Beat the Heat with Bingsu - Korea's Best Dessert in the Summer
For fellow dessert enthusiasts, I promise South Korea will satisfy your cravings and then some. Although I arrived unprepared and unfamiliar with this country's culinary scene, I've quickly discovered a treasure trove of sweet treats in the past month.
While South Korea is renowned for its spicy cuisine – think kimchi, tteokbokki (Korean rice cakes), and budae jjigae (Korean army stew) – its delectable desserts often get overlooked. My "sweet" life in Seoul began with Starbucks' Strawberry Delighted Yogurt Drink. Confused about where to eat my first meal, I retreated to the familiar comfort of Starbucks to satisfy my grumbling stomach. Despite a previous experience with sour strawberries, I took a leap of faith and was immediately obsessed. The harmonious blend of ripe yogurt and fresh strawberries created a refreshing flavor explosion, perfect for combating the summer heat. I've been recommending this drink to friends ever since.
Have you heard the viral song "Mala Tanghulu" trending on social media? It's been stuck in my head, too! Thanks to recommendations from friends, I've become a devoted fan of tanghulu, a traditional Chinese snack with a history dating back 800 years. The vibrant display of skewered fruits coated in glossy hardened sugar is simply irresistible. My personal favorite is the strawberry tanghulu, a delightful mix of sweet and sour that I've indulged in eight times already!
Of course, no exploration of South Korea's sweet scene would be complete without mentioning its countless cafes. On my fourth day in Seoul, I stumbled upon The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and their famous Dalgona latte. Although I'm lactose intolerant and suffered a bit of gastroenteritis afterward, the creamy milk flavor and crumbly dalgona candy, reminiscent of the popular Netflix drama "Squid Game," made it a worthwhile indulgence.
Another must-try is the Iced Honey Americano from Mega Coffee, a budget-friendly coffee chain beloved by locals. As a barista, I usually avoid Americanos due to their bitterness. However, Mega Coffee's version, with its mild honey sweetness and subtle coffee bitterness, creates a refreshing and harmonious blend perfect for those seeking a caffeine boost without the intense bitterness.
After a day of sightseeing under the scorching sun, there's no better way to cool down than with bingsu, a beloved Korean shaved ice dessert. Following a tour of Changdeokgung Palace's Secret Garden, my coworkers and I found refuge in a charming hanok-style shop called Sancheong Bingsu. The delicate layers of milk-based shaved ice, topped with fresh fruit, matcha, or red bean, were an absolute delight.
From Starbucks smoothies to tanghulu, café specialties, and refreshing bingsu, each sweet treat has left an indelible mark on my taste buds, showcasing the diversity and creativity of South Korea's confectionery culture. My "sweet" life in Seoul continues to surprise and delight me, and I eagerly anticipate the next culinary adventure!
Want more recommendations? Wonderful is an English-speaking virtual personal assistant service that can provide tailored lists of places to visit. You can ask us to create a list of the best places to go with your specific tastes in mind. We can also help you get there whether you want directions on how to take public transportation or if you prefer, we can call a driver. Or if you'd rather stay in, we can have your favorite sweet treats delivered to your door. Anything is possible in Korea and with the help of Wonderful!
To make a request, contact us on Facebook, Kakao Talk or Email. Chat instantly with a professional English-speaking assistant to get anything done quickly and seamlessly.
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Annyeonghaseyo, everyone! Emily here. I'm a first-year business administration student at Hong Kong Baptist University, specializing in the entertainment industry. To gain more hands-on experience, I'm spending six weeks this summer as a marketing intern at Wonderful in Seoul. Being back in Korea after ten years, I'm experiencing a whole new side of this country. The pace of change is incredible, and I'm loving the chance to make new memories and learn from every experience.
