Starbucks Korea to give out coffees to 560,000 soldiers

Starbucks Coffee Korea on Tuesday said it will reward all military soldiers with free coffee as a token of appreciation for their patriotism.

“Anyone who identifies themselves as military soldiers along with a coupon distributed at the military camp will be given a cup of tall-size ‘Today’s Coffee’ at any Starbucks outlet in the country,” the company said. The coupon is valid until Sept. 30, 2016, and the number of the recipients has been capped at 560,000.

The event designed to boost morale in the barracks is expected to cost 2.12 billion won ($1.76 million) for the coffee store operator.

The company jointly operated by the U.S.-based Starbucks International and local Shinsegae Group also said it will give benefits to those discharged from their mandatory military service in its recruitment process.

Such applicants for the company’s barista positions will be given extra credit in the screening process and will even be able to do the interview inside the military camp. The perks are granted for soldiers who are scheduled to be discharged this year.

By Bae Ji-sook(baejisook@heraldcorp.com)