We are receiving reports of illegal activities (entertainment engagement, outdoor photo shoots, etc.) in maid cafes to ensure the protection of youth and the establishment of healthy business practices.
Recently, the hygiene department in Mapo District hung four banners with this message in front of Hongdae in Seogyo-dong. They are conducting inspections due to concerns that 18 maid cafes in the area might be violating food sanitation laws and engaging in illegal operations. In response, the owners of the maid cafes have protested, saying it promotes negative perceptions. ChosunBiz investigated the circumstances on the 3rd.
◇Mapo District: 'Photographing employees and customers outside the establishment is illegal' Owner: 'We are not even selling food...'
Originating from Japan, maid cafes made their debut in front of Hongdae in 2023. Currently, there are 18 maid cafes in the area. Female employees, dressed in Western maid attire, greet customers with phrases like 'Welcome, master' and chant orders like 'Make it delicious (Oishiku nare moemoe kyun).' Customers are primarily male, though a 'butler cafe' for female customers is also in operation.
Mapo District recently conducted on-site inspections of maid cafes. This was prompted by the receipt of 62 complaints reporting potential illegal operations up until June of this year.
The inspection results indicated that all establishments were operating within legal boundaries. However, a few weeks ago, the issue arose when some female employees of maid cafes took photos outside with customers. Maid cafes conduct Polaroid photo shoots known as 'cheki' with customers inside, which is acceptable, but taking them outdoors presents legal risks, according to Mapo District officials.
According to the Mapo District health center, employees are prohibited from conducting business outside the establishment under food sanitation laws. A health center official noted, 'This clause was established to prevent illicit activities disguised as coffee deliveries in the past.'
Maid cafe owners described the regulations as difficult to understand. Person A said, 'Outdoor photography takes less than 5 minutes,' adding, 'Legal counsel has advised that while selling food outside could be problematic, outdoor photography is not likely to be seen as illegal.' User Lee, 35, also stated, 'I can't comprehend why it's legal indoors but illegal outside for the same photo shoot.'
◇Mapo District: 'Some establishments charge tens of thousands of won for entertainment engagement' Industry: 'Most are unrelated'
Mapo District is also cracking down on 'entertainment engagement' at maid cafes. A district official said, 'There is evidence that some establishments allow customers to pay tens of thousands of won to specify a particular employee who then sits next to them and provides individual attention.' According to food sanitation laws, a license is required for such operations. Most maid cafes are registered as general restaurants.
Maid cafe owner B commented, 'In the past, some establishments implemented a tiered system (charging extra fees), but most do not operate that way.' Employee C added, 'We do not ask for more than the basic amount or increase the rates.' The cost of dining and photo sessions at maid cafes is generally around 20,000 to 30,000 won.
Mapo District also revealed that some maid cafes had previously employed minors. Under current law, minors are not allowed to work after 10 p.m. In response, B stated, 'We verify the ages of applicants and do not hire minors.'
◇Owner: 'Business has decreased since the enforcement banners were hung' Mapo District: 'Ongoing management'
Maid cafe owners protested that the installation of banners by Mapo District has hindered their business. Person A said, 'Not every restaurant that reuses side dishes does so.' Person B stated, 'When a district official suddenly enters while we are operating, it disrupts the atmosphere,' adding, 'We are seeing fewer customers.'
A Mapo District official stated, 'The installation of the banners is a preventive measure to ensure no issues arise,' and added, 'We plan to continue management by inspecting the site once a week.'