Starbucks Kiosk
Starbucks announced on Monday a plan to implement the coffee franchise’s first self-order kiosks in select stores across tourist-heavy areas in South Korea and Japan.
The kiosks are aimed at enhancing the customer experience by reducing wait times and streamlining the ordering process.
In South Korea, the kiosks will debut at the Starbucks Korea branch in Myeong-dong, one of Seoul’s most crowded shopping districts, visited by international tourists. Customers are expected to be able to use the machines as early as next month.
Starbucks Japan is also set to implement kiosks at around the same time. Unlike Starbucks’ traditional service model that emphasizes human connection, the technology aims to make ordering easier, while also appealing to customers who prefer minimal interaction.
Yes, there are official statements and announcements from Starbucks regarding the introduction of self-service kiosks.
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Starbucks Korea officially announced that it will begin installing self-service kiosks at approximately 10 of its cafes as part of a trial program, starting with two high-traffic locations in Seoul’s Myeong-dong district. The rollout is specifically targeted at tourist and office districts, including Jeju Island, and is set to begin in late May 2025. This marks a significant shift from Starbucks’ traditional model of face-to-face customer interaction123.
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A Starbucks Korea spokesperson explained the rationale:
“We’ve seen a sharp increase in international customers, especially in tourist zones, and language differences have made communication difficult. Kiosks help address this while also appealing to customers who prefer non-verbal ordering.”3
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The company has confirmed that the kiosks are being introduced on a trial basis, and the move is partly in response to the growing number of foreign tourists and the associated language barriers236.
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Starbucks Japan is also launching kiosks at select locations around the same time, reflecting a coordinated effort in both countries23.
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This is the first time Starbucks has used self-service kiosks for ordering and serving customers, breaking from its longstanding principle of direct, personalized interaction23.
In summary, Starbucks has made official public announcements about the launch of self-service kiosks in Korea and Japan, with clear statements from company representatives and widespread media coverage confirming the initiative1236.
Starbucks Implementation: A History
Starbucks has discussed and experimented with kiosk formats multiple times throughout its history, but only recently has it formally announced the rollout of self-service kiosks.
Historical Mentions and Experiments
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Licensed Kiosks in Supermarkets:
Starbucks has had licensed kiosks in grocery stores and supermarkets for decades. For example, in 2009, Ahold announced closures and rebranding for 43 of its licensed Starbucks kiosks in Stop & Shop and Giant supermarkets3. These were not self-service machines but rather staffed counters operating under the Starbucks brand inside larger retail environments. -
Airport and Non-Traditional Locations:
Since at least 1991, Starbucks has opened licensed stores in non-traditional locations such as airports, which often operate as kiosks or small-format counters12. These are typically staffed but are designed for convenience and high-traffic areas. -
Drive-Thrus and Vending Machines:
Starbucks has continually expanded convenience formats, including drive-thru locations since 1994 and, at times, has discussed or piloted Starbucks-branded vending machines for ready-to-drink products46. However, these vending machines are distinct from the concept of a full-service, order-taking Starbucks kiosk.
Recent Developments: Self-Service Kiosks
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First-Ever Self-Service Kiosks (2025):
In May 2025, Starbucks announced it would introduce its first-ever self-service kiosks in Korea and Japan. This marks the first time the brand is using machines to serve customers directly, breaking from its tradition of exclusively staffed service counters. These kiosks allow customers to order and receive drinks without interacting with a barista9.
“Starbucks is introducing self-service kiosks in Korea and Japan, marking the first time the brand has used machines to serve customers9