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“No Entry for 20s University Students and Office Workers.”
A cafe with this notice sparked controversy. It’s called “No-20s Zone.” While there’s manipulation controversy involved, this issue has turned into a generational conflict, sharply divided between the 20s saying, “Are you trying to screw your business?” and the no-20s saying, “You should experience the discrimination too.” Among the popular spots for the 20s in front of Hongik University in Seoul, a bar recently opened its second branch with the sign “Only those in their 30s and above can enter.”
“I’ve been doing business around here for a long time, but in these clubs nearby, people in their 30s can’t enter. The owner got angry about those strange rules and said, ‘Let’s also only admit those in their 30s and above.’”
On the evening of the 22nd, both branches of this bar were fully packed. They mentioned that they do an actual ID check if someone looks like they’re in their 20s.
◇ Politely Refusing the 20s
The news of “No-20s Zone” cafes, which appeared on an internet community earlier this month, was welcomed by self-employed individuals. This is because many cafe owners were frustrated due to the increased presence of “ka-gong-jok (students who study in cafes)” in their 20s, especially during the scorching heat of the summer. The community shared tips on how to get rid of them quickly, including limiting hours, shutting off Wi-Fi, removing power outlets, and lowering the air conditioning temperature.
In a cafe in Yongsan with only four tables, there has been a sign saying “Usage time is 1 hour” for the past 2-3 years. One customer mentioned, “I was about to pay my bill, but I felt so uncomfortable that I just left. I wonder if they’re not interested in doing business.” Another cafe in Mapo has signs on the window seats that read “No laptop or cellphone usage, engage in conversations.” There are even cafes that prohibit activities like studying, stating “Our store is not a study room.” A cafe employee explained, “We took special measures due to customers who endlessly occupy seats.”
Many self-employed individuals are supportive of the “No-20s Zone.” Stories of 20-somethings ordering just one cup of ￦4,000 coffee and staying in a cafe for 9 hours, or customers who order two drinks and even connect their printer to use the cafe’s resources, have made it to the news (US$1=￦1323). This is why there’s enthusiasm for cafes that declare themselves as “No-20s Zones.” One netizen commented, “At this rate, we might even see ‘No-Human Zone’ cafes.”
◇ “Why Should We Be Careful?”
At an entrance of a pub in Seoul’s Donggyo-dong, it read, “Entry allowed from the age of 30 and above.” There was also an additional explanation that said, “This place is a hangout for the older generation who are nostalgic of the old memories in Hongdae.” They even posted online that “Even if you make a reservation, those in their 20s are not allowed to enter.” Business is so good that reservations are difficult to come by, and they opened a second branch in January this year. Again, no one in their 20s is allowed to enter.
Inside, the retro-style pub plays music from the 1980s to the early 2000s. A customer in their 50s mentioned, “I heard the rumor and came with my friends to see what it’s like. Walking from Hongdae Station, there were so many people in their 20s and foreigners that I felt overwhelmed, but as I entered the place, I felt so comfortable. I listened to my favorite music and had a hearty meal after a long time.” Among the reviews of those who visited this place, you can also find comments like “I got my revenge on the 20-somethings,” “I’m so grateful because there are many places where you can’t get in due to being conscious of the young,” and “I feel a sense of satisfaction.”
One of the factors contributing to the emergence of “No-20s Zone” is indeed the presence of some troublesome customers, but it’s also a contrarian response to generational divisions. In some popular neighborhoods, there are bars that sell wines and whiskeys denying entry to those in their 40s and above. There have even been instances where some bars and campgrounds displayed signs that read “No entry for those in their 40s or 50s.” While not explicitly stating “No 40s or 50s allowed,” they use excuses like “Sorry, reservations are fully booked for today” once you enter through the door, effectively pushing you out. A netizen in their 40s shared, “The place was nearly empty, yet they wouldn’t let me in. My mood was completely ruined after I got rejected at the entrance two more times in a row. I finally managed to get into one place, and they reluctantly gave me a seat in the far corner of the second floor.” Such anecdotes were quite common.
◇ “No Zone,” Fanning the Flames of Generational Conflict
The origin of “No Zones” began with “No-kids Zone,” which refers to restaurants, cafes, and others that restrict the entry of infants and young children. Currently, there are over 500 such stores operating nationwide. The usage of this term became more public in the early 2010s, and the number of such places has steadily increased. Several years ago, a hotel in Gangwon Province opened with facilities such as a library and a swimming pool designated as “No-kids Zone.” Business owners explain that due to parents who do not restrict their children’s behavior, other customers suffer, and even if children cause damage or injuries, the responsibility often falls on the establishment, which makes having no children more comfortable for business owners. A survey conducted in February by Korea Research targeting 1,000 adults aged 18 and above showed that over 70% supported the idea of “owner’s freedom” in this matter.
However, the negative perception of overt discrimination remains. It is also true that “No-kids Zone” has evolved and spread to areas like “No-seniors Zone” (restricting entry for those aged 60 and above), “No 50s Zone,” “No-youth Zone (restricting entry for middle school students), and more. In one coffee shop, controversy arose when a sign read, “Entry restricted for those aged 60 and above” along with the phrase “Guide dogs are welcome.” A cafe owner mentioned, “I run five cafes, and entry is prohibited for those in their 50s in all of them,” adding, “They speak informally and when eight people come, they only order four drinks and bring snacks like sweet potatoes to eat.” Netizens expressed their opinions with comments like, “Today’s 50s and 60s are still young, this is ageism,” and “There must be reasons for it. Seniors should act their age.” There were heated debates and contrasting views among netizens.
◇ Even the UN and National Human Rights Commission Opposes It
Many opposing views against “No Zone” argue that blocking entry based on age is a bad example that fuels generational conflict. The international community has also pointed this out. In 2013, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child stated that “children should be protected from social exclusion, prejudice, or discrimination.” This principle is aimed at ensuring the protection of children’s rights as commercialization intensifies and tolerance towards children diminishes. CNN reported on South Korea’s “No-kids Zone” in June, stating that “banning children from cafes and restaurants could have a counterproductive effect on promoting childbirth.” However, even in Europe, there has been controversy over famous restaurants banning strollers.
In 2017, the National Human Rights Commission of Korea advised that businesses implementing “No Zone” policies, which unilaterally restrict the entry of children under 13 years old, were engaging in unjustified discriminatory behavior. This is not the first time the Commission has expressed such opinions. In September 2016, a restaurant in Jeju City was found to be “discriminating” when it barred a 9-year-old child from entering, but it remained at the level of recommendation because there is no legal enforcement. In line with this, the Jeju Provincial Council also initiated a proposal to ban “No-kids Zone” policies this year, but the proposal was put on hold due to strong opposition. In the National Assembly, there are also proposed amendments regarding investigations into child discrimination issues.
An Hyo-cheol, head of the Jeju office of the Human Rights Commission, stated, “If entry is restricted based on age, who will actually use commercial facilities? Continuously discriminating, excluding, segregating, and refusing is a problem that needs to be reevaluated and considered by the society as a whole.”
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