Cafe Culture in South Korea

In South Korea, a unique cultural trend called 'Cagongjok' has emerged. This term refers to young people who prefer to study or work in cafes for extended periods. While some cafes welcome this trend, others are grappling with its challenges.

Starbucks Korea recently introduced guidelines to address extreme cases of 'Cagongjok'. Some customers were bringing in large monitors, printers, and even partitioning off areas for themselves. This behavior was disrupting other patrons and creating issues for cafe management.

However, opinions on this phenomenon are divided. Many cafe owners appreciate the steady business from students and workers, while others struggle with limited seating and reduced turnover. The trend reflects broader societal issues in South Korea, including competitive academic and work environments, and a lack of suitable public spaces for studying and working.