The Battle of the Cafés: When Studying Becomes Stagnation

In the upscale district of Daechi, Seoul, café owner Hyun Sung-joo faces a growing challenge as an influx of 'Cagongjok'—young individuals who prefer studying or working in coffee shops—has become commonplace, leading to a need for stricter regulations.

Limitless Studying: A Daylong Occupation

One recent incident saw a customer commandeer a workspace for an entire day, complete with two laptops and a six-port power strip. "I had to block the power outlets," Hyun lamented, emphasizing how difficult it is for businesses to thrive when seats are monopolized by prolonged occupancy.

The Rise of Cagongjok: More Than Just Coffee Lovers

This cultural phenomenon isn't just localized to one café; it's a wave sweeping through South Korea, particularly where students and office workers congregate. Unlike their Western counterparts, South Korean students often occupy tables for hours on end, deeply engrossed in their work.

Starbucks Stepping In: New Guidelines to Combat Abuse

Starbucks Korea recently issued guidelines to tackle extreme cases of space monopolization, including customers bringing in desktop setups and lengthy absences. The company aims for a more balanced atmosphere, subtly nudging those taking advantage of their spaces without directly asking them to leave.

Cafés: The Sanctuary for Students

On a typical Thursday evening, Starbucks in Gangnam buzzes with students buried in their laptops and books. One 18-year-old dropout shared, “I get here around 11am and stay until 10pm, sometimes heading out for lunch while leaving my things.” Meanwhile, customers continue to leave laptops unattended, raising questions about the effectiveness of Starbucks’ new rules.

Mixed Reactions: The Public's Take on New Policies

Responses to the new policies have been divided. Many patrons welcome the shift, claiming it restores the intended purpose of cafés, while others view it as unnecessary overreach. For some, conversing in a café has become a challenge due to the concentrated focus of Cagongjok.

The Bigger Picture: A Growing Trend

The surge of Cagongjok is entwined with the growth of coffee chains in South Korea, with a staggering 48% increase in cafés over five years, according to official statistics. This trend has fueled a lifestyle shift, with 70% of Gen Z job seekers reporting they study in cafés weekly.

Navigating the Fine Line: Policies from Café Owners

Independent café owners face similar dilemmas, with some implementing strict policies like ‘No Study Zones’ to allow for a balance between conversation and study. One owner in Jeonju had to limit study sessions to two hours to manage the flow of customers and reduce complaints.

Cagongjok and the Search for Safe Spaces

But what drives the Cagongjok to these spaces? For many like Yu-jin Mo, a warm cup of coffee offers a sense of safety and stability that home may lack. This phenomenon has roots in South Korea's highly competitive environment, prompting many young individuals to seek comfort in community spaces.

A Call for Change: Embracing Cagongjok Culture

As the trend toward café studying continues to gain momentum, experts like Professor Choi Ra-young call for a more inclusive approach. He advocates for creating guidelines that allow students to study in cafés without disrupting others, reflecting the need for better communal spaces in urban settings.

The journey to finding a balance between accommodating Cagongjok and maintaining a welcoming café environment is just beginning, as South Korea grapples with the evolving nature of social spaces.