Starbucks Korea to support restoration of Korean Empire heritage

As part of its efforts to honor the nation’s modern history and cultural heritage, Starbucks Coffee Korea has donated 100 million won ($92,217) in preservation funds for the Korean Empire legation headquarters in the United States, officials said Thursday.

The company also unveiled a limited edition tumbler with pokerwork describing the legation building located in Washington DC, a third product of the cultural heritage project.

During the ceremony which took place at the coffee franchise’s signature The Jongno branch, Starbucks Korea officials delivered the 100 million won to the Cultural Heritage Administration and Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation.

The contribution raised the company’s donation in the given project to a total of 300 million won, as it had donated 200 million won in May last year, commemorating the 120th anniversary of Emperor Gojong’s proclamation of the Korean Empire in the early 20th century.

The fund was dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the legation that symbolizes the diplomatic independence and sovereignty of the short-lived empire despite colonial pressure from world powers at the time, according to officials.

The heritage building, currently under restoration work, is to be open to the public starting May this year, according to officials. Also, the limited edition tumbler will be available in Starbucks stores from March 5.

By Bae Hyun-jung (tellme@heraldcorp.com)