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Bingsu (shaved ice with toppings) is a popular snack food found almost everywhere in Korea during the summer months. Believed to date back all the way to the Joseon Dynasty, the original bingsu was served simply as finely broken ice chips topped with sweetened red bean porridge. In the years following its debut, the popularity of bingsu exploded across the nation, bringing with it an almost endless variety of bingsu types and flavor combinations. Today, many bingsus shy away from the predominantly bean taste; some even omit the red beans altogether. From the traditional patbingsu of red beans and ice to complex mixes of ice cream and fruit, bingsus can easily be found in almost any coffee shop or bakery in Korea. Here, we’ll introduce you to the best of both worlds, giving you plenty of places where you can indulge in a sweet and delicious bingsu treat.
Patbingsu: Shaved ice with sweetened red beans
Patbingsu with a locally grown flavorDongbinggo in Ichon-dong, Yongsan-gu serves up a delicious version of the original patbingsu. This small establishment has just 8 tables and is so popular that you’ll have to take a number and wait to be seated. What sets Dongbinggo’s patbingsu apart from its competition is its use of locally-grown beans, which have a soft and pleasant texture without being mushy. The beans sit aloft a mound of thinly shaved ice chips flavored with a mixture of milk and condensed milk. Add generous slices of chewy rice cake and you’ve got a flavorful taste sensation! Other popular menu items are the Misutgaru (roasted rice and grain powder) Bingsu, Coffee Bingsu (made of aromatic coffee), and the Royal Milk Tea Bingsu (beloved for its rich tea flavor).
Place: Dongbinggo (Ichon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul)
Directions: Ichon Station (Subway Line 4), Exit 4.
Walk straight (50m) until you reach a big road. Cross the street to the bus stop.
Take Bus 205 or 2016 and get off at Geumgang Asan Hospital.
Dongbinggo is on 1F of the shopping building of Hyundai Apartments across the street.
Hours: 10:30 - 23:00
Menu: Patbingsu: 6,500 won / Misutgaru Bingsu: 6,500 won / Coffee Bingsu: 7,000 won / Royal Milk Tea Bingsu: 7,000 won
Phone: +82-2-794-7171 (Korean)
1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
