In the bustling city of Seoul, the phenomenon of Cagongjok—a term denoting young South Koreans who commandeer cafes for studying or working—has led to significant challenges for cafe owners. One such owner, Hyun Sung-joo, describes a recent incident where a patron set up an office-like workspace in his Starbucks, featuring two laptops and an array of charging ports, occupying the table for a whole day. He laments the difficulty of running a cafe with such prolonged occupancy, especially in a high-rent area like Daechi.
The trend has escalated, with Starbucks Korea recently introducing national guidelines aimed at addressing "extreme cases" of space monopolization. Incidents of patrons bringing in bulky equipment or leaving belongings unattended prompted these measures, as the company emphasized the need for a more comfortable environment. While the new rules are designed to manage customer behavior, many moderate Cagongjok still frequent cafes, which serve as sanctuary spaces for them.
In a Starbucks in Gangnam, students like an 18-year-old preparing for the intense university entrance exam, Suneung, often stay from morning until late evening, leaving their work unattended for meals. Observations suggest that while significant changes in behavior have not been widely noted since the new rules, patrons occasionally still leave their belongings behind for extended periods.
Reactions to Starbucks' initiative have been mixed; many appreciate it as a necessary measure to restore the cafe's social environment, while others view it as an infringement on the chain's welcoming atmosphere. The growing Cagongjok trend mirrors a broader issue in South Korea, where access to public spaces has not kept pace with the rise in coffee shops, now nearing 100,000 nationwide.
Independent cafes are also grappling with similar challenges, with some owners adopting diverse strategies. While Hyun's cafe remains open to considerate customers, another owner in Jeonju, opting for a strict "No Study Zone," implemented rules limiting study durations due to complaints about space being monopolized.
The reasons behind the Cagongjok trend are multifaceted. A significant portion of the youth, including Yu-jin Mo, prefers cafes over libraries, with the latter feeling restrictive. While academic and social pressures are prominent, Professor Choi Ra-young of Ansan University identifies Cagongjok as a cultural reflection of South Korea’s competitive society, underscoring the need for more inclusive public spaces that accommodate the needs of those studying or working outside traditional environments.
As cafes strive to find balance, the ongoing conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding the drivers behind Cagongjok and creating a space that equally serves community and commerce.
