Storyline: A large number of coffee shops in South Korea are adopting new policies to address the growing challenge of customers using their spaces as long-term offices or study halls. Starbucks Korea has recently notified all its stores to ban the use of large office equipment such as desktop computers and printers. The chain also requires customers to take their belongings with them if leaving their seat for an extended period. Staff have been instructed to remind those who violate the rules. Beyond chain stores, many independent cafes have also posted signs prohibiting studying or working there. Some have reduced power outlets or change their Wi-Fi passwords frequently to discourage long stays. "I sometimes study at cafes for better concentration, but having worked part-time at one, I know owners aren't fond of it. I try to be more careful now. At the cafe where I worked, some people used it like an office all day and that's not okay. I think some regulations are necessary," said a local young man. "I think these limits are reasonable. Ideally, 30 minutes to an hour per drink is appropriate," said another resident. The shift reflects broader lifestyle changes, with the rise of freelancers and remote workers making cafes an affordable alternative to traditional offices. According to the Korea Food Service Industry Research Institute, from a business perspective, the break-even point for a customer who orders a black coffee is approximately 1 hour and 42 minutes. Staying beyond two hours may cause financial loss to the cafe. "When people stay 5 to 6 hours, tables don't turn over. Fixed costs become a real burden for operators these days," said Ko Jang-soo, head of the Korea Cafe Owners Association. A survey by a South Korean job platform found that over 70 percent of respondents study at a cafe at least once a week, while more than half spend less than 50,000 South Korean won (about 35.9 U.S. dollars) there per week. The new measures have sparked broader public discussion about how to balance the role of cafes as social and workspaces and the commercial needs of businesses. Shotlist: Seoul, South Korea - Aug 28, 2025: 1. Various of people in coffee shop 2. Sign showing new rules for long-staying customers 3. Various of people using laptop, unattended laptop on table, charger in socket 4. SOUNDBITE (Korean) Local resident (name not given) (ending with shot 5): "I sometimes study at cafes for better concentration, but having worked part-time at one, I know owners aren't fond of it. I try to be more careful now. At the cafe where I worked, some people used it like an office all day and that's not okay. I think some regulations are necessary." 5. Various of people in coffee shop, unattended personal belongings 6. SOUNDBITE (Korean) Local resident (name not given) (ending with shot 7): "I think these limits are reasonable. Ideally, 30 minutes to an hour per drink is appropriate." 6. Various of people in coffee shop, girl chatting on phone 7. Various of pedestrians, coffee shop exterior 8. Various of people in coffee shop, drinks being served, unattended personal belongings 9. SOUNDBITE (Korean) Ko Jang-soo, director, Korea Cafe Owners Association (ending with shots 10-11): "When people stay 5 to 6 hours, tables don't turn over. Fixed costs become a real burden for operators these days." 11. Ko working at cashier 12. Various of people in coffee shop. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]