The Seoul Metropolitan Government has created a network of startup support facilities across the city. The epicentre is the Seoul Startup Hub, which boasts 150 resident startups and huge co-working spaces. The atmosphere is – well – entrepreneurial 🙂 These people do not want to be compliant corporate soldiers at a Chaebol. These family-run conglomerates were arguably a corner stone of Korea’s economic rise, but are now outdated in their governance and political meddling. Many young people are looking for a different ways to make a living.
These whiteboards are a cool idea 
meeting spaces galore 
mini-cubicles – similar to our dedicated desks in Whitehorse 
Koreans have very busy lives – sleeping on the subway, in cafés and here is common 
a beautiful casual space
Some Seoul startup facts
With Seoul’s population of 25 million, there are a lot of startups to serve: 35,000 with “innovative capabilities”, qualifying to apply for private and government financing. And 440,000 SMEs that were established within the last 7 years and are too many to support, other than through the usage of the startup facilities and limited government programs. Seoul Metropolitan Government operates 45 startup support centers; 28 business incubators, 10 cafe-style information corners, and 7 makerspaces. Learn more here.
What is this?
Option 1: Getting quickly from third to second floor?
Option 2: An ejector for failed startups?
Option 3: If you need that feeling of losing control while going down?
PS: People actually do use the slide!
Meals are great for networking
Cafeterias have automated ordering in Korea – so I asked a young man to help me. I opted for the daily menu without asking what it was, and it turned out to be a tasty choice. I had lunch with the young man and his two female colleagues – all working for a startup that is also working on international expansion. Being the only foreigner in the room, I get a little bit of an exotic bonus.
Still learning about ordering a Korean meal 
Lining up for a good and affordable meal
Korean Society – where are you going?
Many of these young entrepreneurial people are at odds with the older generation who built today’s Korea. They want more self-determination, critical thinking and individualism. This contravenes the strict hierarchy and collectivism their parents are used to. Many of these young entrepreneurs and freelancers have some kind of abroad education. Yet the mainstream conservatism in Korea prevails, be it how respectful children treat their parents (many adults still live with their parents), or by following collective norms. Koreans are still more “hungry” than Westerners, which results both in a better work ethic and putting up with bad bosses. Koreans also have less time for political correctness. Disclaimer: Startup entrepreneurs work just as hard in Canada as anywhere 🙂
My World Café - insights & experiences from my travels, café visits and daily life. 