Starbucks Opens in Seoul Hotspot 'Gwangjang Market'... Creating a Space for Mutual Growth

Gwangjang Market Store, a Special Coffee Shop Extracting Time
Reflecting the Unique Features of Gwangjang Market with Over 100 Years of History
Around 250 Seats Across Rooftop and Two Above-Ground Floors

Starbucks Korea announced on May 29 that it has opened the "Starbucks Gwangjang Market Store," a multi-purpose cultural space located in Gwangjang Market, a traditional market in Seoul. This store is Starbucks' 12th special store and marks the second time Starbucks has opened a location within a traditional market, following the opening of "Gyeongdong1960" in 2022.

The Gwangjang Market Store blends Starbucks' brand heritage with the unique atmosphere of a traditional market. The store's concept, "A Coffee Shop Extracting Time," aims to capture the charm of Gwangjang Market, which boasts over 100 years of history, much like blending coffee. The interior, inspired by vintage signage, iron doors, and traditional fabrics such as hemp and cotton, evokes nostalgia for middle-aged and older customers, while offering a fresh experience for foreign tourists and those in their 20s and 30s.

The store features approximately 250 seats, spanning the first and second floors above ground, as well as a rooftop. Each floor offers a distinct space and menu concept for differentiation.

The first floor operates a take-out-only cold brew bar, combining the market's vibrant energy with coffee culture. The second floor is decorated with an art wall and mural inspired by traditional fabrics, expressing the cultural coexistence of Gwangjang Market and Starbucks. The rooftop features a photo zone where visitors can take pictures with the Gwangjang Market sign and a Korean signboard as a backdrop. In the evening, retro-style lighting adds a romantic touch.

This store also offers exclusive menu items available only at the Gwangjang Market location. The signature item is the "Golden Mandarin Hop Fizzio," a tangerine-flavored ade that delivers a refreshing sensation reminiscent of drinking beer on the rooftop. The "Starbucks Honey Hotteok Latte," available at only six special stores, is characterized by its deep flavor blended with cinnamon aroma. The food lineup, which harmonizes with the market's unique atmosphere, includes the "Siru Honey Cake," "Pomokbo Strawberry Crepe," "Siltarae Baumkuchen," and "Retro Bites Trio" (twisted bread, donut, and ring donut).

Two types of Bearista keychains dressed in Hanbok will also be released, inspired by the fabric culture of Gwangjang Market.

Starbucks will operate this store as its 10th Community Store, accumulating a 300-won mutual growth fund for every item sold. This fund will be used to improve market facilities, support cultural events, and enhance the environment within the market.

To this end, Starbucks signed a mutual growth agreement the previous day with the Korea Commission for Corporate Partnership, the Gwangjang Market Merchants Association, and Gwangjang Co., Ltd. Starbucks CEO Sohn Jung-hyun stated, "We hope the Gwangjang Market Store becomes a space for mutual growth with the merchants," adding, "Even after the store opens, we will continue to introduce various programs to promote coexistence with the local community."