In the affluent neighborhood of Daechi, Seoul, cafe owner Hyun Sung-joo has raised concerns regarding the phenomenon of Cagongjok, referring to young South Koreans who frequent coffee shops to study or work. Recently, he encountered a customer who occupied a space with two laptops and a six-port power strip for an entire day, prompting him to block off power outlets to manage his cafe’s resources. With high rental costs in Daechi, he expresses that prolonged stays can hinder the operation of cafes.
The trend of Cagongjok is particularly prevalent in South Korea, contrasting with other countries where cafes often serve as casual social spaces. Starbucks Korea has responded to instances of customers bringing extensive setups—such as desktop monitors and printers—by launching guidelines to address “extreme cases” of space monopolization, which disrupts the experience for other patrons. According to Starbucks, staff will provide guidance without evicting customers; however, they noted previous incidents of theft from unattended belongings.
Responses to these policy changes have varied. While some patrons appreciate the effort to restore normalcy, others express concerns that the chain’s approach marks a shift away from its traditionally relaxed environment. According to a recent survey, approximately 70% of Gen Z job seekers in South Korea frequent cafes for studying at least once a week, reflecting a growing reliance on these spaces as alternatives to libraries or home study settings.
Independent cafe owners are also navigating this issue with diverse solutions. Some encourage considerate usage, while others have enforced strict policies to limit study periods. For instance, one cafe in Jeonju implemented a “No Study Zone” policy to address complaints regarding space being monopolized.
Experts suggest that the Cagongjok trend highlights societal pressures faced by youth in South Korea, where public spaces may be limited. Professor Choi Ra-young advocates for creating more inclusive environments to accommodate this evolving culture while maintaining comfort for all customers.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c80d9e8ep7do?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss