South Korean Cafés Struggle With Students Overstaying: The Cagongjok Phenomenon

Michael

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Post on Aug 25, 2025

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South Korean Cafés Struggle with Students Overstaying: The Cagongjok Phenomenon

South Korea's vibrant café culture is facing a brewing storm – not from fickle trends or rising coffee bean prices, but from a phenomenon known as cagongjok (카공족). This term, a portmanteau of "café" (카페) and "gongbu" (공부, meaning "study"), refers to students who occupy café seats for extended periods, often studying for hours on end, sometimes even all day. While cafés ostensibly welcome all customers, the cagongjok trend is creating a significant headache for business owners. This article delves into the challenges faced by South Korean cafés and explores potential solutions.

The Rise of the Cagongjok and its Impact

The cagongjok phenomenon isn't new, but it's become increasingly prominent in recent years. Several factors contribute to its rise:

• Limited Study Space: Many South Korean students lack adequate study spaces at home, particularly those living in smaller apartments common in larger cities like Seoul. Cafés offer a comfortable, often free, alternative with readily available Wi-Fi.
• Social Atmosphere: Studying in a café provides a sense of community and shared focus, which some students find beneficial. The ambient noise can also be less distracting than a quiet home environment for some.
• Convenience and Accessibility: Cafés are ubiquitous in South Korea, providing convenient and accessible study spots throughout the day and into the night.

However, this seemingly benign trend has significant downsides for café owners:

• Reduced Turnover: Students occupying seats for hours drastically reduces the number of customers a café can serve, impacting overall revenue.
• Strain on Resources: Extended stays put a strain on café resources, including electricity, water, and restroom facilities.
• Customer Dissatisfaction: Regular customers may become frustrated by the lack of available seating, leading to decreased patronage.

The Challenges Faced by Café Owners

Many café owners are struggling to find a balance between accommodating students and maintaining a profitable business. Directly asking students to leave can be awkward and potentially damage their reputation. Some cafés have attempted to implement time limits or minimum purchase requirements, but these measures often prove ineffective or unpopular. This delicate situation highlights the conflict between the needs of students and the sustainability of small businesses.

Potential Solutions and Future Outlook

Finding a sustainable solution requires a multi-pronged approach:

• Designated Study Spaces: Some cafés are exploring the creation of designated study areas with different pricing models, perhaps charging a small fee for extended use. This approach could incentivize longer stays while also generating additional revenue.
• Increased Collaboration: Collaboration between café owners and local universities or community centers could lead to the creation of dedicated student study spaces, alleviating pressure on cafes.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Public awareness campaigns could encourage students to be more mindful of their café usage, promoting responsible study habits and respecting the needs of businesses.

The cagongjok phenomenon represents a complex social and economic issue. While it reflects a genuine need for accessible study spaces, it also presents a significant challenge to the viability of South Korean cafés. Finding solutions that benefit both students and business owners will be crucial for the future of both café culture and the academic landscape in South Korea. What solutions do you think are most effective? Share your thoughts in the comments below.