Starbucks Korea has added a new location to its chain of Community Stores in the country, reaffirming its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. 

The store is Starbucks Korea’s first to focus on a design that creates an inclusive space and what the retailer describes as impactful programming to support members of the disability community in Seoul. 

A portion of proceeds from sales through the store will go to support the local nonprofit Heart Heart Foundation, which advocates for inclusion and awareness of people with disabilities, and support for local artists from the disabled community.

“It is very meaningful that our store, which is an inclusive space for all, has been dedicated as a new Community Store for inclusion, furthering disability-inclusion awareness in Korea,” said Elena, assistant store manager, who is hard of hearing.

“I feel very proud as a partner. I hope to create meaningful opportunities to build connections through the many activities we will be launching at our store.”

Since the opening of the store, Starbucks has employed new partners with disabilities under the partnership with the Korea Employment Promotion Agency for the Disabled.