Starbucks Gyeongdong 1960 - Seoul’s most beautiful Starbucks

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Starbucks coffee shops in South Korea are commonplace and possibly not high on your tourist radar – however, some South Korea Starbucks are very unique and distinctive like the floating Starbucks Wave Art Center on Seoul’s River Han or the world’s highest Starbucks in Busan.

Starbucks Gyeongdong 1960 in an old theater in Gyeongdong Market Seoul South Korea

Now to add to that list is Seoul Starbucks Gyeongdong 1960 (also known as ‘Kyungdong 1960’) which opened recently in an old theater above Gyeongdong Market.

This is an impressive place to get your caffeine fix and one of the most beautiful and stylish Starbucks in the world – and also one of the largest too with some Starbucks Korea merchandise exclusive to just this one store!

From interiors and how to find it, here is our guide to the Gyeongdong / Starbucks ‘Kyungdong 1960’ in an old Seoul theater.

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Table of Contents

How to get to Starbucks ‘Kyungdong 1960’ in Seoul

Located above Gyeongdong Market, the nearest subway station to Starbucks ‘Kyungdong 1960’ is Jegi-Dong station (exit 2) on the blue Metro line 1 – it is about a five minute walk away.

You can also find it on Google Maps here or alternatively use Naver.

Remember to use a Climate Card or T-Money card to make getting around Seoul by public transport even easier – read our guide to using a T-Money card in South Korea here >

Finding the entrance to this special Starbucks isn’t that easy if you don’t know where to go so head to Gate 4 of Gyeongdong Market and the entrance stairs are on your right about five meters in.

Keep an eye out for the spice stall with the cute cat sitting on a chair (we kid you not) and you’ll see a set of stairs with lots of stickers and a small Starbucks logo at the top.

Go up the stairs and through a LG / Korea Tourism pop-up full of retro and vintage stores located in the former theater foyer (‘Geumseong Radio Refresh Centre’) – the double doors here in the middle of the display open up into Starbucks.

Incidentally, Gyeongdong Market is one of Seoul’s most photogenic markets and a lot less touristy than say Gwangjang Market,

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Starbucks ‘Kyungdong 1960’ opening hours

Gyeongdong’s special Starbucks is open daily from 9am to 9.30pm Monday to Thursday, and until 10pm Friday to Sunday and on public holidays.

What is Starbucks ‘Gyeongdong 1960’?

A very special Starbucks coffee shop in Seoul, this Starbucks Gyeongdong opened in late 2022 in a former theater which opened in 1960 and sadly closed down in 1994.

It is Starbucks’ South Korea fifth Community Store, whereby some money from the takings will go back into helping restore Gyeongdong Market, plus community groups are encouraged to meet here.

The building is beautiful and we’ve never seen such a big Starbucks in South Korea – in fact, anywhere in the world. The tiered effect of all the seating areas gives you a sense that you are still in a movie theater about to watch a film.

It is also a great place to meet-up, people-watch or just read a book with some coffee and a cake on comfortable seats!

The former theater bar is now where the coffee counter is located and over 150 seats and booths can be found spread across two floors, with tiers.

We found the best views were at the back of the Starbucks at the top of the stairs or in the balcony areas overlooking the main floor.

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What to expect

We visited Starbucks ‘Kyungdong 1960’ above Gyeongdong Market one weekday late morning – we managed to get a seat quite easily (the place is huge) but we can imagine it may not be so easy on the weekends or in the evenings.

There are a range of seating options to choose from including little booths or plush comfy sofas – it is great that the store has modern touches but retained so much of the original features and vintage stylings; it looks wonderful.

Grab a seat, then head down to the front to place your Starbucks order – after you’ve paid, you are given a small buzzer which vibrates when your drinks / food are ready.

Enjoy your coffee facing towards the stage as if you are just about to watch a movie – and there is free WIFI (very fast too) if you want to use the internet. If you want to work on your laptop there are plug points beneath the seats.

There is also a Starbucks sound stage for live performances and music – sadly this wasn’t in use on our weekday morning visit.

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Starbucks food and drink menu / prices

Drinks prices start from 3,700 Korean Won for a small caffe americano or espresso macchiato. Flat whites start from 4,800 Korean Won.

They also have a range of more expensive signature drinks like strawberry cold foam latte for 8,400 Won or tiramisu chocolate for 9,400 Won.

Starbucks South Korea prices are all correct as of our visit to Starbucks ‘Kyungdong 1960’ in autumn 2024.

Lots of Starbucks sweet treats are available to eat and enjoy like cheesecakes, tiramisu and tarts plus savory warm food like paninis and filled bagels.

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Starbucks South Korea exclusive merchandise

As well as the usual South Korea regional mugs available in store, this branch has its very own Starbucks ‘Kyungdong 1960’ merchandise exclusive to just this store.

Starbucks Gyeongdong 1960 merchandise in an old theater in Gyeongdong Market Seoul South Korea

These include champagne glasses, a cutting board, bottle stopper, champagne stopper, flutes and canvas bags.

And you can buy South Korea Starbucks teddy bears, hampers and cute toys all exclusive to Korea Starbucks.

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Starbucks Seoul Wave Art Center

If you like unusual Starbucks, time to get your caffeine fix at Starbucks Seoul Wave Art Center.

Located on Seoul’s River Han, this special floating Starbucks in South Korea certainly knows how to make a splash.

As far as we know, the world’s only Starbucks that has life jackets – Starbucks Seoul Wave Art Center, is a nice way to start your day, or reward yourself after a long river walk.

For the ultimate brews with river views, read our guide visiting the unique Starbucks Seoul Wave Art Center in Seoul >

Also check out our guide to the world’s tallest Starbucks in Busan, South Korea >