After a walk through the campus I ended up at the first Starbucks in Korea. It opened up about 25 years ago, around the time I first came to Korea. I remember walking by several times and never went in. I considered Starbucks part of the establishment and a sign of Western influence in Korea. I was naive. The fact is that since the founding of Korea some strong nation always exerted power over the nation.
When I found out that Starbucks kind of messed up in America this year, I thought it was time to try Starbucks in Korea. Since this Starbucks a new Starbucks opened every 200 meters in the city so it looks like green dots on a map. People send Starbucks gift coupons online and finally I was convinced to visit. This shop is a little different because it was the first shop opened. The baristas pay special care to make each costumer feel welcomed and there are a few specialty coffees that can only be purchased here.
This branch was under renovation during covid and reopened recently for the 25th anniversary celebration. The store has a bunch of trinkets available that are not at other stores like the Ewha pear flower and the Ewha bear. The menu is hand written and the orders are written by hand on the cup instead of printed out. There are specialty menus like the first store Americano, first store Latte and first store cream latte. They use a coffee called "Byuldabang blend" which means star coffee blend in Korean. There are special cakes here that are available at the first shop like the "Black Sesame Roll".
I had the first store cream latte. It is a strong latte with a roasted bean magically placed on top of the cream. It was the drink I needed to enjoy brunch and an autumn afternoon. I don't usually recommend chain restaurants or shops, but it is interesting to find that even a chain has some charm left in it's first shop.
On the other hand, the first shop thing is just a gimmick to get people to come and buy more stuff. I wouldn't travel to Korea just to visit the first Starbucks in Korea, but if you are nearby Ehwa Woman's University and by chance happen to have a Starbucks coupon then maybe stop by and enjoy the Gingko trees in the window.
Happy Latte,
