“One Bowl of Bingsu... Card Payment Came to 150,000 Won”

On a muggy day like today, when you desperately need some air conditioning,

a cool dessert is especially tempting.

When the summer heat arrives, the hotel industry heats up with a fierce Apple Mango Bingsu competition.

But this year, the prices are anything but ordinary.

Some hotels are reportedly charging nearly 150,000 won for a single bowl.

Apple Mango Bingsu at Seoul Shilla Hotel. Provided by Hotel Shilla.

What's going on?

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul: Selling Jeju-grown Apple Mango Bingsu for 149,000 won.

That's an increase of more than 18% compared to last year.

Seoul Shilla Hotel/Lotte Hotel Seoul: Each at 110,000 won, up to 20% higher than last year.

In the past, Mango Bingsu was under 100,000 won, but now most are in the low 100,000 won range.

Why has it become so expensive?

A sharp rise in the price of Jeju-grown apple mangoes

Poor harvests and abnormal weather conditions.

At Garak Market in Seoul, 3kg of apple mangoes has been traded for over 170,000 won!

Operating costs are also rising

Not only ingredient costs, but also labor, service, and electricity expenses are increasing.

Dessert competition among hotels

"Mango alone isn't enough!"

With the addition of seasonal fruits, fancy toppings, and premium plating, the price goes up every year.

The 'Small Luxury' trend, which aims to increase satisfaction with relatively low costs, is spreading. Pixabay

So why do people still buy it?

It's because of the 'Small Luxury' trend.

More people are choosing to enjoy the hotel experience with a relatively affordable dessert instead of an expensive stay.

Social media posts also play a role.

Thanks to people wanting to share "I ate it!" and "It looked beautiful!", the popularity remains steady.

Seoul Shilla Hotel 'Truffle Ice Cream (left)', Four Seasons Hotel 'Maru Bingsu'

Is it just Mango Bingsu?

Seoul Shilla Hotel 'Truffle Ice Cream' (60,000 won)

Four Seasons Hotel 'Maru Bingsu' (89,000 won)

Considering poor harvests due to abnormal weather and rising costs,

some say "This year might be the cheapest chance to try Mango Bingsu."

What about you? Would you be willing to take out your card?

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