In affluent neighborhoods of South Korea, cafes are facing challenges with customers who occupy seats for long hours, often setting up elaborate workstations. This trend, known as Cagongjok, is particularly popular among students and young professionals. Cafe owners are struggling to balance the needs of these customers with those who want a casual space to relax or socialize.
• A significant number of customers are now using multiple devices, leading to complaints from other patrons.
• Starbucks has introduced guidelines to manage extreme cases, but reactions vary among customers.
• Some cafes have implemented strict policies, limiting study time to prevent monopolizing space.
• The rise of coffee shops has increased competition for seating, with many young people preferring cafes over libraries for studying.
This situation highlights a cultural shift in how spaces are used in South Korea. It raises questions about community and the purpose of cafes. Finding a balance is crucial for maintaining a welcoming environment for all customers.
Enjoying the read? Subscribe for free to one of the fastest-growing newsletters and get weekly coffee news (TL;DR updates) delivered right to your inbox.