FEARLESS Starbucks fans can now enjoy a cup of latte while overlooking the razor-wire fences at the world’s most militarised strip of land.
The American coffee giant has opened its newest branch in an observatory that sits near the 2.5-mile-wide Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating North and South Korea.
APA visitor watched the North Korean side at the observatory of the Aegibong Peace Ecopark in Gimpo, South Korea[/caption]
ReutersCustomers look at North Korea’s propaganda village Kaepoong, in the new Starbucks store at the top of the Aegibong Peak Observatory[/caption]
ReutersA view shows North Korea’s guard post in this picture taken from the Starbucks store[/caption]
All the tables inside the store face North Korea and the heavily militarised border.
But visitors must pass through a military checkpoint on the way to the Starbucks outlet at Aegibong Peace Ecopark, Gimpo which is less than a mile from North Korean territory.
The observatory was built on a hill that was a fierce battle site during the 1950-53 Korean War – one of the “hot” wars during the Cold War Era.
On a clear day, North Korean villagers can be seen from the observatory through its telescopes.
The cafe also overlooks North Korea‘s Songaksan Mountain and a nearby village in Kaephung county.
A river designated as “neutral waters” runs between the observatory and one of the border towns in North Korea less than a mile away.
Baek Hea-soon, one of the first few customers of the newly-opened cafe, said: ” I wish I could share this tasty coffee with the people in North Korea.”
The DMZ has become an unlikely draw for foreign and local tourists, despite a spike in tensions on the Korean peninsula in recent years.
The two Koreas are still technically at war after a three-year conflict ended in a 1953 armistice.
In recent months, tensions have also grown over balloons of trash floated from North Korea, which Pyongyang says are a response to balloons carrying anti-regime leaflets sent by activists in the South.
Kim Byung-soo, Gimpo’s Mayor, said that Starbucks, with its global recognition, could change the border area’s “dark and depressing” image.
She said during the launch of the outlet: “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.”
Hundreds showed up on Friday for the opening of the US coffeehouse chain at the world’s most perilous location.
Starbucks can be found almost everywhere across South Korea, with 1,980 stores operating in the country.
ReutersCustomers holding a cup of coffee pose to take a picture with North Korea’s propaganda village Kaepoong in the background[/caption]
APVisitors sit at a newly opened Starbucks store as North Korea’s Kaephung county is seen in the background[/caption]
ReutersA view shows North Korea’s Kaepoong village[/caption]
ESCALATING TENSIONS
Border tensions have been escalating between North and South Korea – who are still at war as a peace treaty was never signed after the 1950-1953 Korean War.
The DMZ dividing the two countries is one of the most heavily mined places on Earth – strewn with landmines to deter enemy troops.
Earlier this year, South Korea fired warning shots at North Korean soldiers twice in one week after troops crossed the border.
Meanwhile, deranged dictator Kim has been laying more landmines, reinforcing roads and adding what looks like anti-tank barriers on the South’s doorstep.
Satellite images suggest the North is also building new defence lines right on the border – risking “escalation” and “bloodshed”, experts have warned.
And Kim has been intensifying weapons tests as the US, South Korea and Japan host a flurry of war games in the region.
In a brazen intimidation move, North Korea sent a wave of 260 filthy faeces-filled balloons to South Korea.
Speaking to The Sun, Michael Madden, director and founder of NK Leadership Watch, said a “serious escalation” on the Korean peninsula would be triggered by “several days of incidents near the border”.
These “incidents” – including shots being fired – would unfold “for a period of about five days to a week before a serious escalation in tensions”.
This could then spark a “strategic miscalculation which could incite a larger conflict”.
“There are a number of tripwires and forums before it would reach that point,” he added.
Armed with an arsenal of nukes and chemical weapons, experts have warned a war with tyrant Kim Jong-un could be one of the bloodiest in history.
Inside ‘world’s poshest’ Starbucks
THE world’s poshest Starbucks is located on top of ancient castle and offers remarkable views of the city.
The hidden gem can be found within the confines of the famous Prague castle and it boasts a sprawling roof terrace – more fitting for a fine dining experience than a quick bite to eat.
When entering the Gothic, aged building a swanky Starbucks is the last thing you might expect, but despite the contrast, customers can’t get enough.
Reviews on TripAdvisor don’t just praise the unique set – but also the food, with one person saying: “The best chocolate cake I’ve ever had!”
Another wrote: “Excellent coffee with a stunning view over the city. It has to be the best place to sit, relax and soak up what the city has to offer.”
A third commented: “Excellent afternoon with my daughter with a famous view from the Hradčany Prague castle, good for usual Starbucks price. We were sitting at the window and relaxing.”
A video clip of the popular coffee shop that was shared on Instagram has caused a stir online with viewers struggling to believe their eyes, with one calling it a “must-go place.”
As the clip pans across the stunning view of the city, customers can be seen seated on the terrace – wrapped up warm and braving the cold for the impressive sight.
APNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervises artillery firing drills in North Korea[/caption]
