Inquiries about opening study cafes on a lease basis have been rising in major cities including Daejeon, Busan and Ulsan. While building owners launching their own outlets once dominated the market, prospective operators who rent their spaces are increasingly entering the picture.
Industry observers attribute the shift to a diversification of startup models and the expansion of the self-development market. The trend has been reinforced by a growing number of salaried workers exploring businesses they can run alongside their regular jobs, driving up consultations that weigh operating models and investment scale.
Study cafes have established themselves as spaces used by a broad range of age groups — not just students, but also job seekers, office workers and those preparing for professional certifications. Analysts say the startup market in this sector has been consistently growing as demand for learning and self-improvement shows no sign of slowing.
Operating models are also evolving. An increasing number of study cafes are adopting unmanned systems that automate entry management, seat operations and payment processing.
According to industry sources, this approach is frequently highlighted during startup consultations as a way to reduce the burden of staffing.
Jakshim Study Cafe is conducting franchise consultations nationwide in line with these market trends. The company said lease-based startup inquiries — not just those from building owners — have been coming in from some areas including Daejeon, Busan and Ulsan, and that it is advising prospective operators on store opening plans tailored to local commercial conditions and investment scale.
Openings have taken a variety of forms depending on location and investment size, ranging from small stores in compact retail spaces to larger, multi-purpose outlets.
The industry sees the study cafe startup market as continuing to evolve as these venues expand beyond student-focused study spaces to serve adults seeking self-improvement and flexible work environments.
kim3956@heraldcorp.com
