Starbucks Jangchung Lounge
— A Hidden Gem in an Old Seoul House
One of the first things that surprises my foreign friends visiting Seoul is the sheer number of cafés. You’ll find one on almost every corner—and of course, countless Starbucks stores too!
But unlike the usual glass-and-steel coffee shops you see around the world, Seoul has a few truly special Starbucks locations that have been built inside traditional houses. Today, let me introduce one of them — Starbucks Jangchung Lounge, located near Dongguk University Station.
A Historic House Turned Into a Café
Seoul still has many old residential houses, often tucked away in winding alleyways. Among them stands a large old mansion that once belonged to the founder’s family of a major flour company called Daesun Milling.
This elegant home, completed in 1966 by the well-known Korean architect Na Sang-jin, was lived in by the same family for four generations until 2019. It’s amazing to think that this place, once a symbol of post-war prosperity, is now home to one of Seoul’s most unique Starbucks stores.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Starbucks Reserve in Korea, the brand transformed this house into its tenth Reserve store, “Jangchung Lounge R.”
Preserving the Past, Brewing the Present
The café beautifully preserves the original architecture while blending in modern Starbucks charm. When you walk in, you enter what used to be the garage—now turned into a cozy, atmospheric seating area. Upstairs, there are seven distinct rooms spread across two floors, offering a total of about 180 seats. Each space carries its own mood — from the lounge and music room to the outdoor garden terrace — balancing nostalgia and modern design.
Many original features, like the stone fireplace, stair railings, and wooden floors, have been carefully preserved. Even the chandelier over the staircase feels like a little time machine, taking you back to the 1970s. Some of the furniture pieces were actually designed by well-known international designers from that era.
<A miniature of the introduced house>
A Garden Café in the Middle of the City
One of my favorite spots here is the outdoor garden, where you can enjoy your coffee beside a small Western-style fountain — something quite rare in Korea! Sitting there, it’s hard to believe this tranquil place was once someone’s private home.
This Starbucks also offers cocktails, as well as unique cakes and desserts you won’t find at regular locations. The drink menu is slightly different, too — and a quick tip: mobile ordering (Siren Order) isn’t available here, so you’ll need to order at the counter.
I often drink decaf coffee, and it seemed that the decaf here used different beans from regular Starbucks. I was pleasantly surprised by how good it tasted. However, the price was a bit higher than other stores.
My Visit Tips
The café tends to be busy on weekends, but it’s much quieter on weekdays.
If you’re interested in Seoul’s history, architecture, or just want to enjoy coffee in a setting that feels like a trip back in time, the Starbucks Jangchung Lounge R is definitely worth a visit. Sit back, sip your drink, and imagine the stories this house could tell.
A little tip — this Starbucks has great music and a really nice atmosphere. However, there aren’t many tables suitable for working on a laptop. Most of the seating is low tables with sofas. There is one large table, but it’s not easy to find a power outlet. The cozy vibe makes it a perfect place to read a book or chat with friends.
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