Cuisine

Coffee (커피숍/커피 전문점)

District

Dongdaemun (동대문구) , Seoul

Address

Seoul Dongdaemun-gu Jegi-dong 1036

Quick read

Why go

Starbucks Gyeongdong 1960 occupies a converted 1960s movie theater inside Gyeongdong Market in Jegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul.

Best for

Coffee, dessert, and a slower break

Visit tip

Expect possible waits during weekends or peak meal times.

Map

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Check hours and routes before you go.

Starbucks Gyeongdong 1960 occupies a converted 1960s movie theater inside Gyeongdong Market in Jegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul. The theater's original sloped floor has been preserved and repurposed into tiered seating, and the towering ceiling creates a sense of openness that sets this branch apart from any conventional cafe. Each row sits at a different elevation, offering varied perspectives and atmospheres depending on where guests choose to settle. Scattered throughout the space are remnants of the building's former life as a cinema, subtle architectural details that reward attentive visitors. The location is widely considered the most distinctive Starbucks branch in Korea and draws a steady stream of domestic and international visitors drawn by its reputation as a design landmark. Drinks and food follow the standard Starbucks nationwide menu, but the spatial experience is what justifies the trip. Finding the entrance requires navigating the interior corridors of Gyeongdong Market, which can be disorienting on a first visit, checking the route beforehand saves time. Morning hours typically offer available seating, but the space fills rapidly from early afternoon onward, and weekends make securing a table a competitive exercise. Groups are advised to split duties: one person claims seats while another orders. The adjacent Goldstar (LG) Heritage Exhibition offers a nostalgic tech display worth browsing afterward, and combining the visit with a meal at the market's youth food hall, the famous Gyeongdong twisted doughnuts, and a walk through the produce stalls turns the outing into a satisfying half-day itinerary. Parking is available near the Yaknyeong (herbal medicine) market area, and evening visits tend to be calmer.