved for royalty, due to the difficulty in producing and storing ice.

Seokbinggo: Storing Ice for the Summer

During winter, officials would collect ice from the frozen Han River and store it in Seokbinggo (석빙고), ancient underground ice storage chambers. These would preserve the ice until summer so that the royal court could enjoy cold treats.

Japanese Influence and the Emergence of Modern Bingsu

In the early 20th century, during the Japanese occupation of Korea (19101945), the Japanese dessert Kakigōri (かき氷)a type of flavored shaved icewas introduced. Koreans adapted it, adding syrups and other toppings, evolving Patbingsu into what we now call Bingsu.

Post-independence, Bingsu began incorporating new ingredients like strawberries, chocolate, and matcha, along with the transformation of its textureice made from milk became creamier and more snow-like than ever before.

Cafés and Customization : The Bingsu Boom

From the 1980s onward, Bingsu exploded in popularity. Cafés and dessert shops across Korea began offering their own Bingsu variations, letting customers choose toppings and creating new flavors that became their signature.

Today, Bingsu is more than a dessertits a creative canvas for chefs and a moment of delight for customers.

A Global Journey of Flavor

In the 21st century, with the rise of K-culture, Bingsu has become a global dessert trend. Around the world, local adaptations have emerged

• Japan: Matcha Bingsu with mochi
• Thailand: Thai tea, mango, and durian Bingsu
• Taiwan: Milk tea-flavored Bingsu with pearls and jelly
• United States: Ice cream-based Bingsu with cookies and chocolate chips

A Dessert That Tells a Story

From royal courts to street cafés, Bingsu continues to evolve. Its a dessert that reflects Koreas rich history, openness to cultural exchange, and love for innovation.
With each spoonful, you taste not just sweetness, but tradition, creativity, and joy.