World’s most perilous STARBUCKS opens where coffee-lovers sip lattes & overlook Earth’s most militarised stretch of land
FEARLESS Starbucks patrons can now sip their latte while taking in views of the razor-wire barriers at the most militarized strip of land in the world.
The newest location of the American coffee giant is located in an observatory close to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which is a 2.5-mile-wide area that divides North and South Korea.
Every table in the shop faces the heavily guarded border and North Korea.
However, on the route to the Starbucks location at Aegibong Peace Ecopark, Gimpo, which is less than a mile from North Korean territory, guests must go via a military checkpoint.
The observatory was constructed on a hill that saw heavy fighting during the Korean War, one of the “hot” conflicts of the Cold War era, which lasted from 1950 to 1953.
Through its telescopes, the observatory can view North Korean villages on a clear day.
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The cafe also has a view of a local village in Kaephung county and Songaksan Mountain in North Korea.
A river known as “neutral waters” flows less than a mile from the observatory to a North Korean border town.
One of the cafe’s first patrons, Baek Hea-soon, remarked, “I wish I could share this tasty coffee with the people in North Korea.”
Despite a recent increase in hostilities on the Korean peninsula, the DMZ has turned into an odd destination for both domestic and foreign tourists.
After a three-year struggle that ended in an armistice in 1953, the two Koreas are still officially at war.
Tensions have also escalated in recent months over balloons of rubbish that North Korea has floated, which Pyongyang claims are a reaction to balloons that activists in the South delivered with anti-regime pamphlets.
Starbucks’ worldwide notoriety, according to Gimpo Mayor Kim Byung-soo, might transform the “dark and depressing” perception of the border region.
She stated at the time of the outlet’s opening: “This place could now become an important tourist destination for security [and] peace that can be seen as young, bright and warm, as well as garnering global attention.”
The inauguration of the US coffee shop chain at the most dangerous place in the world drew hundreds of people on Friday.
Starbucks operates 1,980 locations throughout South Korea, making it practically ubiquitous in the nation.
ESCALATING TENSIONS
Since a peace treaty was never signed during the Korean War in 1950–1953, tensions along the border between North and South Korea have been rising.
One of the most densely mined areas on Earth is the Demilitarized Zone, which separates the two nations and is 2.5 miles wide. It is peppered with landmines to dissuade invading forces.
The third incident in as many months occurred last month when South Korea fired warning shots at North Korean soldiers twice in a single week after the military crossed the border.
On the South’s doorstep, demented tyrant Kim has been installing more landmines, strengthening roads, and erecting what appear to be anti-tank obstacles.
Experts have warned of the “escalation” and “bloodshed” that could result from the North’s construction of new defense lines directly on the border, as shown in satellite photographs.
Additionally, while the US, South Korea, and Japan hold a series of war drills in the area, Kim has been stepping up his nuclear testing.
Last month, North Korea sent 260 dirty balloons loaded with feces to South Korea in a blatant act of intimidation.
Michael Madden, the director and creator of NK Leadership Watch, stated in an interview with The Sun that “several days of incidents near the border” would lead to a “serious escalation” on the Korean peninsula.
The “incidents” would occur “for a period of about five days to a week before a serious escalation in tensions” and would include shootings.
A “strategic miscalculation which could incite a larger conflict” could then result from this.
“There are a number of tripwires and forums before it would reach that point,” he stated.
Experts have warned that a conflict with despot Kim Jong-un, armed with a nuclear and chemical arsenal, might be among the bloodiest in history.
Inside world s poshest Starbucks
The most upscale Starbucks in the world is perched atop an old castle and provides breathtaking city views.
The hidden gem is located inside the well-known Prague castle and has a large roof patio that is better suited for a formal dinner than a fast snack.
Although a posh Starbucks is the last thing you might expect when you walk into the Gothic, old building, patrons are unable to get enough of it.
In addition to praising the unusual setup, TripAdvisor reviews also highlight the cuisine, with one reviewer stating: “The best chocolate cake I’ve ever had!”
“Great coffee with a beautiful view over the city,” another person commented. It must be the greatest spot to sit, unwind, and take in everything the city has to offer.
A third said: “Great afternoon with my daughter, good for the usual Starbucks price, and a famous view from the Hrad or Prague castle.” We were unwinding while sitting by the window.
An Instagram video clip of the well-known coffee shop has gone viral, with viewers finding it hard to believe what they’re seeing. One person even referred to it as a “must-go place.”
Customers can be seen sitting on the terrace, clothed in thick clothing, brave the cold for the breathtaking view of the city as the clip sweeps across it.
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