A brew worth the journey: 120,000 flock to DMZ Starbucks

A Starbucks with a View: The Border Brew Spot Capturing Global Attention

A Starbucks located just 1.4 kilometers from the North Korean border has become a sensation, drawing over 120,000 visitors in its first seven months of operation. Nestled within the serene surroundings of Aegibong Peace Ecopark in Gimpo, the café offers more than just coffee — it provides a rare and captivating glimpse into one of the world’s most enigmatic nations.

A Unique Location

Since opening its doors in November 2024, this Starbucks branch has offered customers panoramic views of the Han and Imjin Rivers, the West Sea (Yellow Sea), and even parts of Kaepung County in North Korea’s Hwanghae Province. While many Starbucks locations aim for convenience or urban appeal, this one stands out due to its geographical significance and breathtaking vistas.

Despite being situated beyond South Korea’s civilian control line — a zone requiring advance reservations and military checkpoint clearance — the store has seen a consistent influx of visitors. From January to April 2025 alone, Aegibong Peace Ecopark welcomed 129,000 guests, more than double the number from the same period in the previous year.

Visitor Trends and Popularity

Weekends at the Starbucks location are particularly bustling, with an average of 1,000 visitors per day — twice the weekday traffic. Families make up a significant portion of these visitors, drawn by the opportunity to experience something both educational and unique. Interestingly, food sales at this particular Starbucks outlet are approximately 30% higher than those at standard locations, suggesting that the café is not only a pit stop but also a dining destination.

The store has unofficially been dubbed the “North Korea View Starbucks” by locals and tourists alike. Its distinct vantage point overlooking the heavily guarded inter-Korean border has attracted international media attention from outlets like CNN, Reuters, and the Associated Press.

Growing International Appeal

Foreign tourism to the site has grown significantly as well. In early 2025, the park reported an average of 3,300 international visitors per month, compared to just 1,300 during the same period in 2024. This surge indicates that global travelers are increasingly seeking out niche experiences that combine history, geopolitics, and natural beauty.

Visitors often arrive via shuttle services authorized to pass through military checkpoints, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the journey. Once inside, they’re greeted not only by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee but also by sweeping landscapes that serve as a reminder of the region’s complex political history.

Operational Constraints

Due to the sensitive location, the Starbucks operates under stricter hours than typical branches — open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., in accordance with the park’s military-regulated schedule. However, these limitations have done little to deter crowds, who are eager to enjoy a cup of coffee while gazing across the border.

This unusual combination of accessibility restrictions and high demand makes the Aegibong Starbucks more than just a café — it is a symbol of curiosity, peace, and the human desire to witness the extraordinary.