Korea's Most Expensive '500,000 Won' Cake: "What Is This?" Surprise Upon Opening

Order Confusion and Surface Cracks Spark Controversy Over Shilla Hotel Cake
Hotel Admits "Confusion During Ordering Process... We Apologize for the Mistake"

The 500,000 won-range premium cake introduced by Shilla Hotel this year as the industry's most expensive product has become embroiled in controversy due to order confusion and surface cracks. Critics have pointed out that, despite its high price, the quality and service management were lacking.

Official image of the "The Finest Luxury" Christmas cake released by Shilla Hotel (left) and the appearance of the misdelivered cake received by a YouTuber. Shilla Hotel · YouTube channel 'Heukbaek Review'

On December 6, the YouTuber "Heukbaek Review," who has 790,000 subscribers, released a video titled "The Most Expensive 500,000 Won Cake in Korea." This cake is a premium product sold exclusively by Shilla Hotel during the Christmas season, featuring 100% wild white truffles. Only three cakes are sold per day.

Chocolate Decoration Colors Swapped: "A Mistake in the Kitchen"

However, the cake shown in the video had decorations in different colors compared to the official image. While the standard is white chocolate decorations, the product received by the YouTuber had red chocolate on top. He immediately contacted customer service, and the hotel explained, "There were many inquiries about red chocolate, which led to confusion in the kitchen."

When the cake was cut, cracks were also visible on the surface. Some viewers pointed out that similar cracks were seen in review videos by other YouTubers, raising concerns about the product.

The mistakenly delivered cake received by the YouTuber. Cracks can be seen on the surface. Shilla Hotel · YouTube channel 'Heukbaek Review'

Online commenters responded critically, saying, "They only sell three a day, so how can there be any confusion?" "The quality is very disappointing for 500,000 won," "They should apologize and immediately resend it. The price includes service," and "If they made even 30, it would be a disaster."

Hotel: "A Clear Mistake...Apologies to the YouTuber"

Later, the YouTuber stated in the comments that he had spoken with Shilla Hotel. He said, "The manager of the pastry boutique apologized repeatedly, almost to the point of embarrassment," and added, "They offered compensation such as resending the cake and providing a gift item, but I politely declined as I was satisfied with the taste." He continued, "I asked about the difference in color, but since the taste was the same, I decided there was no problem with the review and did not request an exchange or refund." He also noted, "Since I did not pick up the cake myself, the cracks likely occurred during delivery or storage."

Shilla Hotel also explained, "This year's product is supposed to have white decorations, but since some customers had previously requested red decorations, both versions were produced in parallel. Confusion during the ordering process led to the wrong product being provided." The hotel added, "It was clearly a mistake that the wrong product was sent out, and we apologized to the YouTuber and informed him that an exchange is possible if desired." They further stated, "The cake's exterior is mousse-based, so we always provide instructions on storage upon pickup. While we recommend refrigeration, cracks can develop if the recommended storage method is not followed or if there are temperature changes during transport or storage."