Tiffany CondeHome to independent roasters and artisan coffee houses, South Korea is famous for its flourishing coffee scene — where an enthusiasm for caffeine is matched by the coffeeholics who seek out delicious brews in every neighbourhood. Yet no other coffee franchise has taken the country by storm quite like Starbucks Korea, which currently has over 1,200 branches across the country and counting.
From a Starbucks floating on the Han River to a hanok-style café in Gyeongju City, these Starbucks branches in South Korea are truly one-of-a-kind. Here, we’ve rounded up the cream of the crop of the most beautiful Starbucks in Korea. For your next coffee date, you know exactly where to go!
Also read: Top 10 Cafés in Seoul for The Best Pastries & Baked Treats
Most beautiful Starbucks in South Korea
1. Starbucks Wave in Seoul Wave Art Center, Seoul
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A Starbucks floating on the Han River? You bet. After opening to the public in 2019, the Seoul Wave Art Center made waves online for its innovative concept as a cultural exhibition venue on the Han River. It drew even more attention when it debuted a brand new café called Starbucks Wave.
Unlike most Starbucks branches, this café goes beyond the usual forest green and brown colour scheme and feels closer to an art installation. From afar, the building looks like a cruise ship floating on the water. Even the floor-to-ceiling windows, which peer out into the river, appear like an undulating wave.
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Furthermore, this Korea Starbucks outlet comes with minimalist interiors, night-time illuminations, and an impressive lookout of Seoul. This way, you can bask in stunning city views without ever having to leave your seat!
Address: 149-2 Jamwon-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea
2. Starbucks Famille Park in Seocho District, Seoul
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At Famille Park Dome, the sight of artificial birds fluttering towards the glass-domed ceiling looks straight out of a fairytale. Were it not for the giant mermaid logo, you might not even know you were in a Starbucks branch at all. But make no mistake. The comfortable couches, earthy décor, and light-filled space? That’s all Starbucks.
Marking the 800th store in South Korea, Starbucks Famille Park invites customers to relish their coffee in an “urban coffee forest.” Thus, the interiors make use of eco-friendly materials such as burlap bags, while potted coffee trees fill the area with serenity and balance.
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Outside, you can recognise this branch by its unique geometric structure. No doubt one of the most magical Starbucks locations you’ll find in South Korea, it’s the ideal place to relax with your favourite cup of coffee or tea.
Address: 19-3 Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea
3. Starbucks Gyeongju Daereungwon in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province
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If you love wandering down hanok villages in South Korea, then you’ll certainly adore this hidden gem in Gyeongju City. Built to resemble a traditional Korean house, the curved roof and the columns of this Starbucks location make it a clear stand-out from the rest.
Home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the ancient capital city of Gyeongju City is often called “a museum without walls.” Therefore, it’s only fitting that the coffee shop fits its nostalgic environment.
Also read: 10 Most Famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites You Need to Visit in South Korea
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Inside the coffee shop, the wooden interiors and floor seating area pay tribute to traditional Korean design elements as well. Factor in the colourful patterns and paintings on the walls — and you get an aesthetically pleasing environment with very little distractions.
Address: 140-2 Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
4. Starbucks Mungyeong Saejae in Mungyeong, North Gyeongsang Province
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Looking for another trip to the past? You can find a nod to traditional Korean architecture at the Starbucks Mungyeong Saejae branch in North Gyeongsang Province. It features the same roofing style of a Korean hanok and a low seating area with cushions inside.
Mungyeong Saejae happens to be a popular mountain spot and hiking spot in South Korea, so the natural scenery is definitely a highlight. Feel free to order a pumpkin spice latte at the Starbucks café and simply take in the peaceful surroundings. Come autumn, you can also capture stunning photographs of the ginkgo trees nearby!
Address: 288-33 Sangcho-ri, Mungyeong-eup, Mungyeong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
5. Starbucks Busan Songdo Beach in Seo District, Busan
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Any coffee shop with a view of the sea is where we would like to be! While you’re exploring the scenic parks and temples of Busan, don’t miss out on a chance to duck into the Starbucks Busan Songdo Beach branch in the Seo District. At this breezy Starbucks in Korea, the wide glass windows offer uninterrupted views of the sand and sea.
Located in a residential district, it’s a refreshing spot to catch your breath over snacks and a cup of coffee. Or, it can simply be a place of refuge when you want to chill out in style.
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Beyond the coffee shop, you can follow a 365-metre walkway that approaches the bay. Anytime you feel like wiggling your toes in the sand or going for an afternoon splash, Songdo Beach is only a short walk away.
Address: 81 Songdohaebyeon-ro, Seo-gu, Busan, South Korea
6. Starbucks Jeju Jungmun in Seogwipo, Jeju Island
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Have you ever seen a Starbucks branch this colourful? We’ve fallen hard and fast for this Starbucks Jeju Jungmun branch in Seogwipo City, the coffee franchise’s most eye-catching location to date. Here, a rainbow staircase leads to a quirky, steampunk café.
As far as Starbucks stores in South Korea go, this one fully embraces its playful and creative side. Why? Well, it’s actually a creative collaboration with its neighbour, the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum!
Additionally, this Starbucks branch offers exclusive desserts and drinks that are only available on Jeju Island. Some of our favourites include the Jeju Carrot Basalt Cake, Halla Cheese Volca, Jeju Black Sesame Latte, and Jeju Matcha Shot Cream Frappuccino.
Address: 32 Jungmungwangwang-ro, 110 beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
7. Starbucks Yangpyeong in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province
Image credit: Starbucks Korea Official Facebook Page
Situated in Yangpyeong County in Gyeonggi Province, this three-storey branch is the largest Starbucks in Korea. It occupies over 1,203sqm and flaunts picturesque views of the Namhan River. Thanks to the tall panoramic windows, this outlet also lets you appreciate the surrounding landscape while indulging in your favourite drinks and pastries.
Image credit: Starbucks Korea Official Facebook Page
If you’re looking for a café that marries polished interiors with delicious food, then you’ve found the right place. The Starbucks Yangpyeong branch is the first one in South Korea to offer a bakery, a Teavana bar, a Reserve bar, and a drive-through all under one roof.
Not only is the cosy ambience perfect for lounging around, but the rooftop is also tailor-made for romantic coffee dates! Now, doesn’t that sound like the right place to meet your future oppa?
Address: 76 Yanggeun-ro, Yangpyeong-eub, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Image credit: Starbucks Korea Official Facebook Page
Drinking coffee has never seemed so dreamy! Among these Starbucks branches in South Korea, which locations would you like to visit first?
Also read: 10 Beautiful Starbucks Branches for Coffee Lovers Across the Globe
If you love to travel for coffee, check out our personal recommendations for Tokyo, San Francisco, Ho Chi Minh, Kuala Lumpur, and Manila as well. You’ll stumble upon cafés that are visually pleasing and also worth the hype!
