Starbucks is cracking down on customers turning its South Korean locations into personal offices by bringing desktop computers and printers. The coffee giant announced a new policy banning bulky items inside stores after noticing an increase in customers working for long hours.
Starbucks Confirms New Policy
“Starbucks Korea has updated its policy so all customers can have a pleasant and accessible store experience. 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,” a Starbucks spokesperson told Fortune.
Over 2,000 Locations Affected
With more than 2,050 Starbucks stores in South Korea, the rule aims to curb the rise of cagongjok—a term describing people who work long hours at cafes and take advantage of the space.
“It’s quite a cheap way to work, really. You can just go and have a cup of coffee, work there, but people are taking it a little bit to the extreme nowadays,” an expert explained, highlighting why this trend has grown.
Why Cafes Became Remote Offices in Korea
South Korea’s strong tearoom culture has long attracted people for discussions and socializing. However, as the labor market shifted toward remote work, employees began seeking low-cost alternatives to office space.
With skyrocketing rent prices, many companies now allow remote work, leading employees to spend entire workdays in cafes. Cafe owners, frustrated with this trend, have labeled cagongjok as “electricity thieves”—customers who occupy seats for hours while ordering just one drink.
