Starbucks Korea Opens 11th Community Store at Korea University Anam Hospital to Support Youth Wellness
The Community Store initiative donates a portion of store profits back to local communities.
Step inside the Starbucks at Korea University Anam Hospital, and you’ll notice something different. Beyond the comforting hum of espresso machines and the familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee, there’s a deeper sense of purpose in the air. This isn’t just a coffeehouse, it’s a space where every sip helps nurture wellness for Korea’s next generation.
On November 5, Starbucks Korea celebrated the opening of its 11th Community Store, marking the 11th anniversary of its Community Store initiative which donates a portion of store profits back to local communities. Located in one of Seoul’s leading medical institutions, this store is dedicated to supporting youth wellness.
A Cup That Gives Back
Here, your favorite latte does more than brighten your day. For every item sold, 300 KRW (approximately $0.21 USD) goes into a three-year, 300 million KRW (approximately $209,000 USD) community fund. This fund will support initiatives including:
- Establishing a “Healing Lounge” and running mental wellness programs
- Supporting counseling and therapy for vulnerable youth
- Covering medical expenses for disadvantaged youth
- Providing mobile health check-ups and consultations for university students
A Partnership Rooted in Care
This store is the result of a long-standing collaboration between Starbucks Korea and Korea University Anam Hospital. Since 2022, the two organizations have worked together to support medical expenses for underprivileged youth. Building on this experience, the new Community Store will offer tailored programs addressing economic, physical, and mental wellness for a broader range of young people.
“We are honored to collaborate with Starbucks to help youth build a foundation for healthy independence. Leveraging our expertise, we will continue to care for the physical and mental wellness of young people in our community,” said Lee Sung-woo, Vice President of Korea University Anam Hospital.
More Than Coffee
This commitment is part of Starbucks Korea’s broader Community Store initiative which has supported causes ranging from youth development and disability inclusion to traditional market revitalization, veteran families and environmental protection. To date, Community Stores in Korea have contributed 6 billion KRW (approximately $4.17 million USD) to local communities.
“The 11th Community Store is a meaningful space resulting from the synergy between our youth-focused social impact initiative and Korea University Anam Hospital’s medical expertise. We will continue to foster a virtuous cycle where customers can contribute simply by enjoying their coffee, and those proceeds are reinvested into society, “ said Ryan Sohn, CEO of Starbucks Korea.
