Coffee shop opens near the demilitarized zone between the two Koreas, attracting customers

The location of the cafe is an observatory near Gimpo City, about 50 km northwest of Seoul and close to the demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas. Tourists and South Koreans can sip a cup of coffee while looking at a part of North Korea.

A river runs between the observatory and the border town of Kaepung to the north, 1.4 km away. On clear days, visitors can see North Korean villagers through telescopes from the cafe's observatory.

The demilitarized zone between the two Koreas has long been a popular tourist destination for domestic and foreign visitors, despite rising tensions on the Korean peninsula in recent years.

To get to this cafe, visitors must pass through a military checkpoint. Baek Hea-soon, a 48-year-old Gimpo resident, arrived early to try the coffee.

“I wish I could share this delicious coffee with the people in North Korea,” she said, adding that the place could attract a lot of tourists, become a peaceful destination, bring a youthful, bright and warm atmosphere, and attract global attention.

The world-famous coffee brand opening here could change the "dark and dull" image of the border area, according to Gimpo Mayor Kim Byung-soo.

As of the third quarter of 2024, Starbucks will have 1,980 stores across South Korea, according to SCK, the beverage brand's operator in the country.