Seoraksan Bingsu and Jeju-Damun Bingsu... Unique Bingsu Featuring Regional Flavors Catch Attention

Reflecting the 'Rotonomi' Trend Commercializing Unique Culture
Industry Expects "Revitalization of Local Tourism"

Local hotels and resorts are drawing attention by consecutively launching unique shaved ice desserts that highlight regional characteristics. This reflects the so-called 'Loconomy' trend, which refers to the consumption of products utilizing local specialties and indigenous cultures. A representative example is the Seoraksan shaved ice, introduced by Kensington Hotel Seorak since 2022, which is shaped after Seoraksan Mountain.

According to Kensington Hotels & Resorts on the 8th, sales of the Seoraksan shaved ice have increased by about 110% annually. Priced at 39,000 KRW, cumulative sales this year have risen by 150% compared to the same period last year. Kensington Hotels & Resorts stated, "Room packages including the Seoraksan shaved ice account for 35% of summer peak season products, demonstrating its popularity."

Seoraksan Bingsu at Kensington Hotel Seorak
[Image source: Provided by Kensington Hotel & Resort]

Kensington Resort Seorak Valley in Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do, continues to sell the Chodang Corn shaved ice this year, following last year. This shaved ice, topped with Chodang corn pur?e and corn-shaped corn ice cream, uses Gangwon-do's specialty Chodang corn and was so popular that it accounted for 40% of caf? sales during July and August last year.

Sheraton Grand Incheon Hotel is selling the 'Green Tea Tiramisu Shaved Ice,' inspired by the summer scenery and greenery of Central Park in Songdo International City. Created with the idea of enjoying Central Park through the restaurant’s panoramic windows, the hotel reported that this year’s reservation rate is higher than last year’s.

At WE Hotel Jeju in Seogwipo, Jeju Island, the 'Jeju Essence Shaved Ice' was launched this year. It includes Jeju’s representative delicacies such as dolhareubang ice cream made with black sesame, hallabong (a type of citrus), and omegitteok (rice cake). A WE Hotel Jeju official explained, "The food and beverage team and kitchen team brainstormed ideas for two months," adding, "It is receiving positive responses from guests."

An industry insider said, "Hotels are introducing desserts like shaved ice using local specialties, and the industry expects this to lead to revitalization of regional tourism."