By: Toshita Sahni
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Recently, Starbucks Korea made headlines when it asked its customers to stop bringing printers and desktop computers to its cafes. But why were they doing so in the first place?
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Starbucks was mainly addressing Cagongjok – a term which refers to young people who often spend hours working or studying in cafes.
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Cagongjok has become something of a cultural phenomenon in recent years, and cafes have taken notice. But responses to this trend have been mixed.
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Some view the students/workers as freeloaders who loiter too long after ordering only one drink. Some cafe owners have faced problems due to this.
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An etiquette debate flared after viral photos showed desks littered with study gear left unattended, which made things difficult for other customers.
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Other cafe owners have welcomed this crowd. They have even adapted their interiors and offerings to attract more students and workers.
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This has led to the emergence of the specialised cafes with study booths, ample outlets, quiet desks, and cosy design.
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Supporters argue that cafes function as much-needed ‘third spaces' for young people. The Cagongjok are not simply working out of there on a whim.
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But critics point out that blocking tables for hours can hurt profits and customer turnover. Thus, there seems to be no easy solution to this dilemma.
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To read more about this trend
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