Korean Persimmon Bingsu – A Light and Seasonal Dessert

Korean Persimmon Shaved Ice Bingsu

Last weekend, I tried something surprisingly refreshing at A Twosome Place — persimmon bingsu (홍시 빙수), a modern Korean shaved ice dessert made with traditional seasonal fruit. It was light, chewy, and beautifully nostalgic.

This bingsu starts with delicate milk snow ice, soft as fresh powder. On top are thick slices of frozen ripe persimmon (hongsi), glistening orange and naturally sweet. A shot glass of persimmon syrup is served on the side to pour as you like.

What surprised me most was what hid beneath the snow — chunks of dried persimmon (*gotgam*), adding a chewy and earthy contrast to the icy texture. It was a perfect balance of flavors: cold, fruity, and slightly sweet with a Korean twist.

This bingsu connects Korea’s fall tradition with a refreshing summer treat — icy, chewy, and full of seasonal charm.

Korean Persimmons: A Cultural Symbol of Fall

In many Korean dramas set in the countryside, you’ll spot orange fruits hanging in strings outside homes. That’s gam (persimmon). Every autumn, persimmons ripen across Korea — soft, spoonable hongsi and chewy gotgam (dried persimmon) are part of the seasonal rhythm.

Persimmons are often dried on strings during October and November. They’re not just snacks — they appear in holiday foods, ancestral rites, and warm herbal teas. So to find this fruit in a modern café dessert is a beautiful blend of past and present.

Dried persimmons (gotgam) hanging outside a traditional Korean hanok during autumn.  [ⓒPhoto Korea - Kim Jiho, Korea Tourism Organization]

Is Persimmon Healthy?

Absolutely. While persimmons taste like candy when fully ripe, they're surprisingly low in calories and packed with nutrients. A 100g serving contains only about 70 calories, yet delivers fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and powerful antioxidants like beta-carotene.

These nutrients support digestion, boost immunity, and may even help reduce inflammation. It’s no wonder persimmons have long been loved in Korean home remedies and winter wellness teas.

What’s Inside This Bingsu?

Frozen persimmon bingsu topped with mint at A Twosome Place and persimmon syrup served with it.

• Milk snowflake ice
• Frozen ripe persimmon (hongsi)
• Sweet persimmon syrup
• Dried persimmon chunks (gotgam)
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

A vibrant close-up of Korean persimmon bingsu reveals glistening chunks of frozen ripe persimmon nestled into delicate milk snow ice. Fine shavings of ice contrast with the soft, amber-orange fruit, while a sprig of fresh mint adds a clean finish to the dish’s earthy sweetness. It’s a portrait of seasonality and texture — cool, creamy, and unmistakably Korean.

Beneath the surface of the milk snow ice lies a hidden surprise — chewy pieces of dried persimmon (gotgam) , their rich amber hue softly diffused through the cold. The contrast between icy flakes and the dense, almost jelly-like texture of gotgam creates a uniquely Korean dessert experience: one that balances tradition and innovation in every spoonful.

Where to Find It

You can try this seasonal persimmon bingsu at A Twosome Place, a popular café chain in Korea. It may not be available year-round, so check if your nearest location carries it this summer.

A Twosome Place , a popular café chain in Korea

Final Thoughts

This dessert brings together Korean ingredients, history, and creative café culture — in one chilly, cheerful bowl. Whether you’re a fan of bingsu or just curious about Korean seasonal fruits, this one is definitely worth tasting.

Want more Korean dessert adventures? Check out my reviews on Luxury Bingsu in Seoul and Melon Bingsu next.