South Korean Cafés Struggle With Students Overstaying Their Welcome: The "Cagongjok" Phenomenon

Shawn

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Post on Aug 25, 2025

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

South Korean cafes, known for their cozy atmospheres and ubiquitous presence, are facing a growing challenge: students who overstay their welcome, a phenomenon dubbed "Cagongjok" (카공족). This term, a portmanteau of "cafe" (카페) and "gongbu" (공부, meaning "study"), refers to students who utilize cafes as extended study spaces, sometimes for hours on end, often consuming minimal products. The issue is causing friction between cafe owners and students, highlighting a complex interplay between consumer behavior, business viability, and societal expectations.

This isn't simply about a few extra students lingering. The Cagongjok phenomenon is impacting cafe profitability, particularly in areas with high student populations near universities. Owners are grappling with reduced seating availability for paying customers, impacting overall revenue. The issue is further exacerbated by the inherent limitations of directly addressing the problem. Many cafe owners feel uncomfortable confronting students, fearing negative online reviews or reputational damage.

<h3>The Economics of Cafe Seating: A Balancing Act</h3>

The economic model of many South Korean cafes relies on a high turnover of customers. Limited seating space is a common feature, meaning that customers staying for extended periods directly impact the potential earnings of the establishment. While some cafes offer all-day study packages, many operate on a more traditional model, where revenue is generated through the sale of drinks and snacks. The Cagongjok phenomenon disrupts this delicate balance.

One cafe owner in Seoul's Hongdae district, who wished to remain anonymous, shared their frustration: "We understand students need places to study, but when they occupy a table for hours consuming only one drink, it makes it difficult to maintain profitability. It's a delicate balance between providing a welcoming environment and ensuring the business remains viable."

<h3>Finding Solutions: A Community Effort?</h3>

The problem is not easily solved. Direct confrontation can be counterproductive, damaging customer relations and potentially resulting in negative publicity. However, ignoring the issue allows it to fester, impacting the bottom line of countless cafes across the country.

Some potential solutions include:

• Implementing time limits: While controversial, some cafes are exploring time limits for customers, particularly during peak hours. This requires clear communication and potentially a more robust system for managing seating.
• Designated study zones: Creating specific areas within the cafe for studying, potentially with different pricing models, could offer a compromise. This allows students dedicated space while encouraging higher consumption from other customers.
• Encouraging responsible consumption: Subtle reminders about responsible cafe usage could encourage students to be more mindful of their consumption and time spent. This might involve signage or staff training.
• Collaboration with universities: Universities could collaborate with local businesses to provide alternative study spaces on campus, reducing the pressure on cafes.

<h3>The Wider Societal Context</h3>

The Cagongjok phenomenon reflects broader societal pressures on South Korean students, who often face intense academic competition and limited affordable study spaces. This highlights a need for a multifaceted approach, addressing both the business concerns of cafe owners and the needs of students seeking comfortable study environments. Finding a balance that respects both perspectives remains a critical challenge.

This issue requires a community-driven solution. Open dialogue between cafe owners, students, and local authorities is necessary to find sustainable and equitable solutions that support both businesses and students. The future of the cozy South Korean cafe experience might depend on it.

Keywords: Cagongjok, 카공족, South Korean cafes, students, study spaces, cafe culture, business challenges, South Korea, university students, economic impact, solutions, societal pressures.