Although it is near the end of the summer, the blazing heat outside still makes us feel miserable. If you are not a lover of the heat and are needing to beat it with something cold and tasty, how about indulging yourself with Korean Bingsoo?

What is Bingsoo?

빙수 (Bingsoo) is a Korean version of shaved ice. During the hot summer months, it is one of the most sought-after snacks/desserts by Koreans. Korean people enjoy indulging in 빙수  as a snack to beat the summer heat, or they enjoy eating 빙수  as a dessert to cool off their mouth after eating a spicy meal. A bowlful of shaved ice comes with scrumptious toppings to satisfy people’s taste buds and preferences. You can find Bingsoo in many coffee shops, bakeries, dessert shops, etc..

Types of Bingsoo

Bingsoo is available with a variety of flavors and toppings. Each  빙수  has a different name depending on the main topping and flavor.

The most well-known 빙수  is  팥빙수 (Bingsoo with read beans). Its literal translation is red bean shaved ice, and it has been a summer delight for a long time. The most common ingredients of 팥빙수  are red beans, condensed milk, rice cakes, fruit toppings, and nut/bean powder. As a bonus, you might get a scoop of delicious ice cream on top.

Over the years, 빙수  became a pretty elaborate snack/dessert in Korea. Some type of  빙수  will entertain your eyes because of the number and amount of toppings. The following are several examples of common or popular version of 빙수.

녹차빙수 (Green tea flavored Bingsoo) is my personal favorite to enjoy. Although it does not look as fancy as other types of 빙수, I have enjoyed every spoonful of 녹차빙수  for many years. If you are a coffee lover,  커피빙수 (Coffee flavored Bingsoo) might be a good match for you. When you crave fruit, you can try 빙수 with fruit toppings. These are some examples of 빙수  with fruit toppings: 망고빙수 (Mango Bingsoo), 딸기빙수 (Strawberry Bingsoo), 수박빙수 (Watermelon Bingsoo). If you want 빙수  with a little twist, there are 티라미수빙수 (Tiramisu Bingsoo),  요거트빙수 (Yogurt Bingsoo),  쵸콜렛빙수 (Chocolate flavored Bingsoo),  떡빙수 (Bingsoo with rice cakes), and so on.

빙수  is a fun and flavorful Korean snack/dessert to help you to beat the summer heat. Once you try it, you will understand why 빙수  is popular during the hot summer months.

Have you ever tried Korean Bingsoo? I would love to hear about your favorite one.

감사합니다! (Thank you!)

 ***Related Vocabulary***

1. 빙수    (Bingsoo) – a Korean version of shaved ice
2. 팥빙수    (Bingsoo with read beans)
3. 녹차빙수    (Green tea flavored Bingsoo)
4. 커피빙수    (Coffee flavored Bingsoo)
5. 망고빙수    (Mango Bingsoo)
6. 딸기빙수    (Strawberry Bingsoo)
7. 수박빙수    (Watermelon Bingsoo)
8. 티라미수빙수    (Tiramisu Bingsoo)
9. 요거트빙수    (Yogurt Bingsoo)
10. 쵸콜렛빙수    (Chocolate flavored Bingsoo)
11. 떡빙수    (Bingsoo with rice cakes)