"From Apple Mango to Blueberry"... Hotel Bingsu Battle Begins

Signiel Seoul, 'Coconut Mango Bingsu' (Photo by Lotte Hotel).

[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Kim] Seoul Shilla Hotel's 'Apple Mango Bingsu' has been hugely popular for several years, prompting various luxury hotels to differentiate themselves with 'unique hotel bingsu.' They offer new flavors by adding mango pearls, coconut, and more to the traditional mango bingsu, or diversify the menu with melon bingsu, blueberry bingsu, watermelon bingsu, and others. Single-serving menus have also been developed for visitors to enjoy without burden. A 'to-go' service for takeout is also available.

Signiel Seoul presents three types of bingsu reflecting French dessert trends. The 'Coconut Mango Bingsu' features ice made from ground coconut flesh and mango sherbet topped with mango, served in a fresh coconut. The 'Melon Grapefruit Bingsu' has ice blended with melon flesh, topped with grapefruit sherbet, melon, and mint leaves. A milk pineapple bingsu with yogurt-infused milk ice topped with pineapple and sherbet is also planned for release. Signiel Busan offers traditional red bean bingsu and apple mango bingsu topped with dried raspberries and mango. Prices start at 52,000 KRW at Signiel Seoul and 40,000 KRW at Signiel Busan.

Lotte Hotels Seoul, World, and Jeju offer 'Apple Mango Bingsu,' made by topping ice made from mango puree with apple mango. Homemade ice cream and red beans are also provided. Each hotel also presents distinctive bingsu such as the steady sellers red bean bingsu and melon bingsu. Prices start at 58,000 KRW. Lotte Hotel Seoul has expanded its takeout service, allowing orders via phone or Naver reservation up to three hours before pickup.

Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas, 'Retro Ssuk Bingsu' (Photo by Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas).

Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas and InterContinental Seoul COEX sell premium summer bingsu at their first-floor lobby lounges, and 'to-go bingsu' at Grand Deli until August. The single-serving bingsu launched last year at the lobby lounge accounted for about 40% of total bingsu sales and remains popular this year.

Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas lobby lounge offers 'Retro Mugwort Bingsu,' harmonizing mugwort and red beans, and 'Mango Pearl Bingsu,' featuring mango flesh and mango ice cream. Both are available as single servings. InterContinental Seoul COEX lobby lounge presents 'Classic Bingsu' topped with chestnuts, rice cake, and misutgaru ice cream, and 'Mango Bingsu' topped with mango sorbet and mango flesh. Grand Deli's to-go bingsu comes in two varieties: 'Mango Bingsu' topped with mango pearls over mango flesh, and 'Classic Bingsu' topped with red beans over milk ice. Premium summer bingsu for 2-3 people at the lobby lounges start at 38,000 KRW, single servings start at 27,000 KRW, and to-go bingsu at Grand Deli starts at 13,000 KRW.

Grand Hyatt Jeju, 'Jeju Blueberry Canola Bingsu' (Photo by Jeju Dream Tower Complex Resort).

Jeju Dream Tower Complex Resort offers 'Jeju Blueberry Canola Bingsu' at Grand Hyatt Jeju's 'Lounge 38.' This bingsu features milk ice with canola and honey, topped with Jeju-grown blueberries, homemade blueberry compote, and blueberry ice cream. It also includes cacao nibs and is decorated with fresh canola flowers. The price is 50,000 KRW. 'Lounge 38' is located on the 38th floor, the highest in Jeju, offering panoramic views of Jeju city, the sea, and Hallasan Mountain.

Conrad Seoul presents its signature mango bingsu topped with apple mango on ice made with Earl Grey tea and milk at '37 Grill & Bar' on the top floor (37th floor), along with a 'sweet and salty' cheese bingsu using various cheeses such as cream cheese, fromage cheese, and Parmesan to deliver a rich cheese flavor. A distinctive feature of Conrad Seoul's 37 bingsu is the dry ice decoration; opening the dome lid covering the bingsu releases dry ice vapor, maintaining optimal temperature through cold air. Available until September 12, prices are 47,000 KRW for mango bingsu and 42,000 KRW for cheese bingsu (tax included).

Conrad Seoul, 'Cheese Bingsu' (Photo by Conrad Seoul).

Grand Hyatt Seoul Hotel's lobby lounge caf? 'Gallery' offers 'Traditional Bingsu,' 'Mango Bingsu,' and 'Coconut Bingsu' until August. The 'Traditional Bingsu' is made with milk ice topped with dried persimmon, rice cake, chestnuts, dried jujube, and red beans. The annually popular 'Mango Bingsu' has been renewed, featuring fresh mango, milk pudding, and lime on milk ice, served with tropical fruit pearls, mango sherbet bars, and red beans separately. A single-serving 'Coconut Bingsu' is also introduced. Prices are 40,000 KRW for traditional bingsu, 42,000 KRW for mango bingsu, and 25,000 KRW for coconut bingsu (single serving, tax included). Operating hours are daily from 9 AM to 9 PM.

Park Hyatt Busan Hotel's 'Lounge' launched three premium ice dessert bingsu varieties with seasonal fruits and various toppings. The lounge's bestseller 'Watermelon Bingsu' includes milk ice, watermelon, watermelon chocolate, watermelon-flavored jelly, and cotton candy. 'Mango Bingsu' features milk ice blended with mango topped with apple mango and honeycomb-shaped chocolate. 'Red Bean Bingsu' highlights traditional flavor with domestic sweet red beans and rice cake on milk ice, accompanied by vanilla ice cream and green bean jelly. The premium ice dessert bingsu at the lounge is available daily from 10 AM to midnight. Prices start at 40,000 KRW (tax included).

Park Hyatt Busan, 'Watermelon Bingsu' (Photo by Park Hyatt Busan).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.