Starbucks opens branch dedicated to Korean heritage

Starbucks Korea's Hwangudan location has become a store dedicated to preserving the country's national heritage. The coffeemaker will donate 300 won per item purchased at the branch, up to 200 million per year, to the effort.

From second from left, Starbucks Korea CEO Sohn Jeong-hyun, KHS Administrator Choi Eung-chon and National Trust for Cultural Heritage Chairman Kim Jong-kyu pose for the camera during Thursday’s Starbucks Hwangudan store's reopening ceremony held in Jung District, central Seoul. Pictured in the middle is a calligraphic work by independence fighter Oh Se-Chang. [STARBUCKS KOREA]

Starbucks Korea's Hwangudan location has become a store dedicated to preserving the country's national heritage. The coffeemaker will donate 300 won ($0.22) per item purchased at the branch, up to 200 million per year, to the effort for the next five years.

The company unveiled the revamped branch on Thursday in Jung District, central Seoul. It is the ninth addition to Starbucks Korea's “Community Stores,” which partner with nearby nonprofits and prioritize the use of locally sourced materials and talent.

The Hwangudan branch will work with the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) and National Trust for Cultural Heritage to establish funds for the protection of national heritage, promote related exhibitions and provide scholarships to students at Korea National University of Cultural Heritage.

The coffeemaker donated three calligraphic works by Oh Se-Chang, who fought for the country’s independence, to the National Trust for Cultural Heritage. It has now donated a total of 10 items to the trust.

“We hope to further expand the series of activities that Starbucks has carried out over the past decade for cultural heritage preservation,” Starbucks Korea CEO Sohn Jeong-hyun said at the ceremony, accompanied by KHS Administrator Choi Eung-chon, National Trust for Cultural Heritage Chairman Kim Jong-kyu and Starbucks International CEO Brady Brewer.

Starbucks Korea's first community store — its Daehakro branch in central Seoul — works with ChildFund Korea, an organization that aids children in poverty. The Jeju Sehwa branch, in Jeju, supports environmental sustainability initiatives in partnership with the Korea Green Fund.

“With nine Community Stores across the market, supporting causes from inclusion to youth employment, and community development, Starbucks Korea has raised the bar in innovation with an impact,” Brewer said in a statement. “We are proud to continue supporting initiatives that preserve local and national heritage.”

BY CHO YONG-JUN [cho.yongjun1@joongang.co.kr]