Notice at Seoul Starbucks Store Draws Attention on Social Media
Long Absences by Kagongjok Leave Other Customers Frustrated
Cases of Installing Office Printers and Monitors Have Occurred Before
Recently, a notice stating "Seats may be cleared if left vacant for more than 30 minutes" was posted at a Starbucks store in Seoul, drawing attention. On April 24, several online communities shared a photo of the notice displayed at a Starbucks store in Seoul. According to the photo, the store announced, "If a seat is left vacant for more than 30 minutes, belongings will be stored in the store's lost and found."
A notice stating "Seats may be cleared if left vacant for more than 30 minutes" was posted at a Starbucks store in Seoul. Online community
This measure appears to have been introduced in response to growing complaints about so-called 'Kagongjok' (people who study in cafes), such as customers who occupy seats for long periods with laptops and study materials, or those who leave a note saying "away from seat" and leave their belongings behind. In response, online users reacted positively to the store's action, saying, "Even when I go for coffee, there are no seats because of the Kagongjok," and "They leave their stuff and go out for a meal?is this a study cafe?"
A personal printer installed at a Starbucks store in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, last November. Online community
Controversy over the Kagongjok is not new. Last November, at a Starbucks store in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, a customer installed and used a personal printer, sparking debate. In a photo posted on social media at the time, bundles of A4 paper and various documents were spread out, and a printer was placed on the adjacent seat. The poster commented, "Starbucks is now a one-person office. This morning, I saw someone arrive with a printer and A4 paper," adding, "Judging by the person's neat suit, they seem to be a consultant visiting Andong for a government consulting project."
In April last year, another controversy arose when a photo was posted of a customer working at a Starbucks store with a laptop and office monitor on the table. In the photo, the customer occupied two tables?one for the laptop and another for a large monitor. To make matters worse, they also plugged in a power strip, freely using electricity, which drew criticism. The person who posted the photo asked, "Does Starbucks not care about restricting such behavior, or do you think this goes too far?"
A photo posted last July at a Starbucks store in Japan labeling a customer as a 'troublesome guest.' X
However, the Kagongjok issue is not limited to Korea. In July last year, a photo posted from a Starbucks store in Japan also sparked controversy, showing a customer working with a large amount of personal equipment. In the photo, the customer occupied a table near the entrance, using two laptops, a tablet PC, and four smartphones, as if it were their own office. Around the table, leftover food, drink cups, and paper cups were packed between USB cables, turning the area into a personal space.
Meanwhile, Starbucks stores catering to the Kagongjok are increasing. According to Starbucks Korea, desk-style single tables with partitions are being introduced. Starbucks stated, "We are placing single seats in select stores nationwide based on store layout and customer feedback," adding, "We will continue to reflect diverse customer needs, such as providing customized spaces for those who prefer independent areas."
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