Did You Know? You Can Get a View of North Korea from This Starbucks Branch

As one of the world’s most reclusive nations, North Korea is surrounded by an air of intrigue and curiosity. This thirst to catch a glimpse of it can be quenched by a cup of coffee, with a popular cafe offering a rare view of the restricted territory—without steping a foot on it.

Located at the Aegibong Peace Ecopark in Gimpo, South Korea is a 30-seater Starbucks. It sits near the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), one of the world’s most heavily armed borders. The park itself holds historical significance, too, as it used to be the site of Hill 154 where the north and the south fought during the war.

The coffee shop can be found in an observation tower. Designed with panoramic windows, it gives visitors a view of the Imjin River, which crosses the DMZ, serving as a physical yet natural barrier between the two territories. Considering its location, access to the park is restricted. The Korea Times detailed the process, saying, “Visitors must either make an online reservation for a specific time slot or purchase tickets at the on-site booth before passing through a security checkpoint.” The cafe also operates under limited hours, specifically from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

On a clear day, customers can see the farms and low-rise buildings of the hermit kingdom’s Kaepung County. CNN notes, “With a decent pair of binoculars, or a camera with ultra-zoom capabilities, visitors may even be able to see people strolling around.”

The Starbucks branch opened back in November 2024. A report by Korea JoongAng Daily in July 2025 said that it receives around a thousand visitors per day during the weekends. A diverse clientele is observed as well. Apart from tourists, it is frequented by families, military personnel, and students due to school trips.

Would you visit to get a sight of North Korea?