Seoul's luxury hotel buffet prices are climbing steadily as the won-dollar exchange rate rises and raw material costs mount. Weekend prices for adults now exceed 200,000 won per person, ushering in what industry observers call the "200,000 won hotel buffet era."
According to hotel industry sources on the 3rd, The Shilla Seoul's buffet restaurant "The Parkview" raised its weekend lunch price from 198,000 won to 204,000 won starting May 1, a 6,000 won increase. Weekend dinner prices rose 10,000 won from 198,000 won to 208,000 won. Weekday dinner was also adjusted from 192,000 won to 198,000 won, approaching the 200,000 won threshold.
The restaurant also introduced a new Haute Cuisine service this month, offering The Parkview's signature dishes including sashimi and BBQ platters in private dining rooms. This premium service costs 220,000 won per person for weekday lunch and 240,000 won for weekend lunch and dinner.
Josun Palace Seoul Gangnam, operated by Josun Hotels & Resorts, also raised prices at its buffet restaurant "Constans" this month. Weekend prices for adults increased from 195,000 won to 205,000 won, entering the 200,000 won range. Weekday lunch rose from 170,000 won to 175,000 won, while weekday dinner increased from 195,000 won to 198,000 won.
Earlier, Lotte Hotel Seoul's "La Seine" raised its weekend lunch and dinner prices to 203,000 won in January. JW Marriott Hotel Seoul's "Flavors" also crossed the 200,000 won mark at 209,000 won for weekends.
The hotel industry attributes the price increases to a combination of the rising won-dollar exchange rate, higher imported ingredient costs, and growing labor expenses. Exchange rate volatility has intensified since U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran on April 28 destabilized the Middle East. The won-dollar rate surged from early trading that day, moving in the 1,460 won range—more than 20 won higher than the previous session.
"The burden of importing ingredients like lobster, cheese, and fruit is growing daily, making price adjustments unavoidable," a hotel industry official said. "Exchange rate fluctuations due to geopolitical risks in the Middle East are also inevitably affecting our pricing."
However, some hotels are offering limited-time promotions to ease the burden on consumers. Four Seasons Hotel Seoul's buffet restaurant "The Market Kitchen" launched a "1-Hour Express Buffet" promotion for weekday lunch while raising some menu prices. Available on weekdays through late May, the promotion offers approximately 40% off the regular lunch price at 99,000 won. The offer is limited to adults with advance reservations, with dining permitted from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.