When my Thai friend visited Korea this spring, she asked me one thing:
“Can we skip mango?”
It made me laugh. In Thailand, mangoes are everywhere in May — so much so that neighbors give them away. So while mango bingsu might be a top choice for many tourists, it was a hard pass for her.
Instead, we went for Strawberry Bingsu at Sulbing in Myeongdong back in May — just before the seasonal menu changed. 🍓
Strawberry bingsu is typically available from winter through late spring (roughly December to May). So if you're visiting Korea during the warmer months, it might be off the menu — but don’t worry, there are plenty of refreshing summer bingsu options to try.
A few weeks later, on a hot June day, I visited Sulbing again — this time with my husband and baby. We shared a big bowl of Melon Bingsu, filled with juicy melon cubes, soft milk snow ice, and a generous drizzle of melon syrup. It tasted just like Korea’s iconic Melona popsicle — creamy, fruity, and refreshing. But what made it even sweeter was enjoying it together as a family, with my baby giggling at each spoonful of icy melon.
What Is Sulbing?
Sulbing (설빙) is Korea’s most popular dessert café chain, famous for its snowflake-textured bingsu. Unlike regular shaved ice, Sulbing’s bingsu is made from frozen milk, resulting in a soft, powdery texture that melts instantly in your mouth.
They have both traditional and creative flavors, blending Korean ingredients with modern twists.
Signature Sulbing Bingsu You Should Try
- Injeolmi Bingsu (인절미설빙) – Roasted soybean powder with chewy rice cakes. Earthy and nutty — a Korean classic.
- Red Bean Injeolmi Bingsu (팥인절미설빙) – Traditional sweet red beans with injeolmi toppings.
- Mango Cheese Bingsu (망고치즈설빙) – Cubes of mango, cheesecake, and vanilla ice cream.
- Oreo Choco Monster Bingsu (오레오초코몬스터설빙) – Cookie lovers’ dream.
- Tiramisu Bingsu (티라미수설빙) – Espresso-soaked layers with mascarpone and cocoa.
- Melon Bingsu Series (메론빙수) – Served in a melon bowl with melon syrup and either yogurt cheese or red bean. Tastes just like Melona!
- Watermelon Bingsu (수박설빙) – A summer-only special served in a watermelon bowl.
More Than Bingsu: Korean Dessert Sides
- Hotteok (호떡) – Sweet pancakes filled with brown sugar and nuts.
- Bungeoppang (붕어빵) – Fish-shaped pastries with red bean or custard filling.
- Croffle (크로플) – A crispy croissant-waffle hybrid, often paired with ice cream.
These warm sides balance beautifully with icy bingsu — perfect for a cozy + frosty dessert combo.
Where to Find Sulbing in Seoul
- Sulbing Myeongdong 1st Branch
📍 서울 중구 명동8가길 37
🗺️ View on Google Maps - Sulbing Myeongdong 2nd Branch
📍 서울 중구 명동길 60-3 (near Myeongdong Cathedral)
🗺️ View on Google Maps - Sulbing Hongdae Branch
📍 서울 마포구 홍익로6길 29
🗺️ View on Google Maps
No Sulbing Nearby? Here’s a Tip!
Even if you don’t find a Sulbing near you, bingsu is everywhere in Korea during summer.
From independent cafés to big chains like Twosome Place, Ediya, Tom N Toms, and Lotteria, many offer their own versions of bingsu between May and August.
Tip: Look for the word “빙수” (bingsu) or “눈꽃빙수” (snowflake bingsu) on menu signs. Even convenience stores sell mini bingsu cups in summer!
Final Thoughts
Whether you're avoiding mango like my friend or exploring seasonal fruit bowls, Korea’s bingsu culture offers something for everyone. From silky milk snow to chewy injeolmi, warm croffles to icy melon halves — Sulbing isn’t just dessert. It’s a summer experience worth tasting.
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