Coffee enthusiasts with a curiosity about life in North Korea now have a unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of the world’s most reclusive nation while enjoying their favorite brew. Starbucks has opened a new location in South Korea that offers patrons the chance to sip coffee while looking out over the border with North Korea.

Location and Setting: Aegibong Peace Ecopark in Gimpo City

The new Starbucks is situated at the Aegibong Peace Ecopark in Gimpo city, located about 20 miles north of Seoul, near the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). This area is one of the most heavily fortified borders in the world, and the 30-seat cafe offers a direct view of the hermit kingdom across the Jo River, which separates the two nations.

A Rare View of North Korea

On its opening day, Friday, November 29, the observation deck outside the cafe was packed with customers, eager to catch a rare glimpse of North Korea. Those seeking warmth from the chilly weather opted to enjoy their drinks indoors. On a clear day, visitors can see farms and low-rise buildings in Kaepung county, just across the border, and with binoculars or a powerful camera, they may even spot people walking around.

Customer Reactions: Longing and Peaceful Reflections

Local resident Baek Hea-soon, 48, expressed a sense of longing, saying, “I wish I could share this tasty coffee with the people living in North Korea right in front of us.” Lim Jong-chul, 80, a veteran of the Vietnam War, added, “The concept of security felt rigid and tense, but now, with this cafe here, it feels more peaceful and reassuring.”

Symbol of Hope Amidst Tensions

Despite the fact that North and South Korea are technically still at war—since no peace treaty was signed to end the 1950–1953 Korean War—the cafe is seen as a symbol of hope and a step toward bridging the gap between the two nations. Gimpo Mayor Kim Byung-soo referred to the location as “unique,” highlighting its representation of the “charm of Korean culture.”

Historical Significance: Hill 154 and the DMZ

The Aegibong Peace Ecopark, where the Starbucks is located, was once the site of Hill 154, a battleground during the Korean War. Today, the area has several observatories along the border, allowing visitors a rare view into North Korea. The Starbucks outlet provides a different experience compared to the more traditional DMZ tours that draw tourists annually, offering a peaceful yet poignant perspective on the tense divide between the two countries.

Tourism and North Korea’s Reopening Plans

In addition to the Starbucks, local authorities have been promoting the historical significance of the site to attract more tourists. This is especially relevant as North Korea plans to reopen limited international tourism by the end of the year, after nearly five years of strict border closures due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Rising Tensions Between North and South Korea

The opening of the cafe coincides with heightened tensions between North and South Korea. In January, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared that his country would no longer seek reconciliation or reunification with South Korea. Later, in October, Kim threatened to use nuclear weapons to destroy South Korea if attacked, following remarks by South Korea’s president warning of severe consequences if the North used nuclear arms.

South Korean veterans drink coffee at an observation deck of the Starbucks Coffee in Gimpo.

A Small Window Into North Korea

The Starbucks at Aegibong Peace Ecopark stands as a small but significant window into the otherwise inaccessible country, allowing people from both South Korea and beyond to peer into North Korea’s mysterious world—albeit from a distance.