The Korea Times
As midterm exam season approaches for students at all levels in South Korea, Mapo Naru Space, a public study space for students in Seoul’s Mapo District, was crowded with students on Monday evening. Even as the clock ticked past 9 p.m., only three of its 114 seats were available. “Cafes are often too noisy, and study cafes — quiet, laptop-friendly spaces that serve coffee — are not cost-effective unless you go there every day,” said Lee, a 22-year-old college student. “This place is very affordable and well-maintained, which is why I come here every exam season.” About a five-minute walk down the street, that same air of quiet intensity that marks exam season was absent at a private study cafe. Twenty-seven of its 70 seats — nearly 40 percent — were empty. Jo, the 63-year-old owner, said sales have fallen sharply since Mapo Naru Space opened in the neighborhood two years ago. “I took over the business after being told monthly net profit would be around 8 million won ($5,400), but these days there is barely any profit at all,” Jo said. He said he had decided to shut dow
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