Starbucks Korea launched Wednesday the world’s first online Starbucks Academy to educate some 5,000 employees here and support better communication between them, anytime and anywhere.

It is the first time that the Seattle-based coffee house has introduced an online academy. The company currently has cafes in some 60 countries.

The key feature of the membership website, coming together with a mobile app, is the interactive experience. That is best represented by a Wiki-style dictionary for the Starbucks language and services that is editable by users.

The academy also offers an e-book that integrates some 30 manuals used in shops, while providing diverse, useful tips and information for baristas and other employees.

“The world’s first Starbucks Academy will elevate the value of our corporate culture,” said Min Yong-sik, a Starbucks Korea learning and development team chief who led the project.

“We wanted to offer a role model program that other industries as well as other Starbucks branches globally would be willing to study.”

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)