Bingsu Goes Global This Summer at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul

Feeling hemmed in by travel restrictions? Take a tastebud-tantalising trip around the world this summer without leaving the city, thanks to the new globe-trotting Bingsu menu at Maru, the ever-innovative lobby lounge at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul.

In a homage to desserts from around the world, the Korean iced-milk favourite gets a tasty twist in versions such as Black Sesame Crème Brûlée Bingsu, Chocolate Profiterole Bingsu and Basil Panna Cotta Bingsu. Local seasonal ingredients keep tradition at the fore, while three condiments per dessert make for creative customisation.

Available until September 30, 2022, the menu features three signature Bingsu all summer long, with a new deliciously different international flavour released in rotation each month. Hidden layers within each Instagram-worthy serving extend the sensory discovery to the final mouthful, making Maru’s Bingsu an integral part of a summer hocance (staycation) at the city-centre hotspot.

“Our team has had a great time planning and creating this year’s Bingsu menu,” comments Executive Pastry Chef Jimmy Boulay. “Each mouthful is a mini adventure in flavour, fun, and artistry – a great way to connect us to the wider world when many of us are craving a little adventure. Plus nothing says summer like Bingsu!”

Introducing Maru’s summer-long signature Bingsu:

• Golden Jeju Apple Mango (KRW 96,000): The best-loved luxury Bingsu flavour gets a Four Seasons twist in this regal revision. With two whole Jeju Apple Mangoes per dessert – and mango-flavoured sorbet, marshmallow and sauce on the side – the hidden highlight is the gold covered molecular dome of mango and spearmint pudding that burst in the mouth in a harmony of sweetness and freshness.
• Black Sesame Crème Brûlée Bingsu (KRW 65,000): Combining the best of Korean and French sweet treats, this tasty beauty titillates with red beans and black sesame set with a classic crème brûlée hard sugar topping. Cameras at the ready as that crunchy topping is cracked!
• Seasonal Fruit Charlotte Bingsu (KRW 68,000): The traditional European fruit charlotte is the inspiration for this layered loveliness: lady-finger biscuits, finely ground milk ice, fragrant toppings such as vanilla custard, berry sorbet and vibrant summer fruits – all served with fresh berry compote.  

Throughout the summer, four special Bingsu will be available on rotation:

• May and June – Pineapple Pavlova Bingsu (KRW 65,000): Juxtaposing a crispy outer shell with a sweetly soft interior, meringue is at the heart of this well-balanced Bingsu. A celebration of Australia's pavlova dessert, other sun-soaked ingredients include pineapple slices marinated in raspberry and cassis puree, a lime coconut milk sauce, and tropical compote.
• July – Basil Panna Cotta Bingsu (KRW 66,000): Fresh blueberries, crispy granola, and basil yogurt sorbet bring la dolce vita to this aromatic tribute to the Italian pudding, panna cotta. A blueberry syrup and whipped cream drizzled over the milk-shaved ice wrapped in vanilla panna cotta create a truly buon appetito experience.
• August – Earl Grey Financier Bingsu (KRW 64,000): Financier, a traditional French almond cake made with creamy beurre noisette, is artfully combined with bergamot-infused English high tea favourite Earl Grey in this textural treat. Orange and Earl Grey ice cream is served with mousse and shaved milk ice for sensorial surprises right to the end.
• September – Chocolate Profiterole Bingsu (KRW 67,000): A playful exploration, this devilishly delicious Bingsu channels all the decadence of its French cream puff namesake while providing a dynamic contrast of sweet and salty, soft and crunchy. Milk ice, vanilla pudding, crunchy cocoa nibs, chewy nougatine, Maldon sea salt: expect the unexpected in every bite.

Maru is open daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. The Bingsu menu is available from 11:00 am – a perfect excuse to take a break with friends on a sunny mid-morning – and last orders are at 9:00 pm for that post-dinner treat.

For reservations call 02-6388-5000.