"Memories of 500 Won Turned into 7,000 Won"... Dalgona Overcharging 'Rampant'

Reports of Overcharging Continue... Umbrella-Shaped Dalgona Sold for 15,000 Won

Dalgona being sold at some tourist spots in Seoul for about 7,000 won.
Photo by Online Community Capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seohyun] Dalgona, which gained great popularity after appearing in the Netflix original series 'Squid Game,' has sparked controversy for being sold at inflated prices at some tourist spots in Seoul.

On the 5th, a post titled 'Current Status of Dalgona Riding on the Popularity of Squid Game' was uploaded on an online community. The author attached a photo, stating, "Dalgona being sold in Insadong, Jongno-gu, Seoul." The photo shows four types of dalgona with shapes from Squid Game?square, triangle, circle, and umbrella?contained in a tin case, with a promotional phrase "Squid Game Dalgona 7,000 won" visible at the top left of the picture.

A netizen shared a photo last weekend of a dalgona they found on the streets of Hongdae, claiming the price was too expensive. / Photo by Online Community Capture

The post also included additional reports of overpriced Squid Game dalgona spotted on the streets of Hongdae, Seoul. One netizen lamented, "They sell the umbrella shape for 15,000 won, and foreigners buy it laughing, which felt embarrassing."

Netizens who saw the photo responded with comments such as, "I understand since demand surged, but this is too much," "A 500 won nostalgic treat became 7,000 won," "Even if the case is included, 7,000 won is too expensive," "The cost must be just a few hundred won," and "Trying to row when the tide is in, but the water might all drain away."

Meanwhile, some argued, "They sell it with the case, so the case must be expensive," and "I don't understand people who fuss over the cost. Consumers just need to decide whether to buy it for 7,000 won or not."