A Unique Starbucks Experience: Kwangjang Market Branch
After visiting Bangsan Market for the first time in a while, I searched for a good place to grab coffee and found out there's a Starbucks in Kwangjang Market!
I've been to Kwangjang Market so many times, but I never knew there was a Starbucks there.
The exact branch name is 'Starbucks Kwangjang Market' and it opened in May 2025.
The concept is 'Coffee Merchant Extracting Time,' blending the market's 100-year-old history into the coffee experience.
Starbucks Kwangjang Market
Address: 88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Hours: Daily 9:30 AM - 10:00 PM
I followed the Naver Map, but I still got a little lost.
There are Starbucks signs on the ceiling along the way, so make sure to look for them.
It's a 3-minute walk from Jongno 5-ga subway station.
Parking:
- Outdoor Public Parking: Approximately ₩6,000 per hour
- High Parking: First 30 minutes ₩2,000, then ₩1,000 every 10 minutes
Public parking is quite expensive. You might want to purchase a pass on the 'Modu's Parking' app for High Parking.
But I recommend using public transportation! 😉
I was curious about the combination of Kwangjang Market and Starbucks, and it turned out to be much more harmonious than I expected.
The retro feel and the large store size gave it a different vibe compared to regular Starbucks.
It has a first floor and a rooftop. The first floor only sells cold brew and has standing tables for take-out only.
The main store is on the second floor. The store is spacious, and the view of Kwangjang Market from the second floor was refreshing.
A portion of the profits is donated to the local community as part of a regional partnership. 😊
My cup of coffee helps the local community.
Since it's inside Kwangjang Market, there were unique menu items. They had a Baumkuchen that resembled siltarae (Korean honey string dessert) and a Kwangjang Market-exclusive donut package.
Siltarae Baumkuchen: ₩15,000
Kwangjang Market Donut: ₩3,300 each (Comes in a package when you buy 3 or more)
Desserts are always welcome! : )
Even during weekday afternoons, it was crowded, and it was a bit difficult to find a seat. The sofa seats were especially competitive, so I gave up early on.
The lighting was a bit dim, and it reminded me of when I went to Hong Kong. I felt like I should be drinking milk tea...
While looking at the Starbucks MD products on display and the artwork on the walls depicting the market, my drink was ready before I knew it.
It was so hot that I ordered an iced Americano.
I could see the market from the second-floor window. It felt new since I had only been to the first floor of Kwangjang Market.
After finishing my drink, I was too curious about the rooftop, so I went up to the 3rd-floor rooftop.
Even though it was 33 degrees Celsius (91 degrees Fahrenheit) and felt like my skin was burning, I couldn't miss the rooftop.
The large Starbucks lettering in Korean was clearly visible, and there were pretty string lights and a few tables.
It would be amazing to come here on a cool autumn evening.
Even the downhill path was atmospheric.
I really wanted to sit on the rooftop if it wasn't so hot.
It's one of the most unique Starbucks I've ever been to.
If you're visiting Kwangjang Market, be sure to stop by and experience the unique atmosphere. Combine it with exploring the market for a fun time! 😉
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