Registry Detail
Details
ID:
397
Type:
Interpretation
Last updated:
09/12/1999 17:37:00
Description:
Cyber-cafes
Request
I've got some questions in classifying so-called 'cyber(internet) cafe'.
Cyber cafe offers multi-player games(principal activity), e-mail, world wide web(www) to customers in Korea.
Cyber cafe is called as 'PC-GAME ROOM', 'INTERNET GAME CENTER', or 'COMPUTER PLAZA'.
It would be very kind of you to tell me how it is classified in ISIC.
Discussion
Decision
The term 'cyber-cafe' is used to describe different business types in many countries. For instance, in Europe it usually refers to a restaurant/cafe - type bussiness, that offers Internet access, but also carries out the usual activities associated with restaurants, i.e. serving food etc. In these locations, the Internet access is usually used to access remote e-mail, browse the web etc., but barely for gaming purposes.
The situation that you describe differs from this, since gaming becomes the principal activity of the customers. Since these establishments are similar to video arcades, we would place them in ISIC class 9249 (Other recreational activities).
Although the establishment provides other services such as Internet access for the customers, these services are merely incidental to the main activity. The equipment in these establishments has to meet criteria different from those in video arcades and similar establishments, but that does not change the character of the main activity.