As a frequent traveler, I’ve often taken refuge in coffee shops with my laptop, clinging to my drink to justify occupying a table for hours. However, I’ve never been bold enough to bring in an entire desktop setup.

In South Korea, this behavior has escalated. According to reports, local Starbucks outlets are now posting signs urging patrons not to bring in bulky gear like desktop PCs and printers—items that disrupt the cafe experience. The Korea Herald notes that this trend, referred to as “cagongjok”, involves customers setting up large screens and dividers to create makeshift workspaces, which has raised concerns over etiquette.

South Korea hosts the fourth-largest number of Starbucks stores worldwide, with over 2,000 locations serving up coffee amidst a booming café culture. However, experts warn of market saturation, as the country now has over 100,000 coffee shops, according to some estimates. This proliferation has caused some coffee lovers to become overly comfortable, leading them to set up cumbersome workstations rather than simply enjoying their drinks.

In a humorous yet pointed observation, it’s clear that while some take their work to the coffee shops, not everyone is thrilled about this trend. Many establishments advocate for a tidy environment and prefer not to have their patrons clutter the space with extensive tech setups. For my part, I like to offer thanks with a nice slice of cake whenever I commandeer a café table for my writing sprees, which also helps me avoid any glares from the staff.