Seoul, South Korea – Study cafés have experienced a meteoric rise in popularity over the past decade, with their number increasing by a staggering 6100%, according to a recent study by KB Kookmin Card. The financial institution analyzed credit and debit card transaction data from the past 10 years to compare the usage trends of study cafés, which have become a popular learning space.

As of October 2022, there were 6,944 study cafés in South Korea, a sharp increase from the mere 112 in late 2015. The average monthly spending per customer at study cafés was 49,000 won. Notably, the age group of 20s and 50s accounted for a significant portion of the customer base, and it was estimated that parents made up about 32% of the total payments.

The study revealed that the average age of study café franchise owners was 47.7 years old, slightly younger than that of traditional study rooms. Approximately 10% of study café owners had previously operated study rooms.

The popularity of study cafés can be attributed to their unique features such as open-seating areas, the ability to bring and consume beverages, and trendy interiors. These features have made study cafés attractive to a wide range of people, from students to working professionals, seeking a comfortable and productive environment for studying or reading.

The most significant growth in the number of study cafés occurred between 2020 and 2021, with approximately 2,500 new establishments opening each year. This accounted for 43% of the total new franchises opened over the past decade.