S. Korean consumers hoard coupons as Starbucks prepares price increase

South Korea’s Starbucks fans are ‘hoarding’ drink coupons as the coffee chain raises prices by up to 400 won on Jan. 13.

KakaoTalk mobile messenger’s gift shop seller list showed on its ‘coupons’ section on Tuesday that the top 15 items, except for third and 15th place, were for Starbucks.

Starbucks coupons are valid for three months from the purchase date, allowing consumers to get discounts even after the prices hike.

SCK Company, formerly known as Starbucks Coffee Korea, will increase the prices of 46 out of 53 drinks currently available but decided to allow the use of Starbucks coupons purchased before Jan. 13.

Following the price hike announcement, online communities and social media were abuzz on using Starbucks coupons before the increase.

A Starbucks coupon for a cup of Iced Americano purchased at 4,100 won can still be used after its price is raised to 4,500 won.