Starbucks Yeoju Namhan River DT: A Scenic Retreat That May Not Meet the Hype | Yeoju, Gyeonggi-do



Nestled beside the Namhan River and adjacent to the Yeoju Bridge, the Starbucks Yeoju Namhan River Drive-Thru (DT) branch has recently opened its doors. This four-story establishment, complete with a rooftop terrace, offers a drive-thru service and a dedicated parking area. Spanning approximately 661 square meters, it's notably smaller than the Yangpyeong DTR branch, which boasts 1,200 square meters.



The interior design centers around a spiral staircase, with seating arranged accordingly. The third floor features a terrace, while the first floor offers window-side seats overlooking a park beyond the drive-thru lane. Unlike typical Starbucks locations, this branch provides an extensive selection of baked goods.

From the third-floor window seats, patrons can enjoy picturesque views of the Namhan River, making these spots highly sought after. By 9 AM on weekends, these prime seats are often already occupied. Access to the rooftop is exclusively via elevator, offering expansive views of the Yeoju Bridge spanning the river. However, during hotter days and peak sunlight hours, the rooftop may be less comfortable to use.

Operating hours commence at 8 AM. The dedicated parking lot offers 30 minutes of free parking; beyond that, a fee of 300 KRW is charged for every additional 10 minutes. Purchases exceeding 10,000 KRW grant an additional hour of free parking for every 10,000 KRW spent.

Visiting at 8:30 AM on a weekend allowed for a relaxed experience, with available window and terrace seating. Compared to other large local cafes in Yeoju, this Starbucks feels relatively compact, possibly due to the central spiral staircase design.

While the Starbucks Yeoju Namhan River DT offers a serene riverside ambiance and a variety of baked treats, it may not fully meet heightened expectations, especially when compared to larger counterparts like the Yangpyeong DTR branch. Early visits are recommended to secure preferred seating and fully appreciate the scenic views.