- By Shivangi Sharma
- Wed, 13 Aug 2025 09:56 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Starbucks South Korea announced that while laptops, tablets, and smartphones are still welcome, bulky office gear that “impacts the shared space” will no longer be allowed. The move comes as South Korean branches face a growing problem: customers turning cafes into makeshift offices, complete with desktop computers, printers, partitions, and power strips.
From Latte Lovers To ‘Cagongjok’
The trend has become so pronounced in South Korea that there’s even a word for it, cagongjok, a blend of Korean words referring to people who study or work for hours in cafes. While working or studying in a coffee shop is a familiar sight worldwide, South Korea has taken it to the extreme, with some customers essentially occupying tables as personal offices for an entire day.
According to The Korea Herald, signs have started appearing in Starbucks stores across the country, warning customers that “personal desktops, printers, power strips, and screens cannot be used in the store.” The company says the policy is intended to keep seating available and maintain an enjoyable environment for all customers.
Why The Crackdown?
Part of the problem stems from South Korea’s tight office space market and the rising cost of co-working venues. For some remote workers, cafes offer a cheaper and more pleasant alternative, free Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and, of course, coffee. But when customers bring in large equipment, it eats up valuable seating, creates clutter, and changes the atmosphere from casual café to corporate cubicle farm.
Starbucks isn’t alone in facing this challenge. Around the world, coffee shops have grappled with how to accommodate the growing number of “laptop campers” without alienating traditional customers who come for a quick drink or a quiet chat.
Official Word From Starbucks South Korea
“Starbucks Korea has updated its policy so all customers can have a pleasant and accessible store experience,” a company spokesperson told Fortune. “While laptops and smaller personal devices are welcome, customers are asked to refrain from bringing desktop computers, printers, or other bulky items that may limit seating and impact the shared space.”
The message is clear: you can still grab a cappuccino and work on your laptop, but if you’re packing a printer, it might be time to find a proper office, or at least a co-working space, before your next coffee run.