Seoul, South Korea – It’s a scene increasingly familiar in the bustling cafes of Seoul: a student, hunched over not one, but two glowing laptop screens, surrounded by a constellation of charging cables and power adapters. The ubiquitous phrase “two laptops, six plugs” has become a shorthand for a growing phenomenon that has cafes, particularly those frequented by students, grappling with a new kind of customer: the “long-stay” patron.
The Rise of the Cafe Campus
In a city where apartment living can be cramped and the pursuit of academic excellence is relentless, cafes have transformed from mere coffee shops into de facto extensions of university libraries and study spaces. For many South Korean students, the cafe offers a vital combination of affordable Wi-Fi, readily available power outlets, and a stimulating, yet controlled, environment conducive to long hours of studying. This trend, however, is putting a strain on the very businesses that have inadvertently become their patrons’ second campuses.
The issue has gained national attention, most notably when Starbucks, a global coffee giant with a significant presence in South Korea, reportedly asked some customers to refrain from bringing printers into its branches. While Starbucks Korea did not officially confirm a blanket ban on printers, the incident highlighted the underlying tension. It’s not just about printers, though. It’s about the sheer volume of devices, the prolonged occupation of prime seating, and the often minimal purchase made by these dedicated, yet demanding, patrons.
A Delicate Balancing Act for Cafe Owners
For cafe owners, the situation presents a difficult balancing act. On one hand, students represent a consistent flow of potential customers. On the other, their extended stays, coupled with their reliance on power outlets and Wi-Fi, can significantly impact profitability. A table occupied by a student with multiple devices for several hours might yield a single iced americano, while a group of friends ordering multiple drinks and snacks would generate far more revenue.
“It’s a double-edged sword,” explains Kim Min-jun, owner of a popular cafe in the Hongdae district, a hub for young creatives and students. “We want to be a welcoming space, a place where people can relax and work. But when one person takes up a four-person table with their equipment for an entire afternoon, and only buys one drink, it makes it very hard for us to turn a profit. We have to pay rent, staff, and for all the electricity they’re using.”
The sheer number of devices is a recurring theme. “You see them come in, set up their laptop, then their second laptop, then their tablet, their phone. And then the chargers. The power strips start to snake across the floor,” Kim adds, a hint of exasperation in his voice. “Sometimes, it feels like they’re setting up an office, not just studying.”
The phenomenon isn't confined to Starbucks. Smaller, independent cafes, often with fewer power outlets and less seating, feel the pinch even more acutely. These establishments rely on a faster turnover of customers to survive. The “long-stay” students, while seemingly harmless, can inadvertently deter other, more lucrative customers who find themselves unable to secure a seat or a charging point.
The Student Perspective: Necessity, Not Nuisance
From the students’ perspective, their behavior is often driven by necessity rather than a desire to inconvenience. High-speed internet is crucial for research and online classes, and reliable power is essential for their multiple devices. For many, especially those living in dormitories or shared housing, their personal space may be limited, making cafes an attractive alternative for focused study.
“My dorm room is small, and it’s always noisy,” says Park Seo-yeon, a university student who spends several afternoons a week at a local cafe. “Here, I can concentrate. Plus, the coffee helps me stay awake. I usually buy a drink every couple of hours to show my appreciation. I understand it can be tough for the cafe, but where else am I supposed to go for so many hours?”
She acknowledges the “two laptops, six plugs” stereotype. “Yes, I sometimes bring my personal laptop and my school laptop, and my phone needs charging too. It’s just how we work now. Everything is digital.”
The affordability factor is also significant. While a dedicated co-working space can be expensive, a cafe offers a more budget-friendly option, provided one is mindful of their purchases. The pressure to perform academically in South Korea is immense, and students are constantly seeking environments that facilitate their success, often prioritizing functionality over etiquette when faced with limited alternatives.
Seeking Solutions: A New Era of Cafe Etiquette?
As the trend continues, cafes are exploring various strategies to manage the influx of long-stay patrons without alienating their core customer base. Some are implementing time limits on seating, particularly during peak hours. Others are strategically limiting the number of available power outlets or investing in more communal charging stations that encourage sharing.
The Starbucks incident, while perhaps an overreaction in some eyes, signals a broader industry awareness of the issue. It’s a delicate dance between providing a welcoming environment and ensuring the economic viability of the business. The “cafe campus” phenomenon is a symptom of larger societal pressures – the intense academic competition, the rising cost of living, and the increasing reliance on technology for both work and study.
As the digital nomad culture continues to evolve, and with students increasingly adopting similar habits, cafes will need to adapt. Perhaps the answer lies in tiered pricing structures, loyalty programs that reward longer stays with purchases, or even designated quiet zones with more robust power access. For now, the “two laptops, six plugs” student remains a defining, and at times challenging, characteristic of the modern South Korean cafe experience.
The question remains: can cafes continue to serve as these vital, affordable study hubs without compromising their own sustainability? Only time, and perhaps a few more strategically placed power strips, will tell.
You must be logged in to post a comment.