Rustic Starbucks Outlet In Korea Resembles A Hanok And Comes With Traditional Floor Seating
They’re home to the world’s first floating Starbucks, and their largest branch of the popular coffee chain is a 3-storey mammoth that overlooks a river and greenery. Korea’s Starbucks outlets are pretty unrivalled - though Japan’s are a solid contender - and aside from these modern new additions, it’s also worth going back a couple of eras with their traditional hanok-style outlet in Gyeongju.
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Read on to find out more about the hanok-style Starbucks in Gyeongju, Korea!
Photo from Korea Tourism Organization
From afar, it’s easy to mistake the gorgeous Gyeongju Starbucks for a temple, for its curved roof, grand pillars, and brown bricks sure make it appear like one. There’s also what appears to be a pair of haetae (mythical horned creature with lion’s body) flanking the building.
Photo from Korea Tourism Organization
It’s not just about the exteriors, for the inside of the outlet follows the same traditional theme as well, with a raised section dedicated specially to traditional floor seating. Thin mats will be provided for your comfort. Don’t worry if you’re not one or sitting cross-legged on the floor, don’t worry for there are regular tables and chairs as well as sofa seats.
Photo from Korea Tourism Organization
Blended with the rustic decor are also slightly more modern elements, such as a mural full of greenery and framed art on the walls.
Photo from Korea Tourism Organization
Photo from Korea Tourism Organization
This outlet also happens to have seasonal exclusive merchandise that you won’t be able to get anywhere else. Check out this series of cups and tumblers featuring illustrations of cherry blossoms, lotus flowers, and the building itself!
Photo from Korea Tourism Organization
Gyeongju is more than 2 hours from Seoul, and around 1.5 hours from Busan via public transport. This hanok-style Starbucks outlet happens to be a short 2-minute walk from Cheomseongdae Observatory, a 9-metre tall stone tower that’s said to be the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia and perhaps even the whole world. Gazing at stars with a loved one, with warm coffee in hand - it doesn’t get any more romantic than this.
Photo from Korea Tourism Organization
Address: 125, Cheomseong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do / 경북 경주시 첨성로 125
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday: 8am - 10pm | Friday & Saturday: 8am - 11pm
Telephone: 82 1522-3232
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Text by: GirlStyle SG
