The South Korean cafes grappling with college students who do not go away

[ad_1] Juna Moon BBC Korean

Reporting fromSeoul, South Korea <img sizes="(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/98c8/live/b328d1f0-7ff4-11f0-b30e-5b8b5234cffb.jpg.webp 240w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/98c8/live/b328d1f0-7ff4-11f0-b30e-5b8b5234cffb.jpg.webp 320w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/98c8/live/b328d1f0-7ff4-11f0-b30e-5b8b5234cffb.jpg.webp 480w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/640/cpsprodpb/98c8/live/b328d1f0-7ff4-11f0-b30e-5b8b5234cffb.jpg.webp 640w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/98c8/live/b328d1f0-7ff4-11f0-b30e-5b8b5234cffb.jpg.webp 800w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/98c8/live/b328d1f0-7ff4-11f0-b30e-5b8b5234cffb.jpg.webp 1024w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1536/cpsprodpb/98c8/live/b328d1f0-7ff4-11f0-b30e-5b8b5234cffb.jpg.webp 1536w" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/98c8/live/b328d1f0-7ff4-11f0-b30e-5b8b5234cffb.jpg.webp" loading="eager" alt="BBC A laptop set up on a stand with a keyboard and mouse on a table in a Starbucks cafe." class="sc-d1200759-0 dvfjxj"/> BBC The 'desk' of a 33-year-old developer in Starbucks

Within the prosperous Seoul neighbourhood of Daechi, Hyun Sung-joo has a dilemma.

His espresso store is usually visited by Cagongjok, a time period for principally younger South Koreans who love to check or work at cafes, however there is a restrict.

He says one buyer not too long ago arrange a workspace in his cafe that included two laptops and a six-port energy strip to cost all their units - for a whole day.

"I ended up blocking the facility shops," he tells the BBC.

"With Daechi's excessive rents, it is tough to run a restaurant if somebody occupies a seat all day."

The cultural phenomenon of Cagongjok is rampant in South Korea, particularly in areas with massive numbers of scholars and workplace employees. They dominate cafes usually on a a lot larger scale than different Western international locations just like the UK, the place these learning are sometimes surrounded by others there to socialize.

And Starbucks Korea warned this month {that a} minority of persons are going additional than simply laptops, similar to bringing in desktop screens, printers, partitioning off desks or leaving tables unattended for lengthy intervals.

The chain has now launched nationwide tips aimed toward curbing "a small variety of excessive circumstances" the place elaborate setups or extended empty seats disrupt different prospects.

Starbucks stated employees wouldn't ask prospects to go away, however slightly present "steering" when wanted. It additionally cited earlier circumstances of theft when prospects left belongings unattended, calling the brand new tips "a step towards a extra comfy retailer atmosphere".

It would not appear to be deterring the extra reasonable Cagongjok although, for whom Starbucks has been considerably of a haven in recent times and continues to be.

<img sizes="(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/d1d8/live/358f4500-7f48-11f0-ace8-c7fe3706c172.jpg.webp 240w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/d1d8/live/358f4500-7f48-11f0-ace8-c7fe3706c172.jpg.webp 320w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/d1d8/live/358f4500-7f48-11f0-ace8-c7fe3706c172.jpg.webp 480w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/640/cpsprodpb/d1d8/live/358f4500-7f48-11f0-ace8-c7fe3706c172.jpg.webp 640w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/d1d8/live/358f4500-7f48-11f0-ace8-c7fe3706c172.jpg.webp 800w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/d1d8/live/358f4500-7f48-11f0-ace8-c7fe3706c172.jpg.webp 1024w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1536/cpsprodpb/d1d8/live/358f4500-7f48-11f0-ace8-c7fe3706c172.jpg.webp 1536w" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/d1d8/live/358f4500-7f48-11f0-ace8-c7fe3706c172.jpg.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A woman is sitting in front of a desk in a coffee shop with an ipad, pens and books piled high." class="sc-d1200759-0 dvfjxj"/> College students usually arrange examine areas in South Korean cafes

On a Thursday night in Seoul's Gangnam district, a Starbucks department buzzes quietly with prospects learning, heads down over laptops and books.

Amongst them is an 18-year-old scholar who dropped out of college and is making ready for the college entrance examination, "Suneung".

"I get right here round 11am and keep till 10pm," she tells the BBC. "Generally I go away my issues and go eat close by."

We have now seen no cumbersome gear throughout our visits to Starbucks because the new tips have been issued on 7 August, although we did see one man with a laptop computer stand, keyboard and mouse. Some prospects nonetheless seem like leaving their seats unattended for lengthy intervals, with laptops and books unfold throughout tables.

When requested whether or not its new restrictions have led to seen adjustments, Starbucks Korea instructed the BBC it was "tough to verify".

<img sizes="(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/6249/live/94ee46c0-7f45-11f0-ace8-c7fe3706c172.jpg.webp 240w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/6249/live/94ee46c0-7f45-11f0-ace8-c7fe3706c172.jpg.webp 320w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/6249/live/94ee46c0-7f45-11f0-ace8-c7fe3706c172.jpg.webp 480w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/640/cpsprodpb/6249/live/94ee46c0-7f45-11f0-ace8-c7fe3706c172.jpg.webp 640w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/6249/live/94ee46c0-7f45-11f0-ace8-c7fe3706c172.jpg.webp 800w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/6249/live/94ee46c0-7f45-11f0-ace8-c7fe3706c172.jpg.webp 1024w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1536/cpsprodpb/6249/live/94ee46c0-7f45-11f0-ace8-c7fe3706c172.jpg.webp 1536w" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/6249/live/94ee46c0-7f45-11f0-ace8-c7fe3706c172.jpg.webp" loading="lazy" alt="two laptops are left on tables that have been abandoned by their owners." class="sc-d1200759-0 dvfjxj"/> Some college students arrange their belongings after which left a Starbucks seen right here in Suwon

Reactions to Starbucks' transfer have been blended. Most welcome the coverage as a long-overdue step towards restoring normalcy in how cafes are used.

That is significantly so amongst those that go to Starbucks for rest or dialog, who say it has grow to be tough to search out seats due to Cagongjok, and that the hushed environment usually made them really feel self-conscious about speaking freely.

A couple of have criticised it as overreach, saying the chain has deserted its beforehand hands-off method.

It displays a wider public dialogue in South Korea over Cagongjok that has been brewing ever because it began taking off in 2010, coinciding with the expansion of franchised espresso chains within the nation. That has stored rising, with the nation seeing a 48% improve in espresso outlets over the previous 5 years, in response to the Nationwide Tax Service, nearing 100,000.

Some 70% of individuals in a latest survey of greater than 2,000 Gen Z job seekers in South Korea by recruitment platform Jinhaksa Catch stated they studied in cafes at the very least as soon as per week.

'Two individuals would take up sufficient area for 10 prospects'

Coping with "seat hogging" and associated points is a difficult stability, and the impartial cafes grappling with an analogous factor have deployed a variety of approaches.

Whereas Hyun has skilled prospects bringing a number of digital units and establishing workstations, he says excessive circumstances like this are uncommon.

"It is perhaps two or three individuals out of 100," the cafe proprietor of 15 years says. "Most individuals are thoughtful. Some even order one other drink in the event that they keep lengthy, and I am completely positive with that."

Hyun's cafe, which locals additionally use as an area for dialog or personal tutoring, nonetheless welcomes Cagongjok so long as they respect the shared area.

Another cafe franchises even cater to them with energy shops, particular person desks and longer keep allowances.

<img sizes="(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/2296/live/01de0090-7f46-11f0-83cc-c5da98c419b8.jpg.webp 240w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/2296/live/01de0090-7f46-11f0-83cc-c5da98c419b8.jpg.webp 320w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/2296/live/01de0090-7f46-11f0-83cc-c5da98c419b8.jpg.webp 480w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/640/cpsprodpb/2296/live/01de0090-7f46-11f0-83cc-c5da98c419b8.jpg.webp 640w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/2296/live/01de0090-7f46-11f0-83cc-c5da98c419b8.jpg.webp 800w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/2296/live/01de0090-7f46-11f0-83cc-c5da98c419b8.jpg.webp 1024w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1536/cpsprodpb/2296/live/01de0090-7f46-11f0-83cc-c5da98c419b8.jpg.webp 1536w" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/2296/live/01de0090-7f46-11f0-83cc-c5da98c419b8.jpg.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A man is pouring coffee into a cup behind a counter in a cafe." class="sc-d1200759-0 dvfjxj"/> Cafe proprietor Hyun Sung-joo is not towards Cagongjok however finds some prospects take it too far

However others have taken stricter steps. Kim, a restaurant proprietor in Jeonju who requested the BBC to stay nameless, launched a "No Research Zone" coverage after repeated complaints about area being monopolised.

"Two individuals would are available and take over area for 10. Generally they'd go away for meals and are available again to check for seven or eight hours," he says. "We ultimately put up an indication saying it is a area for dialog, not for learning."

Now his cafe permits a most of two hours for these utilizing it to check or work. The rule doesn't apply to common prospects who're merely having espresso.

"I made the coverage to stop potential conflicts between prospects," Kim says.

'Cagongjok' - right here to remain?

<img sizes="(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/54d8/live/066eac40-7f46-11f0-a34f-318be3fb0481.jpg.webp 240w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/54d8/live/066eac40-7f46-11f0-a34f-318be3fb0481.jpg.webp 320w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/54d8/live/066eac40-7f46-11f0-a34f-318be3fb0481.jpg.webp 480w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/640/cpsprodpb/54d8/live/066eac40-7f46-11f0-a34f-318be3fb0481.jpg.webp 640w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/54d8/live/066eac40-7f46-11f0-a34f-318be3fb0481.jpg.webp 800w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/54d8/live/066eac40-7f46-11f0-a34f-318be3fb0481.jpg.webp 1024w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1536/cpsprodpb/54d8/live/066eac40-7f46-11f0-a34f-318be3fb0481.jpg.webp 1536w" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/54d8/live/066eac40-7f46-11f0-a34f-318be3fb0481.jpg.webp" loading="lazy" alt="A student, with long dark hair, wearing a white blouse sits in front of a coffee table with an iPad, books, drink and pastry." class="sc-d1200759-0 dvfjxj"/> Yu-jin Mo feels extra comfy in cafes than in libraries

So what's behind the development and why accomplish that many in South Korea really feel the necessity to work or examine in cafes slightly than in libraries, shared workspaces or at residence?

For some, the cafe is extra than simply an ambient area; it is a spot to really feel grounded.

Yu-jin Mo, 29, tells the BBC about her expertise rising up in foster care. "Residence wasn't a secure place. I lived with my father in a small container, and typically he'd lock the door from the skin and go away me alone inside."

Even now, as an grownup, she finds it arduous to be alone. "As quickly as I get up, I am going to a restaurant. I attempted libraries and examine cafes, however they felt suffocating," she says.

Later Ms Mo even ran her personal cafe for a 12 months, hoping to supply an area the place individuals like her might really feel comfy staying and learning.

Professor Choi Ra-young of Ansan College, who has studied lifelong training for over 20 years, sees Cagongjok as a cultural phenomenon formed by South Korea's hyper-competitive society.

"It is a youth tradition created by the society we have constructed," she tells the BBC. "Most Cagongjok are doubtless job seekers or college students. They're underneath strain - whether or not it is from teachers, job insecurity or housing situations with no home windows and no area to check.

"In a manner, these younger persons are victims of a system that does not present sufficient public area for them to work or be taught," she provides. "They is perhaps seen as a nuisance, however they're additionally a product of social construction."

Professor Choi stated it was time to create extra inclusive areas. "We want tips and environments that permit for cafe learning - with out disturbing others - if we need to accommodate this tradition realistically."