Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Starbucks has launched a new branch in South Korea with an extraordinary backdrop scene. Starbucks offers customers to enjoy their coffee while gazing at a serene view of North Korea across the border.
Officially open on Friday, November 29, hundreds of visitors already flocked in to the store. The new outlet is located in an observation tower at Aegibong Peace Ecopark near Gimpo, approximately 50 kilometers northwest of Seoul.
The site lies near the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas, a region that, despite ongoing tensions, has become a major attraction for domestic and international tourists. Thus, before enjoying the café’s unique views, visitors must pass through a military checkpoint, according to Reuters.
View of North Korea
On clear days, guests can use telescopes at the observatory to spot North Koreans going about their daily lives. With high-powered binoculars or advanced zoom cameras, some might even catch sight of individuals strolling in the village across the border.
The observatory also provides stunning views of the Jogang River, which flows between the observatory and Kaepung, a North Korean border town just 1.4 kilometers away. The river is designated as “neutral waters,” further emphasizing the symbolic nature of the location.
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South Korea and North Korea remain technically at war, as their 1950-1953 conflict ended with an armistice rather than a peace treaty. Despite the lingering tensions, Gimpo Mayor Kim Byung-soo expressed optimism that Starbucks’ presence could help transform the perception of the border region.
The observatory at Aegibong Peace Ecopark, where the new Starbucks outlet opened, stands as a key attraction within the park, which is built on a hill that saw fierce battles during the Korean War.
Kim said the area was seen as dark and somber, which he believed would be changed after the coming of the Starbucks outlet. “This area can now become a significant tourist destination for security and peace,” Kim said. “It can be viewed as a young, vibrant, warm, and globally appealing site.”
Starbucks Expands in South Korea
According to SCK Company, the license operator for Starbucks in South Korea, the country had 1,980 Starbucks locations by the third quarter of 2024. However, this particular outlet offers something rare—an opportunity for South Koreans and tourists alike to catch a glimpse of North Korea without crossing the border.
The unique café complements existing DMZ tours, which draw thousands of visitors each year, according to the Korea Tourism Organization. This Starbucks provides an unparalleled experience, combining coffee with a view of one of the world’s most fortified borders.
(Raidi/Agung)
