Bingsu Bliss: Korea’s Coolest Dessert

 

Bingsu

Evolution of Bingsu

Bingsu, with its countless permutations and topping combinations, is a summertime favourite in Korea. It is a type of Korean shaved ice in which a block of frozen milk or cream is sliced into a fluffy, cloud-like confection. It's icy yet creamy and can be topped with a variety of sweet ingredients, including red beans, tteok, chopped fruit, groundnut powder, and condensed milk.

Origin

The earliest form of bingsu dates back to the Joseon Dynasty. Back then, ice was harvested from frozen rivers in winter and stored in special ice houses called seokbinggo. It was a luxury reserved for the royal court and nobility. The ice would be shaved and served with fruit or honey, creating a simple yet rare summer treat.

Patbingsu became the standard version in Korea's early 1900s modernisation period. It was made of shaved ice topped with sweetened red beans (pat), rice cakes (tteok), and condensed milk. It swiftly expanded beyond the royal aristocracy and became a popular summertime dessert among ordinary people.

Patbingsu developed various toppings as Western ingredients became more widely available in Korea following the Korean War. Canned fruits, syrups, ice cream, and cereals were added to sweeten and colour it. Patbingsu had become a summer staple by the 1970s and 1980s, appearing at cafés, bakeries, and fast-food restaurants.

Premium bingsu cafés emerged in the 2000s, marking a watershed moment. Modern versions went beyond red beans and featured:


Fruit bingsu can be made with fresh strawberries, mangos, or melons.

Dessert enthusiasts will enjoy bingsu with chocolate, cheesecake, and tiramisu flavours.

Injeolmi bingsu combines nutty soybean powder and chewy rice cakes.

To achieve a creamy texture, ultra-fine "milk snow" bingsu is produced with frozen milk rather than ordinary ice. Social media also had an impact—bingsu's brilliant colours and towering displays made it an Instagram hit, spreading its popularity worldwide.

Global Fame

Bingsu is now enjoyed not only in Korea but also in places around the world, including New York and Bangkok. It has become a global dessert craze, demonstrating Korea's talent for combining tradition with innovation. Whether in its traditional patbingsu form or as a towering, fruit-filled masterpiece, bingsu is Korea's most iconic summer treat. 







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