The Cagongjok Problem: How South Korean Cafés Are Dealing With Student Occupants

Shawn

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Post on Aug 25, 2025

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The Cagongjok Problem: How South Korean Cafés Adapt to Student Occupants

South Korea's café culture is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and ubiquitous presence. However, a growing challenge is impacting the bottom line of many café owners: the cagongjok (카공족). This term, a portmanteau of "café" (카페) and "gongbu" (공부, meaning "study"), refers to students who occupy café spaces for extended periods, often consuming only a single inexpensive beverage. This practice, while seemingly innocuous, presents a significant problem for businesses struggling with rising operational costs and limited seating.

This article explores the multifaceted issues surrounding the cagongjok phenomenon and how South Korean cafés are adapting to this increasingly common situation.

The Economics of the Cagongjok:

The core issue lies in the economics of limited space and high rent. Cafés in prime locations, particularly near universities, face intense competition. While welcoming students is generally considered good for the atmosphere, the cagongjok model is often unsustainable. A student occupying a seat for hours, consuming only a single Americano, significantly reduces the potential revenue that seat could generate if occupied by multiple customers with higher spending habits. This problem is further exacerbated by the increasing popularity of co-working spaces, which are often perceived as a more appropriate alternative for extended study sessions.

Strategies Cafés are Employing:

Faced with this dilemma, cafés are employing several strategies:

• Time Limits: Some cafés are implementing time limits, particularly during peak hours. This approach, while potentially controversial, aims to ensure fair access to seating for all customers.

• Minimum Spending Requirements: A more common approach is to introduce minimum spending requirements after a certain duration. This encourages customers to purchase more items, contributing to the café's revenue.

• Premium Seating Options: Some upscale cafés offer premium seating areas with enhanced amenities, such as more comfortable chairs, power outlets, and potentially even study materials. These areas often come with a higher minimum spend or hourly rate.

• Collaboration with Co-working Spaces: A more collaborative approach sees some cafés partnering with nearby co-working spaces, potentially offering discounts or referral programs. This redirects long-term study sessions to a more appropriate environment.

• Improved Wi-Fi Infrastructure: While seemingly counterintuitive, investing in high-speed, reliable Wi-Fi can incentivize students to stay longer and spend more. A positive customer experience can lead to increased loyalty and higher spending.

The Social Aspect:

Beyond the economic considerations, the cagongjok phenomenon raises social questions. The perceived lack of consideration for other customers, coupled with the sometimes noisy study habits of some students, can create tension within the café environment. Finding a balance between welcoming students and maintaining a comfortable atmosphere for all customers remains a challenge.

Looking Ahead:

The cagongjok problem is a complex issue with no easy solution. As South Korea's café culture continues to evolve, cafés will need to find innovative and sustainable ways to manage their space and maintain profitability while fostering a welcoming atmosphere. The future likely lies in a balance between accommodating students and ensuring a fair and profitable business model. The key may be a shift towards clear communication and mutually beneficial arrangements that cater to the needs of both the students and the café owners.

Keywords: Cagongjok, 카공족, South Korean cafes, student occupants, café culture, South Korea, business challenges, café economics, study spaces, co-working spaces, minimum spending, time limits, premium seating.