SNU Co-Op (SNUCO) has reopened its Neuteenamu Café at Jahayeon and while students are thrilled with the reopening of the café, many are disappointed with the cost of its much-loved waffles. The fluffy treat that once cost 600 KRW now costs 800 KRW. And not only that, but the cost of the toppings has risen as well. One topping, such as fresh cream, chocolate syrup, or jam, costs 200 KRW which is double the price just a few months ago. Any additional toppings were to cost 200 KRW, more, but with the discontent of the students, the cost of additional toppings has been changed to only 100 KRW more. With these new prices, one fresh cream chocolate waffle, or sengcho waffle, now costs 1,100 KRW.

SNUCO has stated that the rise in prices is a result of the increasing cost of production and overall inflation that the country has been experiencing. SNUCO's general manager LEE Kyu-sun stated,"Ever since 2006 our prices have been frozen but with ever-rising costs, a price increase was inevitable." He asked,"Please understand that the prices reflect the market conditions."

With the higher price of waffles, will students continue buying this tasty treat? A student from the College of Humanities said,"It's disappointing to see that the waffles are more expensive than they were. I know that now I won't be able to eat them as frequently as before. But I will buy one from time to time, just not so often as before." It generally seems like the higher price will not dissuade students from purchasing the waffles. The simple snack seems to have a strong resilience that will continue making it a much-desired treat for SNU students.

Written by OH Jung Eun, SNU English Editor, josefinaoh@snu.ac.kr
Reviewed by Eli Park Sorensen, SNU Professor of Liberal Studies, eps7257@snu.ac.kr
Proofread by Brett Johnson, SNU English Editor, morningcalm2@gmail.com