[THE INVESTOR] Starbucks Coffee Korea said on Match 22 it will test operate cashless stores at three of its outlets here next month amid rising use of credit card and mobile payment systems.

The stores at the country’s major office districts -- Gangnam and Guro in Seoul, and Pangyo, just south of the capital -- have been tapped to test run the new system from April 23, according to the company.

When launched, it would mark the second trial for the global coffee giant, following its first cashless store under test run in Seattle, it said.

The use of cash for payment has been constantly declining at Starbucks stores in Korea from 31 percent of the total in 2010 to 15 percent in 2013 and 7 percent last year, according to the company.

“As our customers’ mobile payment and use of credit card continue to increase, we want to provide a more innovative and seamless payment experience through this trial,” said Lee Seock-koo, the head of the Korean unit.

Starbucks plans to analyze the impact of the cashless system and reflect the findings on its operations.

By Song Seung-hyun and newswires (ssh@heraldcorp.com)