Starbucks' Newest South Korean Store Is Located In A Traditional Hanok

Not only is Starbucks the most frequently sighted coffee chain in the U.S., but it has a huge international presence as well. Statista reports that there are actually more than 33,000 Starbucks in the world as of 2021. One of the most notable steps for Starbucks was to open a store in Milan, the city that first inspired its revolutionary business. Daily Translations says that a huge part of this growth is thanks to Starbucks' localization efforts to adapt menu items to suit the local tastes of the region. This includes innovations like the sweet potato latte, a latte made with rice from the Gyeonggi province, merchandising collaborations with local companies like Samsung, and partnerships with public figures like K-pop band BTS.

Starbucks has particularly excelled in South Korea where, according to The Korea Herald, a recent study showed that the chain was the most popular specialty coffee store in the country. Creatrip says that there are currently more than 1400 locations, and these Starbucks locations feature some of the most beautifully designed in the world. Tripzilla says that the Starbucks in Seoul Wave Art Center and Starbucks in Famille Park in Seoul, are just a few examples of the incredible architecture and design sights that can be enjoyed over a grande latte. Starbucks is now adding another location to its impressive roster.

Designboom reports that the latest addition to this impressive roster will be based on a traditional Korean Hanok. Antique Alive calls this style of home "a place of subtle beauty and quiet dignity." Hanok is defined by the use of Ondol and Maru which are heating and cooling elements used to moderate the home's temperature throughout the year. It is also known for its use of natural materials, and open design which invokes a communal relationship with the natural world.

Designboom adds that the new location will be based in Daegu, on the Southern end of the peninsula. It will be housed in a 100-year-old timber Hanok and will maintain many of its classical design elements. The 7,000-square-foot space will seat about 120 customers and will maintain the traditional design elements that open the interior to the natural beauty of the garden. It also features custom sound system units from Bang & Olufsen. The two companies are also planning a series of events to commemorate the opening of this new, historic space that will seamlessly blend the traditional with the modern.