A one-of-a-kind Starbucks you can only find in Korea
- zone tp
- May 9
- 4 min read
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Starbucks is located all over the world, making it easy to visit no matter where you are.
Some people even visit on purpose to experience unique merchandise or menu items that vary by country.
Some Starbucks locations especially capture the unique vibe and character of their region!
Let me introduce you to some unique Starbucks stores you can only find in Korea.
Let's begin😎
Starbucks Ewha Womans University branch is Korea’s very first Starbucks store, opened in 1999, making it a meaningful spot in the brand’s history. Ewha Womans University was the most popular college town at the time, bustling with a lively atmosphere where young people gathered. As the first-ever store in Korea, it offers exclusive menu items and merchandise. You can try special drinks like the Starbucks 1st Store Cream Latte, which features a coffee chai foam, or the 1st Store Americano and Latte—only available here. The limited-edition 1st Store mug features a beautiful pear blossom design, symbolizing Ewha, and is a perfect collector’s item. As a unique touch, this location also offers a tumbler engraving service. You can add your own message—up to 10 characters—and choose from different fonts and icons to create your very own custom Starbucks goodie!
Address: 34 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Work: Mon–Fri 8AM–8PM
Sat, Sun 9AM–8PM
Starbucks Gimpo Aegibong Peace Eco Park branch is one of the most unique locations in Korea—offering a rare chance to observe North Korea and its people through telescopes. To get there, you’ll need to visit the Aegibong Peace Eco Park, located in the only inter-Korean jointly used water zone. Since it’s within a civilian restricted area, make sure to bring your ID. You’ll also need to purchase an entry ticket, so it’s best to book in advance. We recommend following the full course: visit the Peace Exhibition Hall, stroll through the gardens and eco-trails, and then stop by Starbucks. Once you’ve learned about the area’s history and nature, the experience at the observatory becomes even more meaningful. The café offers both traditional and AI digital telescopes. With the AI telescope, you can enjoy clear views of North Korea—even on cloudy days—along with multilingual explanations in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese!
Address: 289 Pyeonghwagongwon-ro Wolgot-myeon, Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do
Work: 10AM–4:30PM
Starbucks Daegu Jongno Hanok branch is perhaps the most traditional Korean Starbucks, made by renovating two actual hanok (traditional Korean houses), one of which is over 100 years old. While there are several hanok-style Starbucks in Korea, this is the only one housed in a real historical hanok, making it extra meaningful. The rear house was originally built in 1919, and the front was reconstructed to match its original size after being lost over time. The front building now holds the counter and table seating, while the rear preserves the original layout and features floor seating. You can also find seats on the garden deck and wooden floors, giving you the chance to enjoy the hanok atmosphere from different angles. As a special store, it offers six exclusive drinks, and there's even a unique music-listening space in collaboration with Bang & Olufsen, where traditional ambiance meets modern sound for a truly immersive experience.
Address: 22 Jungang-daero 77-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu
Work: 8AM–10PM
Starbucks Seoul Wave Art Center branch is a floating Starbucks on the Hangang River, offering a relaxing view of the water. Located within the Seoul Wave Art Center—a cultural complex hosting exhibitions, performances, events, and parties—it provides not only a great coffee experience but also the chance to explore this unique venue, especially when exhibitions are on. Because the store floats on the river, its interior design reflects this unique setting. The wavy patterns on the outer walls symbolize the Starbucks siren swimming through the currents, while the floating sculptures on the ceiling resemble water droplets and bubbles. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows allow visitors to enjoy their drinks right next to the river, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists. Even the bridge leading to the center, which gently sways, is a popular photo spot thanks to its scenic beauty.
Address: 145-35 Jamwon-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Work: Mon–Fri 8:30AM–10PM
Sat 7:30AM–10PM
Sun 7AM–10PM
Starbucks Jeju Jungmun branch is a unique store with an eye-catching exterior that seems almost alive, resembling something out of Howl's Moving Castle. The distinctive architecture and colorful stairs make it a popular spot for taking interesting photos. As it is located in Jeju, this Starbucks offers special menus and merchandise unique to the island. The drinks, desserts, and products perfectly capture Jeju's characteristics and beauty, making it a must-try for anyone visiting. The store is situated near popular tourist attractions such as hotels, Teddy Bear Museum, Cheonjeyeon Waterfall, and the beach, making it convenient to visit alongside other sites! Additionally, right next door is the Grimm Forest, where you can enjoy media art based on the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. Experience the unique Starbucks in Jeju, part of a giant artistic complex!
Address: 32 Jungmungwangwang-ro 110beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Work: 7:30AM–9PM
Starbucks Yeosu Dolsan DT branch offers an expansive ocean view, sleek interior, and a variety of immersive experiences related to the space. One standout feature is the 8m wide media art table located in the center of the first floor, which is unique to this location worldwide. This table, depicting the sea in front of Yeosu and its beautiful ridgelines, reacts to the placement of a coffee cup on it, as sensors detect the cup and trigger a visual response. Even while indoors, you'll feel like you're drinking coffee by the beach! Through the large windows inside, you can also enjoy a view of Yeosu’s sea, but don't miss the chance to step out onto the terrace to fully take in the atmosphere. This place is especially famous for its sunsets. Be sure to catch the breathtaking sight of the sun setting over the sea from the terrace. Additionally, check out the exclusive merchandise and Yeosu-specific menu items available only here. The purple gradient tumbler, reminiscent of a sunset, is particularly popular!
Address: 3549 Dolsan-ro Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
Work: 9AM–9PM
