Starbucks celebrates 25 years of coffee, connections and community in Korea

Starbucks marks 25 years in Korea, with over 23,000 green apron partners (employees) delivering the iconic Starbucks Experience in over 1,900 stores

Starbucks Korea marks its 25^th anniversary with the unveiling of its ninth community store, the Hwangudan Community Store in Jung-gu, Seoul, dedicated to preserving national heritage. The company also announced plans to donate 1 billion KRW (approximately US$720,000) over the next five years for the preservation of national heritage in partnership with Korea Heritage Service and the National Trust for Cultural Heritage. This builds on the 1.1 billion KRW (approximately US$800,000) donated by Starbucks Korea for cultural heritage protection since 2015.

Among the first international coffee companies to introduce Koreans to a new style of café culture when it first entered the market in 1999, Starbucks in South Korea has become a unique third place for uplifting human connections. With more than 23,000 green apron partners (employees) delivering the iconic Starbucks Experience in over 1,900 stores across 82 cities, Korea is the fourth largest market for Starbucks globally today, surpassed only by the U.S., China, and Japan.

Starbucks entered the market in 1999 with its licensee partner E-Mart Inc. (Shinsegae Group). Since then, Starbucks Korea has played an important role in introducing a new style of café culture – a third place – turning coffee shops into places to work, study, socialize, and connect. Today, over 23,000 green apron partners (employees) are delivering the iconic Starbucks Experience in over 1,900 stores across 82 cities in Korea.

“The story of Starbucks in Korea is one that is deeply linked with our longstanding partnership with the Shinsegae Group who has been instrumental in delivering the Starbucks promise to our customers, partners, communities, and the environment,” said Emmy Kan, president, Starbucks Asia Pacific. “We are proud of all that we have accomplished together in Korea, where we continue to elevate coffee culture, reimagine the third place and iconic Starbucks experience for our customers and communities.”

Celebrating 25 years of coffee and connections in Korea

Since entering the market, Starbucks Korea is dedicated to digital innovation and has consistently delivered exciting firsts for the brand. Korea was the launchpad for Starbucks Mobile Order and Pay system, Siren Order, as well as the introduction of Starbucks app integration on wearable devices across Asia. The market also played a pivotal role in the shift to cashless operations, with the successful pilot of a cashless store model outside of the United States. Learnings from these pioneering programs in Korea have since influenced and supported programs across Starbucks globally.

Beyond digital innovation, Starbucks Korea has also demonstrated a deep commitment to nurturing partners and uplifting local communities through thoughtful and impactful initiatives. Since the program began in 2015, the Starbucks Korea College Achievement Plan has enabled over 400 partners to earn bachelor's degrees, empowering them with the tools to achieve their professional aspirations. Furthermore, the company partners with local government bodies to establish and operate 14 neighborhood cafés managed by local welfare centers and non-profits, providing support ranging from barista training to construction.

The company also makes significant contribution to Starbucks Environmental Promise to give more than it takes. Starbucks Korea was recently awarded the prestigious Presidential Award for Environmental Conservation from the Ministry of Environment in Korea for its continuous efforts to reduce waste, promote reusable practices, and implement innovative recycling solutions. Since 2013, the company has prevented the use of more than 150 million disposable cups over the past 17 years.

A third place that strengthens communities

Starbucks Korea has always been committed to the Community Store program, distinguishing itself in Asia Pacific as the market with the highest number of Community Stores in the region. Community Stores are at the heart of Starbucks mission to nurture the limitless possibilities of human connection – they are purpose-defined to better support partners, customers, and the local communities they service to drive meaningful change and lasting connections.

The newly opened ninth Community Store reflects Starbucks community promise in action.  “We are constantly seeking new ways to bring the Starbucks Experience to our customers and fulfill the needs of our community. With the opening of our ninth Community Store, we hope to further expand the series of activities that Starbucks has carried out over the past decade for cultural heritage preservation,” said Ryan Sohn, ceo of Starbucks Korea. “We will continue to raise awareness of national heritage preservation across the company and create more opportunities for engagement in these meaningful activities.”

The store features replicas of two historic calligraphy pieces donated by Starbucks Korea to the National Trust for Cultural Heritage. Demonstrating Starbucks community promise in action, a portion of proceeds from Starbucks Hwangudan – 300 KRW (approximately US$0.22) per item – combined with proceeds from special national heritage preservation products created by Starbucks, will also be donated to support the preservation of national heritage.

“With nine Community Stores across the market, supporting causes from inclusion to youth employment, and community development, Starbucks Korea has raised the bar in innovation with an impact,” said Brady Brewer, ceo of Starbucks International. “We are proud to continue supporting initiatives that preserve local and national heritage, celebrating the rich cultural legacy of Korea.”

Celebrating 25 years of coffee and connections in Korea

To celebrate this milestone anniversary with customers across Korea, Starbucks will feature special offerings for a limited time.

Customers will be able to enjoy global-inspired beverages, including the London Fog Tea Latte, French Vanilla Latte and the Melon of Melon Frappuccino® Blended Beverage. The eagerly awaited Oleato™ Golden Foam Iced Shaken Espresso with Hazelnut will also be available to customers across all Starbuck stores starting July 19. To encourage sustainable behaviors, customers will be able to buy three beverages – Caffe Americano, Caffe Latte and Caramel Macchiato – at their original prices in 1999, when they purchase a reusable cup.

Starbucks Korea also launched a limited-edition 25^th anniversary merchandise collection sporting the heritage logo, including mugs, tumblers, and a big Bearista Bear for the occasion. Customers can also purchase exclusive merchandise made in collaboration with Bernardaud and Bialetti.