Starbucks South Korea has introduced a new policy asking customers not to bring large office equipment into its stores. According to Business Insider, the coffee chain has posted notices banning items like desktop computers, printers, extension cords, and desk partitions.
The notices also request that customers take their belongings when leaving for extended periods and share tables with others. While laptops and small personal devices remain welcome, a Starbucks representative said the aim is to ensure “a pleasant and accessible store experience” for all patrons.
The move comes as South Korea has become Starbucks’ third-largest market globally, surpassing Japan earlier this year. The policy does not set time limits for staying in stores but focuses on managing space.
This change follows viral social media posts showing customers using foldable partitions at tables, limiting access for others. It addresses the rise of cagongjok — a local term for people who work or study in cafés for long hours. In Seoul, the practice is driven by a dense café culture, with coffee shops found on nearly every street corner