Koffee & Kpop

“Oh, you went to THE Starbucks,” my friend commented on Instagram.

“THE” Starbucks in question is the Daegu Jongro Old House Starbucks, aka the Hanok Starbucks. It is the only Starbucks in the world located in a 100-year-old 한옥, hanok, or traditional Korean building.

I arrived in Daegu mid-morning and many cafes were still closed, so I decided to pop by this Starbucks for some breakfast and an iced americano. I was interested in seeing the hanok but a Starbucks is a Starbucks is a Starbucks.

The Starbucks actually consists of three buildings with a small garden in between. The main building is more modern on the inside, with modern tables and chairs. There is a large display of merchandise, some you can only purchase at this location.

I really appreciated that the street in front of the building was no-parking so you can get a good photo of the entirety of the hanok.

Walking through the garden, you’ll find the second building, which is more traditional. There is only floor seating available here, and good luck finding a seat if you don’t happen to go at a slow time. You will also need to take your shoes off. As with all Korean cafes, find a seat prior to ordering. (You will not be able to sit inside with a coffee in a to-go cup.)

The interesting thing about the second hanok is that the interior is simultaneously vintage and modern. Expensive speakers play soft English-language indie music (I heard Two Door Cinema Club), there are fake rocks and plants along the windows, and it generally tries very hard to be “zen.”

The other building holds the restrooms, which are well stocked and very clean.

As I said before, a Starbucks is a Starbucks and that’s what makes it a Starbucks. You can visit any location in the world and it will still offer the same quality food and beverage, even if the flavors have been localized.

If you’re in the area of Daegu where the cafe is located, it’s worth popping in, but I don’t know if I’d make the trek out there just to visit.