Seoul Has More Starbucks Stores Than Any Other City

Ever wondered which city in the world has the most Starbucks locations? If you guessed New York or maybe Seattle, you'd be off by a few dozen cafes. The actual winner might surprise you — and it’s not where Starbucks was born.

Seoul is the city with the most Starbucks outlets in the world, with 284 locations. That’s more than New York (277), Shanghai (256), London (202), and twice as many as Seattle, where the brand started.

How Many Starbucks Are There in Seoul?

According to a report by South Korea’s Asia Economy, citing a U.S. online media survey, Seoul currently hosts 284 Starbucks stores. This makes it the city with the highest number of Starbucks outlets globally. New York comes in second with 277, followed by Shanghai (256), London (202), and Seattle (148).

Starbucks by Country: Where Does Korea Rank?

Globally, the United States leads with 11,563 Starbucks stores, followed by Canada (1,396), China (1,219), Japan (1,039), and the United Kingdom (784). South Korea ranks sixth among the 63 countries where Starbucks operates, with a total of 632 stores nationwide.

Starbucks Density: How Does Korea Compare Per Capita?

When looking at population, the picture shifts slightly. Among OECD countries, Korea has 12.55 Starbucks stores per 1 million people. While significant, this is lower than Canada (39.54) and the United States (36.25), placing Korea third in per capita Starbucks density within the OECD.

What This Means for Seoul’s Coffee Culture

The high concentration of Starbucks stores in Seoul reflects the city’s vibrant coffee culture. Locals often start and end their day with coffee, making it a central part of daily life. However, industry experts caution that such frequent coffee consumption could lead to health concerns or dependency over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has the most Starbucks stores in the world?

Seoul has the most Starbucks stores in the world, with 284 locations, surpassing New York (277), Shanghai (256), London (202), and Seattle (148).

How many Starbucks stores are there in South Korea?

South Korea has a total of 632 Starbucks stores across the country.

What country has the most Starbucks stores?

The United States has the most Starbucks stores in the world, with 11,563 locations.

How does South Korea rank in Starbucks stores per capita?

South Korea has 12.55 Starbucks stores per 1 million people, ranking third among OECD countries, behind Canada (39.54) and the United States (36.25).

Why does Seoul have so many Starbucks stores?

Seoul’s high number of Starbucks stores reflects its strong coffee culture, with many residents relying on coffee throughout their day. The dense urban environment also supports a high concentration of cafes.

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