Hotel Dessert Prices Soar
The Reality of 'Dessert Inflation'
High-end hotels in Seoul are launching a series of summer desserts, continuing a relay of price increases. Despite the fact that hotel bingsu and premium desserts?representative "small luxury" consumer items?are becoming more expensive each year, they continue to attract strong consumer interest.
The Apple Mango Bingsu at Shilla Hotel Seoul is being sold for 110,000 won, a 7.8% increase compared to last year. Shilla Hotel Seoul
Shilla Hotel Seoul began selling its popular summer dessert, Apple Mango Bingsu, on May 2. This year, the price has reached 110,000 won, marking a 7.8% increase compared to last year. According to Shilla Hotel, the price hike reflects rising ingredient and labor costs.
This bingsu was first introduced at Jeju Shilla Hotel in 2008 and expanded to Shilla Hotel Seoul in 2011, when it was priced at 29,000 won. The price rose to 42,000 won in 2017, 54,000 won in 2019, and 64,000 won in 2021. Since 2021, the price has increased every year.
Last year, the price surpassed 100,000 won for the first time (102,000 won), and this year it jumped to 110,000 won. Over the past eight years, the price has more than doubled?up 2.6 times?with an average annual increase rate of 12.67%, far outpacing general inflation.
Despite the rising price, Shilla Hotel's Apple Mango Bingsu remains a top "photo spot" during the summer and enjoys steady popularity on social networking services (SNS). However, some consumers have expressed concerns about the soaring price, saying, "I should have tried it when it was in the 40,000 won range," and "For that money, I could have a mango party in Southeast Asia."
Even more expensive bingsu options have appeared. This year, Four Seasons Hotel joined the premium competition by offering its Apple Mango Bingsu for 149,000 won, an 18.2% increase from last year. Signiel Seoul, operated by Hotel Lotte, is also selling its Signature Jeju Apple Mango Bingsu for 130,000 won.
In addition, Shilla Hotel Seoul has introduced a new summer dessert featuring the premium ingredient truffle. The "Treasured Moment, Truffle Ice Cream," available at The Library lounge and bar on the first floor, is priced at 60,000 won.
This new menu item was launched following the popularity of last year's Truffle Holiday Cake, which was sold for 400,000 won. The ice cream is made with Gimpo Gold Rice and enhanced with black truffle for a luxurious flavor. It is paired with French dessert wine and brandy, creating a presentation reminiscent of a high-end course meal.
The truffle ice cream is available in limited quantities each day until August 31, and staff provide tableside service by grating truffle directly onto the dessert.
The hotel industry explained, "There is a steady increase in demand for premium desserts targeting customers who value high-quality ingredients and unique experiences," adding, "It has become important to approach this as 'experiential consumption' rather than simply food."
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