Care for a cup of coffee with a view of North Korea? Starbucks Korea will reportedly open a branch at an observatory in Gimpo, Gyeonggi, just 1.4 kilometers (0.9 miles) from the border dividing the two Koreas.
The coffee chain’s new location will be on the second floor of the Jogang Observatory in Aegibong Peace Eco Park, according to local reports on Oct. 30. Starbucks is set to open the store on Nov. 27 and has secured rights to operate it until 2028.
The store will span 136 square meters (1,464 square feet) and offer around 10 seats, according to a source cited by the Chosun Ilbo. The windows in the shop will provide views into North Korea.
The Jogang Observatory is located on Aegibong, a peak 154 meters (505 feet) above sea level near the intersection of the Han and Imjin Rivers, which merge into the Jo River and flow to the Yellow Sea. It offers a view into Kaepung County, North Korea.
The observatory is surrounded by the Aegibong Peace Eco Park, situated on the Korean demilitarized zone, known for its environmental preservation and as a breeding ground for endangered species due to strict restrictions on civilian entry. The site was previously a military base, known as Hill 154, over which the two Koreas fought during the Korean War.
Visitors must be screened by the military before entering the park.
Starbucks will reportedly sell drinks and merchandise exclusive to the Aegibong store, including items like a cup featuring the peak. The Gimpo government plans to increase the number of buses traveling from the Marine Corps checkpoint to the park.
BY KIM JU-YEON [kim.juyeon2@joongang.co.kr]
