Starbucks Korea reopens first store location highlighting its historical significance

Starbucks Korea is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its first store in Korea, the Edae branch, by unveiling a comprehensive renovation that emphasizes its unique history.

Starbucks Edae opened in July 1999 and has been a landmark of specialty coffee culture in Korea and a cornerstone for Starbucks' expansion in the country. The recent renovation aims to reinforce Starbucks Korea’s history while delivering a distinct customer experience.

As part of the refurbishment, Starbucks Edae offers a customized tumbler engraving service, allowing customers to personalize their tumblers with unique messages or nicknames—a first for Starbucks locations in Korea. The store also features an exclusive exhibition space showcasing unique merchandise, including Starbucks Edae-exclusive merchandise products and specially designed shopping bags featuring the colors of Starbucks and the pear blossom symbol of Ewha Womans University, located near the store.

Customers can choose from 14 specialized products, including exclusive mugs and tumblers, and enjoy items featuring the original 1999 logo or designs inspired by Korea and its cities.

To further evoke the nostalgic charm of its early days, the store features a handwritten menu board, a Black Eagle manual espresso machine for coffee, and partners writing order details directly on cups as was done in 1999.

In addition to a selection of 14 popular beverages, the store offers three new drinks unique to the Edae location: "Starbucks 1st Store Caffe Americano," "Starbucks 1st Store Caffe Latte," and "Starbucks 1st Store Cream Latte. " All are made using Starbucks Korea's specially developed "Byuldabang Blend" coffee and served in exclusive mugs.

The food menu features four types of classic financiers (Butter, Lemon, Pistachio, and Raspberry) and four types of cakes (Chocolate Fresh Cream Cake, Basque Chocolate Cheesecake, Blueberry Marble Cheesecake, and Black Sesame Roll), available as a set or individually.

The store's third floor displays photographs documenting the store’s history alongside a modern reinterpretation of the Starbucks siren logo in an artwork symbolizing the first store.

To celebrate the reopening, Starbucks Korea offers a promotion from September 24th to October 31st: customers can enjoy a tall Caffe Americano at 3,000 KRW, the original price from 1999, exclusively at Starbucks Edae and only for orders placed directly with store partners.

Starbucks Korea CEO Ryan Sohn stated, “The Edae store, Korea’s first Starbucks location, has grown alongside the local community over the past 25 years. We hope customers can experience the special value of this unique space and enjoy its exclusive offerings.”