In South Korea, a unique cultural phenomenon known as Cagongjok has emerged, predominantly involving young people who choose to study or work in cafes. This practice has become widespread in neighborhoods rich with students and office workers. We notice an immediate change in how these spaces are occupied. Since its inception around 2010, the term Cagongjok has gained popularity alongside the rise of franchised coffee chains throughout the nation.
Cagongjok mostly describes
job seekers and students. This troupe has made a huge impression in the cafe scene throughout all of South Korea. According to a new report released by recruitment platform Jinhaksa Catch, Gen Z job seekers are exhibiting some unusual habits. 70% of the more than 2,000 respondents report that they study in cafes a few times a week or more. This phenomenon is especially apparent in South Korea. Compared to Western countries such as the UK, where they seldom occur, these practices are commonplace.
South Korean Professor Choi Ra-young, of Ansan University, considers Cagongjok to be a symptom of her country’s hyper-competitive society. He observes that this culture is deeply intertwined with the high academic and professional pressures faced by young people today.
The systems of Cagongjok that you might find in a café, for example, sometimes include dozens of different electronic devices. One of the most common sights are two laptops and a six-port power strip, a clear sign of their desire to make the most of their study space. One 18-year-old student shared, “I get here around 11am and stay until 10pm,” reflecting the long hours these individuals commit to their studies in such spaces.
Although the advantages that Cagongjok provide to lounges are undeniable, a wide variety of cafe proprietors complain about space monopolization. Hyun, a cafe owner, noted, “Two people would take up enough space for 10,” indicating that the presence of multiple devices and lengthy stays can limit seating availability for other customers.
In response to these challenges, Kim, another cafe owner located in Jeonju, implemented a “No Study Zone” policy after receiving repeated complaints from patrons about monopolized seating. His cafe now puts a two-hour limit on study sessions to accommodate more customers and address the expectations that grew around the office space.
Hyun Sung-joo’s cafe would continue to welcome Cagongjok, provided they treat the space they share with others courteously. He remarked on the growing trend of customers bringing extensive electronic setups, stating, “I ended up blocking off the power outlets.” At the same time, he said, extreme examples of monopolizing space are unusual.
As the cafe culture evolves, Starbucks Korea has acknowledged the need for adjustments to create a more comfortable store environment for all patrons. They understand that meeting Cagongjok’s needs means creating rules to make it easier to study without interrupting others.
As this cultural shift brings both promise and challenge, Professor Choi Ra-young notes the need to strike a balance. He stated, “We need guidelines and environments that allow for cafe studying – without disturbing others – if we want to accommodate this culture realistically.” He further commented on the societal implications of this trend, saying, “This is a youth culture created by the society we’ve built.”
The proliferation of coffee shops across South Korea in recent years has paralleled the expansion of Cagongjok. In fact, over the last five years, the country has experienced a 48% growth in coffee shops, nearing an impressive total of just over 96,000 locations. Unfortunately, this expansion is a testament to the increasing demand for coffee. It underscores the role of cafes as the all-important, hipster-cool informal study hall.
South Korean society is coming to terms with its hyper-competitive nature. Given that, Cagongjok is likely to remain a perennial champion in cafe culture. The bigger puzzle, of course, is how to align the needs of students and jobseekers. We need to think about the conventioneer who’s going to hunt a quiet corner to enjoy his cappuccino.
