The conference room of the Gimpo Tourism Bureau buzzed with anticipation. The meeting was called to discuss the final approval for a Starbucks outlet at Aegibong Peace Ecopark. The executives, neatly dressed and armed with folders, sat around the table as the presenter from Starbucks began to speak.
“Imagine this,” the presenter started with a confident smile. “Tourists gazing at North Korea from the observation deck, mesmerized by the view, but eventually needing a place to sit and relax. That’s when the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee catches their attention. They follow the scent, step into the store, and indulge in a cup of our signature coffee. Refreshed and recharged, they’ll return to the observation deck, perhaps spending a little more time there. This prolonged stay leads to increased sales at the souvenir shops and other nearby facilities. A win-win for everyone.”
The executives of the Gimpo Tourism Bureau exchanged approving nods. The logic was sound, and the prospect of turning the observation deck into a bustling tourist hub was tempting.
The presenter leaned forward, emphasizing the next point. “And it’s not just about sales. The aroma of our coffee wafting gently across the border into North Korea could serve as an unintentional yet powerful message. A subtle symbol of South Korea’s progress and comfort, inspiring curiosity and perhaps admiration among those on the other side.”
The room fell silent. Then, a voice broke through—Kim, a senior executive of the Kimseong Tourism Bureau, a partner agency working on regional tourism. He adjusted his glasses and frowned. “That sounds… problematic. If the scent of coffee stirs admiration, it might also increase the number of defectors trying to cross the border. Such a scenario would create a logistical nightmare for us. We must avoid inadvertently inciting such issues.”
The room tensed. The presenter blinked, momentarily caught off guard, before managing a wry smile. “An excellent point, Mr. Kim. While we hadn’t considered that specific consequence, I assure you we can address it. We could incorporate advanced ventilation systems that direct the aroma inward, ensuring it remains contained within the ecopark.”
Kim nodded but didn’t look entirely convinced. Another executive chimed in, “Could this affect the authenticity of the coffee shop experience? Visitors might expect that iconic Starbucks aroma to greet them as they approach.”
The presenter clasped his hands together and said with measured confidence, “We will strike a balance. The design will prioritize both the authenticity of the Starbucks experience and the unique security concerns of this location. Our team will collaborate with engineers to implement a system that satisfies all parties.”
The room murmured its approval, and the tension began to dissipate. The meeting wrapped up with smiles and handshakes. As the presenter gathered his materials, he couldn’t help but chuckle to himself. “Designing a coffee shop to respect international borders—now that’s a first for Starbucks.”
All names of people and organizations appearing in this story are pseudonyms.
Starbucks To Open New Store Near The Military Demarcation Line Between North And South Korea
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