Why Hagoromo Chalk Is So Expensive | So Expensive | Business Insider

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Published 2024-07-27
Hagoromo has been described as "the Rolls-Royce" of chalk." The formerly Japanese, now Korean brand's chalk is known for its smooth consistency, vibrancy, and being nearly dust-free. But the brand almost disappeared in 2015, which sent its loyal fans into a frenzy, buying up lifetime supplies before the factory shut down. Luckily, Shin Hyeong-seok, a Korean schoolteacher and former seller of Hagoromo chalk, formed a relationship with the company's president, Watanabe Takayasu, and decided to take over. The transition wasn't easy, but Hyeong-seok's dedication to Takayasu's original formulas and methodology kept the brand alive. But is that enough to ensure its future? We visited Sejongmall, where Hagoromo chalk is made, to find out.

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Why Hagoromo Chalk Is So Expensive | So Expensive | Business Insider
All Comments (21)
  • @CreativismeOfficial
    Imagine studying all your life to become a math professor, only to be interviewed about chalk
  • @kwaaaa
    I just love it when people geek out on the gear they use. It's appreciation of the tiniest details for the tools you use and how it impacts your art/craft.
  • @KamiCorp2953
    I actively use this chalk daily for work. It does cost 5x more than many other brands, but it also: - Produces less chalk dust - Doesn't rub off onto your hands - Easily cleans off with one or two passes of a wiper, rather than most others that need to be washed off with water and stick around for ages - Has a richer, brighter colour and is easier to see. All of those reasons is why I use it and never regret paying the premium for it.
  • @RonenOsden
    I love the common factor with almost every one of the "So Expensive" videos being how passionate makers and users are about the products. Really makes me want most of the items, even when I have absolutely no use for them.
  • @shizuxo
    the story of the chalk being passed is indeed special, I hope they do well
  • @GenRN
    I have zero need for chalk but now I want some. 😂
  • @nurulabidahnajihahjaini9317
    I heard about that hagoromo chalk-craze in 2015 because the only factory will be close. Glad that it came back. These chalk really is good!
  • @fableagain
    I like how the cutting machine leaves traces on the end of each stick of chalk and squishes them a little. It really gives it a more artisenal feel.
  • @xxfloppypillowxx
    I mean I'm normally the "is the price really worth it?" kind of person but you cannot deny the quality of lines it produces. Like I didn't know that a chalk line could look so good nor have I ever seen a chalkboard that is that clean that wasn't brand new.
  • @sarayusarayu832
    I’m a mathematician in training and this writing utensil DOES make me emotional!!! ❤
  • @eldibs
    I mean, I pay extra for good pens because the cheap ones don't perform as well. I bought a nice mouse for my PC for the same reason. If you spend a lot of time using a chalkboard, paying extra for nice chalk just makes sense.
  • @thesamuraix881
    Finally, the follow up to Great Big Story's video on Hagoromo chalk
  • @edantas
    Damn the narrator has the pronunciation of these foreign words on point
  • @Haya12234
    it is so expensive because it is named after the sage of 6 paths
  • @UnliRide
    One other benefit that's not mentioned - you can wear dark clothes while using this chalk and not worry about white dust peppering you all over.
  • @potato2941
    We need to start a meme like how marines eat crayons, mathematicians eat hagoromo chalk.
  • @vsznry
    I recall seeing a similar video a while back. About professors "smuggling" this stuff for ressle. LOL