Situated in an observation tower at the border, the cafe provides a glimpse into the reclusive nation.
Located at the Aegibong Peace Ecopark in Gimpo city, the cafe is just 20 miles from Seoul and near the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Customers can enjoy their beverages while taking in views of North Korean farms and buildings across the Jo River.
On its opening day, the cafe was bustling with customers eager to experience the unusual setting. Some braved the cold on the observation deck, while others enjoyed the warmth indoors. With binoculars or a good camera, visitors might even spot North Koreans going about their day.
"I wish I could share this tasty coffee with the people living in North Korea right in front of us," remarked Baek Hea-soon, a local resident.
Another customer, Lim Jong-chul, a Vietnam War veteran, reflected on the cafe's impact: "The concept of security felt rigid and tense, but now, with this cafe here, it feels more peaceful and reassuring."
The cafe's location highlights the complex relationship between North and South Korea, technically still at war since no peace treaty was signed after the Korean War.
Gimpo Mayor Kim Byung-soo emphasized the site's unique nature, representing the "charm of Korean culture." Local authorities hope to attract tourists by highlighting the area's historical significance.
The ecopark sits on Hill 154, a former battleground during the Korean War. The Starbucks is one of the few ways to see into North Korea without actually entering the country. It provides an alternative to traditional DMZ tours, which are already popular tourist attractions.
Despite the cafe's peaceful atmosphere, it opens amidst ongoing tensions between the two Koreas. Earlier this year, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared an end to reconciliation efforts with South Korea. He also threatened nuclear attacks against the South, prompting a strong warning from South Korea's president.
This new Starbucks offers a unique blend of coffee, history, and political tension, providing customers with an experience unlike any other.
