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

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. ------------------------------------------------------ #chalk #soexpensive #businessinsider MORE SO EXPENSIVE VIDEOS: Why Michelin-Starred Chefs Are Paying Premium For One Of Korea's Rarest Seaweeds | So Expensive    • Why Michelin-Starred Chefs Are Paying Prem...   Why India's $12 Million Cricket Bat Industry Is Fueled By UK Trees | So Expensive | Business Insider    • Why India's $12 Million Cricket Bat Indust...   Why These Giant Oak Barrels Are The Key To Making Some Of The World's Most Expensive Wine    • Why These Giant Oak Barrels Are The Key To...   Business Insider tells you all you need to know about business, finance, tech, retail, and more. Visit our homepage for the top stories of the day: https://www.businessinsider.com Business Insider on Facebook:   / businessinsider   Business Insider on Instagram:   / insiderbusiness   Business Insider on Twitter:   / businessinsider   Business Insider on Snapchat:   / 5319643143   Business Insider on TikTok:   / businessinsider   Why Hagoromo Chalk Is So Expensive | So Expensive | Business Insider