5 Starbucks Stores in Korea that Surprise Even Locals

Starbucks stores can be found in many places across the country. They are arguably the most common franchise stores. Today, we will introduce Starbucks stores across the country that have preserved the unique features of their local areas.

The Starbucks that opened in Daegu immediately became a hot topic. The Daegu Jongno Gotaek is a Starbucks in a century-old hanok, a traditional Korean home, or Gotaek in Korean. Built in 1919, this place once served as a venue for experiencing Korean culture. Starbucks has taken great care to preserve the authentic architectural form of the traditional house. Unlike other Starbucks stores, this one has a seating area where customers can sit on the floor.

The store also has a separate space for enjoying music. Visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee while looking at the outdoor garden in the tranquil traditional house.

• Address: 22, Jungang-daero 77-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu
• Business hours: 0:00-22:00

The Starbucks Gyeongju Daereungwon is a Starbucks store with a traditional exterior. Located near Cheomseongdae Observatory, it resembles a traditional Korean house from the entrance. The traditional house, characterized by its tiled roof and vibrant patterns, captivates visitors’ attention.

The Gyeongju Daereungwon store has a floor seating area that highlights the features of a traditional house. Thanks to its unique atmosphere, it is a popular space among tourists in Gyeongju. It’s a great place to introduce the harmony of a traditional house and Starbucks to inbound tourists.

• Address: 125, Cheomseong-ro, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Business hours: Mon-Thurs, Sun 08:00-21:30, Fri, Sat 08:00-22:00

The Starbucks Mungyeong Saejae is a store located in Mungyeong, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Thanks to its traditional Korean house design and interior, it is considered one of the most beautiful stores. The Mungyeong Saejae store was also ranked fifth among Korea’s most stunning Starbucks stores, as voted by Starbucks employees.

When you enter the store, you can see a traditional house structure based on the tradition of Mungyeong Saejae Trail. Every corner is adorned with intricate traditional patterns, showcasing Korea’s rich cultural tapestry. This store was the first Starbucks store in Korea to introduce a floor seating area on its second floor in 2014.

It is emerging as a distinctive store for domestic tourists and is considered a landmark of Mungyeong. For international visitors, it offers a delightful immersion into the essence of Korean culture.

• Address: 906, Saejae-ro, Mungyeong-eup, Mungyeong, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Business hours: 09:00-17:00

You can also visit a Starbucks store in Seoul that has a traditional vibe. Located right next to the Westin Chosun Hotel at City Hall Station is the Starbucks Hwangudan. Thanks to its traditional Korean house with a tiled roof and interior design, it exudes a serene atmosphere.

Hwangudan holds significant historical importance as a site where the king once offered sacrifices to the heavens. It was established by King Sejo in 1457 but was rebuilt by King Gojong, who proclaimed the Korean Empire and held his coronation ceremony in 1897. However, the Japanese demolished the main Hwangudan to build the current Westin Chosun Hotel, leaving only the three-storied octagonal Hwanggungu.

The Starbucks Hwangudan created octagonal shelves to display their merchandise after the octagonal roof of Hwanggungu. The beverage stand and the building pillars reproduce the brick shape of the stone three-door in front of Hwanggungu. It is a beloved store where you can feel the elegance of Korea.

• Address: 112, Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Business hours: 07:00-22:00

The Starbucks The Bukhangang R is a store opposite the Bukhangang River. As soon as you enter the cafe, the open Bukhangang River comes into view. The first floor is a pick-up and pet park, the second and third floors are the main space, and the fourth is the rooftop.

Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, the place immerses guests in panoramic vistas of the surrounding natural landscape. You can capture the natural scenery from anywhere in the store. The rooftop is also excellent. This large store has over 300 seats.

Since its grand opening, Starbucks The Bukhangang R has become a hot topic and has attracted many visitors. It was so crowded that there were no seats available. It has secured its status as a quintessential landmark and a beloved destination in Namyangju.

• Address: 806-1, Geumnam-ri, Hwado-eup, Namyangju, Gyeonggi-do
• Business hours: Mon-Fri 09:00-19:00, Sat, Sun 09:00-20:00