Zaksim

About Zaksim

Zaksim, operated by parent company INGSTORY Co., Ltd., is a prominent player in South Korea's study space market, managing a vast network of premium study cafes and reading rooms. The company was founded by CEO Kang Nam-gu, who, after foregoing university to pursue entrepreneurship and gaining experience at companies like Ticket Monster (Tmon), established INGSTORY in 2013. Identifying an opportunity in the self-directed learning space, he launched the first Zaksim location in 2016 with initial capital of just 2.4 million won. The name 'Zaksim' is a creative reinterpretation of the Korean idiom 'Jaksim Samil,' which means giving up easily, to instead signify and support the importance of making a resolution.

Zaksim's business model is centered on a franchise system, providing entrepreneurs with a turnkey solution for opening and operating study spaces. A significant portion of its franchisees, over 300, are building owners, indicating confidence in the brand's ability to generate stable operational revenue and enhance property value. Revenue is generated from franchise fees, royalties, and the operation of over 40 corporate-owned locations. The company has demonstrated strong growth, achieving over 700 locations and acquiring the industry's second-largest player, Haustudy, to solidify its number one market position. This scale allows Zaksim to achieve economies of scale in marketing and operations. Despite its rapid expansion and a recent turn to profitability in 2024, the company has faced financial challenges, including significant cumulative losses and high debt levels.

The core service is providing optimized study environments for students and professionals. A key differentiator is the classic interior design inspired by prestigious libraries like Oxford University's Bodleian Library, a concept developed by the founder after visiting various international universities. Zaksim offers a variety of room types to suit different study preferences, from fully enclosed private rooms to open, cafe-style spaces. Beyond physical space, Zaksim has transitioned into an O2O (Online to Offline) platform by bundling access to premium online educational content with its usage fees. Partnering with major educational companies like Daesung MyMac, Etoos, and Hackers, Zaksim offers members free access to a wide range of courses for university entrance exams, civil service tests, and professional development, adding significant value to its core offering. The company has also developed its own SaaS-based kiosk and management system, 'Pickko Partners', which streamlines unmanned store operations for franchisees and is used by over 2,400 stores nationwide.