What's Happening?
In Seoul's Gangnam district, cafes are facing challenges due to students, known as 'Cagongjok', who occupy spaces for extended periods to study for exams like the 'Suneung'. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in affluent areas such as Daechi, where cafes have started implementing rules to limit study time to two hours. The move aims to prevent conflicts between customers and ensure that cafes remain spaces for conversation rather than prolonged study sessions. Starbucks Korea has also introduced guidelines to manage extreme cases of space occupation, although they do not enforce these rules strictly.
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Why It's Important?
The issue highlights the cultural trend in South Korea where cafes are used as study spaces, impacting the traditional business model of cafes. This trend has economic implications for cafe owners who face high rents and need to balance accommodating students with serving regular customers. The new policies could affect the cafe culture in South Korea, potentially leading to a shift in how these spaces are utilized. The broader societal impact includes discussions on the pressures faced by students and the need for dedicated study spaces.
