For startups, the beginning years are the most crucial ones, when the pitches to VCs are to be made, teams are to be built, marketing goals are to be set. During that time, it is surely a wise idea to walk tight on budget and choose to operate from a co-working space. It is not only financially viable but also a great place to network with other startups, entrepreneurs and corporates. Interestingly, the high costs of office maintenance have motivated many corporates to choose co-working spaces.
Koreatechdesk.com has made a list of some friendly co-working spaces in South Korea.
Google for Startups has established a global network of top tech hubs, accelerators, and diversity-focused organizations across 125 countries, with the aim of supporting and connecting entrepreneurs with the best Google resources. As part of this initiative, Google for Startups Campus has been established in various cities worldwide, including Seoul, recognizing the city’s potential for entrepreneurship growth.
Campus Seoul serves as a vibrant community coworking space where like-minded entrepreneurs and innovators can collaborate, network, and access valuable resources. The facility offers a range of programs and services tailored to support startups at different stages of their journey, including a startup residency program for Googlers and early-stage startups, Campus Meetup events, and mentoring programs.
One of the key features of Campus Seoul is its Campus Cafe, where members can enjoy free WiFi and engage with fellow founders in a conducive environment. Becoming a member of Campus Seoul is easy, with access to meeting rooms and event spaces available upon pre-registration and approval. Located in close proximity to COEX mall, members also have the added convenience of exploring dining options and attending events at the mall’s exhibition halls. Furthermore, Campus Seoul offers the flexibility for members to reserve lecture rooms and the main event room, capable of accommodating up to 150 people.
Fastfive
This co-working space is located in six locations around Seoul. Fastfive caters to small businesses as well as startups. The organization holds many networking seminars and informal meet-ups. Fastfive offers open desks, small spaces to private office areas. The space provides all basic amenities needed to run a successful office, and hence this co-working space has seen only a 1% rate of an empty office.
Flagone
Operated by Serveone, a property management firm under LG Group, this co-working space is a haven for solo entrepreneurs and startups. Located in Gangnam, near Yangjae Station, the space has an auditorium, seminar rooms, and meeting rooms, that can be used by tenants for promotional purposes.
Spark Plus
It is a co-working space supported by Korea’s leading accelerator program SparksLabs. The co-working space is located right next to Yeoksam Station exit 8. Since SparksLabs supports technological innovations, the co-working space can be filled with developers, engineers, designers. The co-working space has an event venue called the Cube for networking meetups and parties.
Cow&Dog
This place with a unique name – which refers to ‘Co-work’ and ‘Do Good’, is located in Seongu Station. The company owns the entire building and has space to occupy up to 90 small businesses and entrepreneurs. The co-working space especially supports startups and social innovators. They have a café for networking, meeting spaces for workshops and events. The co-working space has its ‘Cow&Dog’ mobile app, which is useful for members to book spaces in advance.
FabLab
Fablab goes beyond your standard co-working space. A digital fabrication laboratory gives access to equipment like the 3D printers and laser cutters at extremely low prices. The usual crowd is a mix of innovative, creative, ambitious entrepreneurs and artists, making the work experience an inspiring one. Established with the support of NGO TIDE University, it is part of a global initiative to create an easily accessible space with design equipment. The idea, conceived by renowned inventor and scientist Professor Neil Gershenfeld of theMassachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), supports the idea that everyone has a right to learn and create, and are therefore open to the public. For safety reasons alone, one is required to attend a 3-hour workshop before renting the equipment. One can also purchase a membership to have a reserved space in the facilities.
HiveArena
One of the most relaxed co-working spaces in Seoul, HiveArena, calls itself a second home to digital nomads. Started in 2014, it offers an interesting experience for creative individuals, remote workers, digital nomads. It is building a curated community with like-minded people around the world. With the charm of both the old and new world, HiveArena offers all the comforts such as Hi-speed wi-fi, coffee, tasteful furniture that promise to increase productivity. With the location near several parks and the Han River, one can enjoy the urban life as well as a close-to-nature feel. The garden, terrace, and rooftop ensure ample sunshine access! 10 Magazine recommended HiveArena as the top 10 co-working spaces in Seoul.
Wework
Though once on the top of the spaces to rent out for co-working, WeWork in South Korea is now downsizing. This global-chain of co-working space provider in Seoul, has its co-working spaces at various locations like Gangnam, Yeoksam, Samseong, Euljiro, Seolleung, Seoul Station, Yeouido, Jongno, and Gwanghwamun. Wework is a great place to be part of the growing community of new entrepreneurs. The company, whose entry into the Korean market dates back to 2016, embarked on a journey to provide shared workspaces within iconic office buildings, including Seoul Square and The K-Twin Towers.However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, causing a notable slowdown in the company’s Korean business expansion efforts.
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