South Korean Cafés Struggle With Students Overstaying: The Cagongjok Phenomenon

Shawn

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Post on Aug 25, 2025

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South Korean Cafés Struggle with Students Overstaying: The Rise of the "Cagongjok" Phenomenon

South Korean cafes are facing a growing challenge: students overstaying their welcome, a trend fueled by the rise of the "cagongjok" (카공족) phenomenon. This term, a portmanteau of "cafe" (카페) and "gongbu" (공부, meaning "study"), describes students who utilize cafes as study spaces, often for extended periods. While cafes initially welcomed this clientele, the increasingly prevalent practice of students occupying tables for hours, sometimes consuming only a single beverage, is causing significant strain on businesses.

This isn't simply a matter of lost revenue. The limited seating capacity in many Korean cafes means that long-term occupants effectively prevent paying customers from accessing available spaces, leading to decreased turnover and impacting profitability. The issue is particularly acute during peak hours and exam periods.

The Economics of the Cagongjok Problem:

The financial impact on cafes is multifaceted. While a single student might purchase a coffee or tea, their prolonged occupancy prevents the cafe from serving multiple customers who might have ordered more substantial meals or drinks throughout the day. This lost potential revenue significantly impacts the bottom line, especially for smaller, independent cafes with limited space. The issue isn't just about the money directly lost; it's about the opportunity cost – the potential income foregone by not having more customers.

Cafe Owners Seek Solutions:

Faced with dwindling profits, cafe owners are exploring various solutions. Some are implementing stricter time limits, often subtly encouraging customers to vacate their tables after a certain duration. Others are experimenting with different pricing strategies, such as implementing higher minimum spending requirements for extended stays or introducing time-based charges. However, implementing these changes requires careful navigation to avoid alienating students who represent a significant portion of their customer base.

The Student Perspective:

Understanding the student perspective is crucial. Many students utilize cafes due to the comfortable environment, reliable Wi-Fi, and access to power outlets – amenities often lacking in their cramped living spaces or busy university libraries. The rising cost of living in South Korea further complicates the situation, making affordable study spaces a necessity. This highlights the need for a balanced solution that acknowledges both the needs of businesses and the realities faced by students.

Finding a Middle Ground:

The "Cagongjok" phenomenon presents a complex challenge requiring a multi-pronged approach. Cafes need to find ways to balance their need for profitability with the legitimate needs of students seeking affordable study spaces. This might involve clearer communication of expectations, the creation of designated study areas with different pricing structures, or collaborative efforts between cafes and universities to provide more accessible and affordable study environments.

Looking Ahead:

The Cagongjok phenomenon is a reflection of broader societal trends in South Korea, highlighting the increasing pressure on students and the evolving dynamics of the cafe industry. Finding a mutually beneficial solution will require open dialogue and innovative thinking. Only then can South Korean cafes navigate this challenge and ensure the continued prosperity of both businesses and students. For further reading on the challenges faced by small businesses in South Korea, you may find this article on [link to relevant article about South Korean small businesses] insightful.

Keywords: Cagongjok, 카공족, South Korean cafes, student study spaces, cafe business, South Korea, cafe economics, study habits, coffee shops, small business challenges, Korean economy, university students.