List of the Most Unique Starbucks Locations in Seoul
Starbucks is extremely popular in Korea! Here is a list of some of the most popular locations on social media, known for their dazzling interior or exterior.
Coffee is such a huge part of Korean culture. It is common for Koreans to visit a cafe after a meal to spend more time with one another. One big name when it comes to coffee is Starbucks. As of December 2020, there are over 1,500 Starbucks in Korea. Part of what made Starbucks so successful was its ability to localize to the Korean market. Many of you may know that one of Korea's specialties is unique cafes, and Starbucks has jumped on the train as well! Check out some of the most unique Starbucks locations in Korea!
Starbucks THE Bukhansan
스타벅스 더북한산점
Starbucks THE Bukhansan offers a unique experience for busy modern urbanites in Seoul to enjoy a cup of coffee and commune with nature while appreciating the magnificent view of Bukhansan mountain. Spanning about 300 square meters across the first and second floors and rooftop, the branch boasts 253 seats to provide a comfortable space for customers to enjoy their coffee.
Starbucks usually does not have much variety when it comes to baked goods, but they went all out here at THE Bukhansan Branch. Don't those Onion Cream Basil Rolls look incredible?! There are some items that are exclusive to this location only like the Apple Pie & Organic Ice cream and the Marscapone Cream Mont Blanc.
If you want to get away from the bustling side of Seoul, visit Starbucks THE Bukhansan! Read more about it in the link below!
Starbucks THE Bukhansan Review
Starbucks Community Store: Kyungdong 1960
스타벅스 경동1960점
Credit: Starbucks Stories Asia
Hours: Every Day 9:00-22:00
Address: 3F-4F, Gosanja-ro 36-gil, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 동대문구 고산자로36길 3 3~4층)
Starbucks Kyungdong 1960 is located in Kyungdong Market, Dongdaemun. This particular location is the fifth community store and is meant to bridge the gap between generations by incorporating retro decorations along with the theme of a theatre from the 60s. This Starbucks was restored from the Kyungdong Theatre, which was originally built in 1960 and has been closed since 1994, as you can see from the architecture, design, and structure of the cafe!
There are 3 menus available: the regular menu, the seasonal menu, and the Kyungdong 1960 menu. On the Kyungdong 1960 menu, there are special pastries that are only available at this location!
Another aspect that makes this Starbucks location unique is the way they call your order number or nickname! Since the store is so big, it would be impractical for the employees to try and call out order numbers, so they have a huge projection display on the wall where your order number or nickname will pop up when your order is ready!
This Starbucks location is huge and definitely worth a visit! It does tend to get crowded, so we recommend stopping by in the morning on a weekday! Check out our full review here!
Starbucks Kyungdong 1960 Review
Starbucks vs. Starbucks Reserve
스타벅스 리저브
Many of the unique Starbucks locations are considered to be Starbucks Reserve branches. So, before talking about the locations, we feel that we should introduce what a Starbucks Reserve is. Starbucks initially developed Reserve roasteries to compete with other rising coffee brands. The coffees sold at these roasteries are carefully selected from all over the world. These coffees are roasted in smaller batches. They have partnered with Conservation International to ensure these coffees are ethically sourced.
But note, there are only a couple of Starbucks Reserved Roasteries globally. Currently, all of the Starbucks Reserves in Korea are not official roasteries, but stores that sell these limited-edition coffees. Quick plug for the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Seattle, it is very cool to see the machines they use to roast the coffee.
Starbucks Reserve Ewha Womans University
스타벅스 이대R점
Address: 34 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 서대문구 이화여대길 34)
Hours:
Mon-Thu: 8:00-19:00
Fri-Sat: 8:00-20:00
Sun: 09:00-19:00
The very first Starbucks in Korea opened on July 27th, 1999 near the entrance of Ewha Womans University. To celebrate their 20th anniversary in 2019, this branch underwent a remodel to the current Starbucks Reserve store. You can read more about our visit to this branch by clicking here.
As soon as you enter, you can feel there that is a different vibe to this store than the other Starbucks in Seoul. There are a total of three floors, the first floor is similar to the layout you would find at other Starbucks Reserve stores. On the second floor, there is another bar but only with Teavana products. While the third floor is for general seating.
Ewha University Starbucks (New/Old)
Starbucks Reserve Jongno Tower
스타벅스 더종로R점
Address: 51 Jong-ro, Gongpyeong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 종로2가 종로 51)
Hours:
Mon-Fri 7:00-21:00
Sat 8:00-21:00
Sun 8:00-20:00
This Starbucks is in Jongno Tower which is located in Jonggak and is close to Gwanghwamun. Previously this Starbucks held the "King of Starbucks in Korea" title, but we think this location has been dethroned by the one that opened in Yangpyeong in the summer of 2020. Still, this location is fairly big and there are high ceilings and plenty of seating available.
You can really take in how big this location while looking down from the stairs. There are also large windows so on sunny days the light that comes in is very relaxing.
The interior of this Starbucks is very modern. There are also three floors, we recommend grabbing a seat on the upper floors.
Characteristic of a Starbucks Reserve store, not only is there the "typical" counter, but also an extended bar for specialty drinks. There are tons of seating available, but be aware that seats can fill up fast on weekdays because the people that work at Jongno Tower may take their lunch break here.
Starbucks Reserve Famille Park
스타벅스 파미에파크R점
Address:
서울 서초구 사평대로 205
205 Sapyeong-daero, Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Hours: Every Day 7:00-22:00
This Starbucks is conveniently located near Exit 4 of Express Bus Terminal. This location is popular on social media because it is one of the most beautiful Starbucks in Seoul. What makes this Starbucks unique is the geometric patterning along the walls and ceiling. Also, the ceiling of this building is glass and tent-shaped.
You can also see birds strung together and hung from the ceiling. Whether the lighting is natural or from bulbs, this spot makes for great photos!
Starbucks Reserve Hwangudan
스타벅스 환구단점
Address:
서울 중구 소공로 106
106 Sogong-ro, Sogong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
Hours:
Mon-Fri 7:00-20:00
Sat 8:00-20:00
Sun 8:00-19:00
This hanok style Starbucks is located near City Hall Station, Seoul Plaza, and Deoksugung Palace. While much of this area is now developed with tall and modern buildings, we love how this Starbucks remains traditional.
While the exterior of this Starbucks is very unique, when you walk inside it generally feels like you are in any other Starbucks. But there are some seats on a platform where you would need to take off your shoes to sit at, similar to what it would be like in a traditional hanok!
Starbucks Seoul Wave Art Center
스타벅스 서울웨이브아트센터점
Address:
서울 서초구 잠원로 145-35
145-9 Jamwon-ro, Jamwon-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Hours:
Mon-Fri 8:00-21:00
Sat 7:30-21:30
Sun 7:30-21:00
If you're looking for a Starbucks with a view, this one is definitely the one to check out! This Starbucks is floating right on the Han River and is especially beautiful at night with all the lights. The combined effect of the building looking like an oiler ship, and the long walkway makes you feel like you are boarding a boat for a nautical adventure.
The store has a great view of the Han River! Although the store is fairly big, it can get very crowded on the weekends. Note, since this location is a regular Starbucks, they do not have Reserve drinks.
Why not add this Starbucks to your Seoul itinerary? You can get some awesome photos with the Han River in the background.
Starbucks Chungjeong-ro
스타벅스 충정로역점
Address:
서울 서대문구 충정로3가 95-1
95-1 Chungjeong-ro 3(sam)-ga, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Hours:
Mon-Fri 7:00-20:00
Sat-Sun: 9:00-17:00
If the hanok style Starbucks is the epitome of tradition, then this Starbucks is the epitome of modern. This location is actually nearby the aforementioned hanok Starbucks, so if you are a frequent coffee drinker, you can visit both locations in one day. What makes this location unique is the architecture. Upon first glance, you may even think it is a fancy art museum!
The lights hanging from the ceiling are like shooting stars. Because of this captivating interior, this is one of the more popular locations in downtown Seoul.
Starbucks Reserve Cheongdam-dong
스타벅스 청담스타R점
Address:
서울 강남구 도산대로57길 24
24 Dosan-daero 57-gil, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Hours: Every Day 8:00-21:00
The 1,000th Starbucks in Korea is located in one of the most luxurious areas in Korea, Apugujeong Rodeo Station. Right as you enter, you feel the dazzling atmosphere. It feels more like an upscale bar than a Starbucks.
Just in case you didn't think this Starbucks is bougie enough, there is a spiral staircase and an outdoor terrace! Also, since this is a Starbucks Reserve, you can enjoy a special cup of coffee and feel extra fancy.
Starbucks Byeoldabang
스타벅스 별다방점
Address:
서울 중구 회현동2가 88 스테이트타워 남산
Seoul, Jung-gu, Hoehyeondong 2(i)-ga, 88 State Tower Namsan
Hours:
Mon-Fri 7:00-22:00
Sat-Sun 8:00-21:00
Starbucks Byeoldabang opened on March 26th, 2021. What makes this location unique is the interior design. When creating this Starbucks, developers incorporated modernized elements of a traditional Korean-style cafe (다방). Overall the store has very natural wooden tones. But, right as you walk in you see a giant LED wall. By giant, we mean the projection spanned from floor to ceiling!
This is the world's first Starbucks digital art wall. The store will project artwork related to Starbucks. The piece that was on display when we went was by Korean artist Lee Kyu-Tae and meant to represent a Starbucks coffee farm, Hacienda Alsacia. Overall the interior was very cozy but luxurious. So, the next time you all are shopping in the Myeongdong area, why not visit this extravagant Starbucks?
While there is no shortage of Starbucks along the streets of Seoul, we hope you all carve some time to check out some of these unique locations. If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below or send us an email at help@creatrip.com. You can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea!
