Starbucks Korea expects to open at least 100 new outlets this year as part of its steady expansion in Asia's fourth-largest economy. The Seattle-based chain entered South Korea in 1999 and now operates 2,115 stores nationwide as of end-2025, its third-largest market after the United States and China.
Starbucks Korea announced on Sunday its plan to open at least 100 new outlets this year, continuing its steady expansion in South Korea, Asia's fourth-largest economy. The company has added more than 100 stores annually over the past four years, growing from 1,777 in 2022 to 1,893 in 2023, 2,009 in 2024, and 2,115 by end-2025. This makes South Korea the chain's third-largest market by store count, behind the United States with 16,911 outlets and China with 8,011, closely followed by Japan with 2,105.
"This year, we will continue to open new outlets, including Special Store locations, to attract local consumers and sustain growth," a company official said. Special Stores feature scenic spots, repurposed spaces like former factories and theaters, and sites linked to traditional markets and local communities.
The company has also enhanced its marketing. In early 2023, it replaced the name-calling pickup system with vibrating pagers at some stores. Starbucks beverages are available via delivery platforms such as Baedal Minjok, known as Baemin, and Coupang Eats.
In 2025, Starbucks Korea reported an operating profit of 173 billion won (US$119 million), a 9.3 percent decline from 190.8 billion won the previous year, due to higher raw material costs. "A weaker won against the U.S. dollar increased import costs for coffee beans and other materials," the official said. Sales rose 4.4 percent to 3.24 trillion won from 3.1 trillion won.
Shinsegae Group's Emart Inc. holds a 67.5 percent stake in Starbucks Korea, with Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC owning the remaining 32.5 percent. The chain entered the market in 1999 through a partnership with Shinsegae, opening its first store near Ewha Womans University in Seoul.
