Cafe Culture Clash in South Korea
In South Korea, a unique cultural phenomenon is creating tension in cafes across the country. Known as 'cagongjok,' a term combining 'cafe' and 'tribe,' this group consists primarily of students and remote workers who use coffee shops as makeshift offices or study spaces, often lingering for hours after purchasing just a single drink. This trend has become so prevalent that major chains like Starbucks have had to implement new policies to curb the behavior, including a recent ban on bringing bulky office equipment such as printers and desktop computers into their stores.
The issue has sparked debate about the role of cafes in South Korean society, where public spaces for studying or working are often limited due to high population density and small living spaces. A Starbucks representative emphasized the company's intent to maintain a welcoming environment, stating, 'We want our customers to have a pleasant and accessible store experience.' However, the extreme measures taken by some patrons—setting up full workstations with multiple laptops and power strips—have pushed the boundaries of what cafes can accommodate.
Starbucks' New Policy and Cafe Challenges
In response to the growing number of 'cagongjok,' Starbucks Korea announced a countrywide ban on items like printers, desktop PCs, and large partitions earlier this month. The policy aims to deter customers from transforming cafe tables into personal offices, a practice that has frustrated other patrons and strained store resources. Reports of individuals bringing 'two laptops, six plugs,' and even desk dividers have highlighted the extent to which some have taken over shared spaces.
Smaller, independent cafes are feeling the impact even more acutely. Many local coffee shops struggle with profitability when customers occupy tables for extended periods while ordering minimal items. According to a Korean studies professor, 'You can just go and have a cup of coffee, work there—but people are taking it a little bit to the extreme nowadays.' This sentiment reflects the broader challenge of balancing customer freedom with business sustainability in South Korea's competitive cafe market.
Broader Implications for Public Spaces
The 'cagongjok' phenomenon raises questions about the availability of affordable public spaces for students and workers in South Korea. With intense academic pressure and a culture that values long study hours, many young people turn to cafes as a refuge from cramped homes or libraries with limited seating. However, as cafes crack down on overstays, there is growing concern about where these individuals will go next.
For now, Starbucks and other chains are attempting to strike a balance by enforcing stricter rules while still welcoming customers to linger within reason. The outcome of these policies could set a precedent for how public spaces are shared in urban environments worldwide, as other densely populated regions may face similar challenges. As this cultural clash unfolds, South Korean cafes remain at the forefront of navigating the delicate balance between hospitality and practicality.