1 Aug 2024 By May Ng
Top ten must-visit Starbucks stores when in Korea
Pack your bags and grab your passports because it’s travel season to Korea and Starbucks has brewed some excitement just for you! With over 3 million visitors in the first quarter alone (Korea Tourism Organization), Korea is back on the travel map in a big way, marking a triumphant return to pre-pandemic adventures. This is a shared joy as Starbucks Korea celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, with limited-edition beverages and anniversary merchandise alongside the opening of its ninth Community Store, the Hwangudan Community Store.
Starbucks Community Stores are a nurturing ground for our partners (employees) to connect with, engage, and represent the communities they serve, forging lasting connections. Community Stores in Korea address diverse needs from youth empowerment and inclusivity to sustainability and heritage conservation.
As a pioneer of café culture in Korea, Starbucks provides the perfect Third Place for both tourists and locals. With over 1,900 stores in 82 cities across the market, Starbucks has just the store for you whether you’re in need of a pick-me-up or a place to rest and plan your next adventure with friends and family.
Together with the Korea Tourism Organization, Starbucks Korea has identified the top ten Starbucks® stores that are a must-visit in your itinerary.
HWANGUDAN COMMUNITY STORE
The Hwangudan Community Store offers a distinctive experience steeped in Korea’s rich national heritage, featuring replicas of two historic calligraphy pieces donated by Starbucks Korea to the National Trust for Cultural Heritage. A portion of proceeds from the store – 300 KRW (~US$0.22) per item – combined with proceeds from special national heritage preservation products created by Starbucks, will be donated in support of the preservation of national heritage, demonstrating the Starbucks community promise in action.
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KYUNGDONG 1960 STORE
As Starbucks Korea’s fifth Community Store, Kyungdong 1960 store is dedicated to supporting the local community with the revitalization and restoration of the Kyungdong Market’s deep heritage. The store is a community hub that pays homage to the old Kyungdong Theater by preserving the original architecture and materials.
3F Kyungdong Market, 1036 Jegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
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THE YANGPYEONG DT STORE
The largest Starbucks store in Korea is found in the popular tourist destination, Yangpyeong. Sitting at three-stories high with scenic views of the South Han River, The Yangpyeong DT store offers flexibility that matches any style of travel from slow-paced itineraries to road trips. Starbucks core menus, Teavana™ drinks, and a drive-through window are all available in-store.
76 Yanggeunro, Yangpyeong-eup, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
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THE YEOSU DOLSAN DT STORE
This beautiful store has a total floor area of 1,200 square meters in the popular tourist destination of Dolsan Island. The observatory is a great spot to take in the breathtaking ocean view of Yeosu.
697-20 Udu-ri, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si
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THE JEJU SONGDANG PARK R STORE
Korea’s largest Starbucks Reserve® store is found in the heart of Songdang Fairy Tale Village in Jeju City, offering views of Hallasan Mountain and Jeju Stone Park. The store’s interior design is a collaboration with local kinetic artist Jo Byeong-cheol that represents the journey of coffee roasting.
2635-3 Songdang-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si
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EDAE R STORE
The very first Starbucks® store to open in Korea in 1999, which was later remodeled into a Reserve® store to commemorate Starbuck Korea’s 20th anniversary. Edae R Store is located in the Ewha Womans University area and is three-stories high, offering a Starbucks Reserve® coffee bar, Teavana™ drinks, and heritage products symbolizing the first store.
54-4 Daehyeong-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
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THE BUKHANGANG R STORE
The first and only pet-friendly Starbucks® store in South Korea boasts a panoramic view of the Bukhan River. The store was recently renewed in 2023 to provide more open space for pets and owners to enjoy their time together.
806-1 Geumnam-ri, Hwado-eup, Namyangju-si
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THE BUKHANSAN STORE
Situated near the entrance of the famed Bukhansan National Park, the Bukhansan store spans two floors and a rooftop, reaching 1,100 square meters in total. The spacious store offers a unique café experience that combines city living and nature, with a special photo zone capturing the stunning Bukhansan Mountain in the background.
277-11 Jingwan-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul
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BYULDABANG STORE
Byuldabang store adopts the local Korean nickname for Starbucks. The store becomes a cozy oasis in the city presented by a large digital art wall. This LEED-certified store opened in the State Tower Namsan Building using lower-impact materials and equipment.
88 Hoehyeon-dong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
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CHUNCHEON GUBONGSAN R STORE
Chuncheon Gubongsan R store offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Chuncheon city skyline, making it a perfect tourist spot to view sunsets on Gubongsan Mountain.
340-61 Mancheon-ri, Dong-myeon, Chuncheon-si |
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DAEGU JONGRO GOTAEK STORE
Residing in a century-old hanok, a traditional Korean home, Daegu Jongro Gotaek store has restored and reinterpreted the space into a modern Starbucks experience. Preserving the original décor of the hanok, the store honors Daegu’s heritage with over 100 years of history.
58 Jong-ro 2ga, Jung-gu, Daegu
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