Why rent a whole office for your business when you can work from a co-working space? Free Coworking spaces in Seoul have sprung up recently, with services ranging from; absolutely free to use, moderately priced offices to premium-priced coworking spaces. In addition to bootstrapping startup teams, there are free coworking spaces in Seoul for you to crush and get your stuff done.

With Seoul edging to be the most preferred global startup destination in Asia, these coworking spaces have become a necessity as it happens in the startup ecosystems in Israel, USA, London, Germany and the rest.

What is more?

Working at coworking spaces allows you to meet other like-minded entrepreneurs and the environment alone can foster your creativity.

No need to stress about office rent. Here are the top 5 free coworking spaces you can use for your startup business.

SEOUL GLOBAL STARTUP CENTER

Launched in 2016, the Seoul Global Startup Center has grown rapidly to become a center of attraction for foreign-owned startups in Seoul. Furthermore, the Seoul GSC is a startup incubation center established to support foreign entrepreneurs to start their business journeys in Korea. It was founded by the Seoul Metropolitan City Government but operated by Rehoboth, a private business and incubator services provider.

The center provides support for early-stage startups in their 1-year incubator program, including Free office space, Seed Fund, Mentorship and skills training. In addition, apart from that, they offer a separate public coworking space for prospective foreigners who are interested in starting up in Seoul. You need to register to gain Access membership of the space. It is open to anyone and you can participate in the periodic startup lectures and monthly networking opportunities.

Oh, there is high-speed Free WiFi available, Free coffee and meeting rooms you can book for your team’s activities.

Become a member of the Seoul Global Startup Center by registering here SeoulGSC coworking space. Locate the center on this address: 3F, Electronic World Building, Hangangro 3-ga, 1-1 Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea 04370

GOOGLE CAMPUS SEOUL

‘Campus Seoul’ is one of the Google Spaces in the Google Campus family worldwide.  Therefore with Seoul having an established center, it means Google recognizes the potential of entrepreneurship growth in Seoul. Furthermore, Campus Seoul is a community coworking space where like-minded entrepreneurs and innovators can collaborate, share ideas, support each other, and create valuable impact. In addition, the Campus has a cafe (with low-priced coffee), Free-wifi, comfortable desks and event spaces for you to get things done. Meet other founders and entrepreneurs to boost your business opportunities. Campus Seoul also offers a startup residency program for Googlers and early-stage startups, Campus Meetup programs, and mentoring programs.

Other global campuses are located in Warsaw, London, Sao Paulo, Madrid, Tel Aviv and Berlin, and they offer same services.

Register to become a member of the Google Campus Seoul here. Easily locate the campus on this address: B2 Autoway Tower, 417 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

SEOUL GLOBAL CENTER

Seoul Global Center is a full-government run support center that assists foreign residents in Seoul with various services including visa, immigration issues, employment, language training, business consultancy, counseling, among others.  Furthermore, they offer incubation service for early stage and most promising foreign startups by providing free office space in the business centers at Jongno and Gangnam. In addition, selected startup teams usually spend 6-months in the program and are treated to business goodies such as coaching, 1:1 mentoring, and special lectures.

The Seoul Global Center is a place to make your startup dreams a reality.

Check this page for the announcements of the incubation programs.

HONHAP VALLEY

If you are an aspiring startup or early-stage start team looking to hang out in the most hippy and vibrant neighborhood in Seoul, look no further than HonHap Valley. HonHap is a combination of ‘Hongdae’ and ‘Hapjeong’, which are the some of the most lively districts in Seoul where young people hang out.  Therefore, Honhap valley was established purposely for that; to be a creative hub for young innovators and entrepreneurs to connect and breathe life into their business ideas.

The Center also cater to other services like startup consultancy, event space, cafe, Fast wifi, startup matching, networking, and workshops.

It is open from 9am-9pm on weekdays for anyone to use, regardless of your nationality or status. Furthermore, it is Free to use but all you need to do is complete an online registration form and you are good to go.

Follow this page to become a member of Honhap Valley.

Locate Honhap Valley on this address: 1F. ANT Bldg, 197-10, Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Korea and it is easily accessible by the Seoul Subway Line 2.

SEOUL STARTUP HUB

The Seoul Startup Hub is a spacious, ultramodern facility located in the hear of Seoul. The 10-floor edifice can boast of a 234 seat coworking space.  There are incubating floors for over 300 startups, audiovisual equipment, large seminar and auditoriums and a roof-top garden. It is by far the largest coworking space for startups in Korea.

Seoul Startup Hub exists to be the place for entrepreneurs, startups, investors, and innovators to connect and create global businesses. Therefore, take advantage and access this hub to grow your startup.

Locate the hub at 21 Baekbeom-ro 31-gil, Mapo-gu or by Subway Line 5/6 Gongdeok Station Exit 2.

Find out more information about the Hub here: Seoul Startup Hub.

The post Top 5 Free Coworking Spaces in Seoul For Startups appeared first on Startup Radar.

Google has been running a network of coworking spaces all around the world.  They offer a wide range of services from event meetups to co-working spaces.  In addition, it is run by Google for Entrepreneurs and its main goal is to promote startups and entrepreneurs.  Campus Seoul opened in Gangnam in 2015 and will be celebrating their 3rd year anniversary on May 16th, 2018.

For those that have not been to Google’s Campus Seoul, their 21,000 square foot space offers office spaces, a main event stage and conference rooms.

Calling all Foreign Entrepreneurs in Korea

The meetup will take place from 11:30am to 1:00pm and is open to foreign entrepreneurs in Korea.  Therefore, this will be a great chance to network with other foreigners in the Korean startup ecosystem.  Furthermore, Campus Seoul will hold the meetup in their Campus Seoul Garden area.  Lastly, there is a coffee shop next door for those looking to talk over a cup of coffee.

Startup Radar will be there promoting Runway to RISE Seoul.  We hope to see you there!

For those interested in coming to the meetup place go here.

This form will be closed in 6th, May 11:59 pm. Please fill out the form to confirm your attendance.
If you have any question, feel free to contact [email protected].

The post Google’s Campus Seoul 3rd Year Anniversary Meetup appeared first on Startup Radar.

Best for: Pre-founders, young startups, freelancers who are looking for a affordable workspace with versatile features.

Cost:

Day pass – 6,600 KRW;

“10 times per month”: 100,000 KRW;

Monthly membership: 180,000 KRW (discounts available if you get 3 or 6 months);

Evening pass (work days 6PM-11PM): 69,000 KRW;

Amenities: Unlimited coffee and tea, Cafe, Printing facility, Lockers; Meeting rooms;

Review:

Micimpact studio is coworking space located on the first floor of widely known around Seoul startup incubator Maru 180. It has roughly 80 seats with two main areas: the cafe and a quiet room. Despite being not as huge as some other coworking spaces at Seoul, it has a nice balance between two areas and doesn’t feel overwhelming even at the busiest hours.

It is really easy to access Micimpact studio since they offer a day pass for less than 10 bucks. You can work at any seat you prefer as well as enjoy unlimited coffee and tea. And if you get hungry or craving something fancier than Americano, you can order them at the cafe. Micimpact also offers monthly memberships with extra benefits like a device room with a total of 32 Android and Apple devices of different generations to test your app performance.  Members also have a discount for orders at the cafe, benefits with renting meeting rooms and unlimited access to the printing facility.

WiFi connection is fast and stable, but don’t throw away your receipt because this is where you will find the wifi password.

The staff is really friendly here. They are fluent in the English language and encourage informal elements of communication of western coworking spaces. For example, Micimpact has started an extra networking event on Thursdays called “Fica”, which is a “coffee-break” tradition in Sweden that creates space for small talks and new acquaintances.

Benefits:

• Deal-breaker: Let’s be honest, working at cafes in Seoul for half a day will make you spend around 10 000 – 15 000 KRW for a basic drinks. And there is list of things that make working at cafes an unpleasant experience. In that sense, paying 6,600 for the whole day of free drinks, and working alongside other determined and focused people isn’t even a choice.
• Flexibility to choose a space between quiet and lively atmosphere: it is great when space is designed with a sense of social protocol in mind. Chose for yourself where to sit and don’t waste your time on being distracted or feeling uncomfortable by silence.

Downsides:

• Meeting rooms booking: Micimpact studio lacks an online booking system for meeting rooms. You have to go and arrange that in person with managers.
• Korean focused coworking space: Despite having English speaking stuff, Micimpact’s webpage is all in the Korean language. You would also have to have in mind that events there are also held in the Korean language.

Final note:

Located in the heart of the Korean business, Micimpact studio is a great coworking space for those who are getting ready to launch themselves into the dynamic environment of the Gangnam area. It has all the features you need for coworking space. You also feel a has a strong sense of community, that makes you want to come back and share a coffee with inspiring people.

andCards will continue to review the top coworking spaces in Seoul.

Webpage: http://studio.micimpactsquare.com/

Working Hours: Weekdays 08:00-23:00; Weekend 09:00 – 21:00;

Location: 790-6 Yeoksam 1(il)-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

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Best for: digital nomads, who look for informal coworking atmosphere

Cost:

₩10,000/day

₩150,000/mo

Amenities: Printer, Kitchen, Monitors

Review

Hive Arena is not your typical coworking space. Located in a residential area in a two-story house, Hive Arena values community in coworking over other elements.  It offers not just a coworking facility, but a shared house option.

It is beloved by many foreign digital nomads, who can develop from any location, but chose to visit countries around the world, while working on their project.

Before joining, owners of the place have an interview with you to learn more about your project. After that, you can pay either monthly or per day.

Benefits:

• Strong community spirit: Developing can be a lonely road to walk. Hive Arena aims to ease that aspect of your life. The community is small but very strong. Members here go for lunch and dinner together. Owners look for cool new places in Seoul to show to members.
• Foreigner friendly: Korean and western cultures can differ a lot. A lot of Korean coworking spaces are not that different from offices. Korean startups aim to get big very fast and getting a small office in the business center is a crucial step. This place, however, shies away from that lifestyle and appreciates the slower pace of things and the people around you.

Downsides:

• Not for everyone: If you are young and hungry for success you won’t like this place. This is not a place for business meetings and you won’t find a venture capital here.

Final note:

If you are a digital nomad, who wants to visit Seoul and South Korea, this place is meant for you. Here you will find it has a cozy and home-like atmosphere with a coworking area combined with a community of friendly and ready to help people.

Also, Hive Arena has a mascot  – the cutest dog named Adji. This little friendly girl will be the best stress relief you will ever find in any other coworking space in Seoul.

andCards will continue to review the top coworking spaces in Seoul.

Webpage: https://hivearena.com/

Working hours: MON-FRI 9 AM – 8 PM

Location:  18, Yeouidaebang-ro 51-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea

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Best for: Sole Proprietors; startups with teams of 3-4 people;

Cost:

Hot Desk One Day Pass: free

Fixed desk: ₩250,000/mo

Office Space(1-4 people): ₩450 000/mo

Amenities: printing facility, meeting room, coffee machine, snacks

Review

Garage is located right next to the Seolleung subway station an has a stunning view over the busy streets of the Gangnam district. Yet inside the atmosphere is very light and relaxed, with soft music playing in the background and a friendly staff who is ready to help.

This coworking space in Seoul pays a lot of attention to the needs of its customers. Since the most of them are Korean, who prefer their own space and maintaining privacy, Garage has 14 small offices and 6 fixed seat. Such a humble size is not a disadvantage for members as there is less rotation of random people who might visit one of your neighbors.

Benefits:

• Prices: Garage has one of the most affordable rental options in the area.
• Personal approach to members: It might be hard to be heard if you are part of the big coworking space with few hundred members. The small size of Garage allows them to remain flexible and provide more according to their residents’ needs. For example, they have recently added a counseling accounter.

Downsides:

• No events: new startups often gain their first customers from a fellow coworker. So the lack of events may make is difficult to know more about the people you see every day, but are hesitant to interrupt their work.

Final note:

The place is humble in size and reflects a Korean style of coworking that doesn’t have large open coworking areas. This is a place for those who need a small and simple office in the Gangnam area for a reasonable price without the need to put a great lease.

andCards will continue to review the top coworking spaces in Seoul

Web page: https://www.thegarage.kr/

Working hours: 24/7

Location: Seoul, Gangnam-gu, Seolleung-ro 578, Daejon Building 7F

The post Seoul Coworking Space Garage Review appeared first on Startup Radar.

Coworking spaces in South Korea are popping up all over Seoul.  This is because these coworking spaces are not just getting filled by startups but traditional companies.  The high cost of working in Seoul and the rising cost of traditional office spaces are some of the reasons for the rise of coworking spaces in Seoul.  Coworking spaces offer low-cost office spaces in prime locations like Gangnam and Apgujeong.  However, the most important thing a coworking space can offer is the community and network of other entrepreneurs in Korea that can share their advice and experiences.

South Korea is perfect for coworking spaces because of their great internet connection that makes working remotely easy.  We at Startup Radar researched the top coworking spaces in South Korea and ranked them based on guest contributor feedback and reviews from startup entrepreneurs in Seoul.  Here are the top 10 coworking spaces in South Korea.

10)  HIVE ARENA

Hive Area is located in Gangnam.  It is not big but they have a very strong and tight community.  They have the latest technologies for entrepreneurs to use like 3D printers.  They also offer free beverages, coffee makers, and a small library area.  The building is not new, it was built in 1972 mainly to be a study area and a library.  This is a great place to connect with the Korean startup community and learn more about the Korean startup ecosystem. Especially if you are a foreigner because it is one of the most English-friendly of co-working spaces in Seoul, you’ll find digital natives from the United States, England, France, Russia, Sweden, Singapore, and France, just to name a few. Russia, the U.S., Canada, Sweden, Singapore, England, and France.

Daily passes are $10 but we would recommend going for the monthly pass which costs only $150.

Address:  Seoul, Yeongdeungpo-gu, 신길동 453-3

9)  Cow & Dog

Cow&Dog is located in Seongu Station and the whole building is theirs.  Their name is formed by combining Cowork and do good.  The coworking space can hold up to 90 startups and entrepreneurs primarily focused on making a social impact. The first floor offers a cafe area, the second floor has meeting spaces for workshops and events.  Members can hold their own events if they book in advance through their Cow&Dog mobile app.

They also have a coworking cafe and many events and pop up markets are held here.  They are also known for their workshops and talk shows that occur every month.

Address:  20 Wangsimniro 2(i)-gil, Seongsu 1(il)-ga 1(il)-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

8)  SparkPlus

SparkPlus is located right next to Yeoksam Station exit 8.  It is a coworking space by SparkLabs one of the top accelerator programs in Korea.  The coworking space is filled with app developers, P2P fund managers, and engineers.  They have open spaces for networking and collaborations.  Their main event venue is called the Cube where networking parties and meetups can take place.

Address:  790-6 Yeoksam 1(il)-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

7)  Maru 180

Maru 180 is great for networking.  Their basement holds fireside chats and networking meetup events.  It is located in Yeoksam.  There is also a co-working cafe called MicImpact Studio where entrepreneurs can network with other entrepreneurs, developers, and creators.  Maru 180 has 5 floors which are used to run the Asan Nanum Foundation accelerator program.  MARU means a large space between two rooms, so MARU looks to be a place to get together and exchange ideas.  180 means they are looking to change the startup scene 180 degrees.

Address:  790-6 Yeoksam 1(il)-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

6)  Campus Seoul

Campus Seoul is a global network of coworking spaces operated by Google for Entrepreneurs.  They hold many startup events and programs such as Pioneers Seoul, Campus Talk series, and Campus Startup School.  The main goal of Google Campus Seoul is to help entrepreneurs in Korea succeed.  All you have to do to join the campus is to register and you will have access to the Cafe (Run by SooSoo Cafe) and free wi-fi.  You will also have access to all the programs and events at the campus.  Entrepreneurs can also join the Campus Residency and if they are selected they will be able to use the coworking office space for up to 6 months for free.

Address:  417 Yeongdong-daero, Daechi 2(i)-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

5)  Fast Five

Fast Five located in Yeoksam and five other locations around Seoul.  Their main focus is on customer service for not only startups but also for small businesses.  They hold many networking parties and seminars.  There are many office space options from open space desks to your own private office.  Fast Five has a small 1% rate of empty office spaces over the last two years.  They recently got $10.5 million investment from TS Investment, ID Ventures, and Quantum Equity Partners.

Address:  1573-14 Seocho 3(sam)-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul

4)  Idea Factory

Idea Factory is a coworking space that is open 24 hours to help young artists and designers from ideation to prototyping.  They mentor students to help them start their dream.  Idea Factory is being supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Korea Institute for the Advancement of Technology, Culture Foundation, and Haedong Science.  It is used as not only a coworking space but also a place to exchange cultures with foreign countries, hold performances, and displaying cultural artworks that can be bought by the public.  Therefore Idea Factory is a space where all forms of culture can come together to collaborate.  The membership fee is $8 daily which comes with free coffee or juice.  A monthly membership cost $150.

Address:  Seoul, Gangnam-gu, Tehran-ro 4 gil 14 Mirin Tower  별관

3)  WeWork

WeWork is all around Seoul from Gangnam to Yeouido.  They take in industries of many sizes from startups to multi-national companies.  There are workshops and panel discussions from innovative leaders in Korea.  In addition, they offer cleaning services, high-speed internet, onsite staff, living-room style lounges, printing, office supplies, soundproof phone booths, conference rooms, and free coffee!

Address:  373 Gangnam-Daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul

2)  Seoul Startup Hub

Seoul Startup Hub is a place where entrepreneurs and startups in the South Korean startup ecosystem can network and collaborate with global players.  They have a large network of global VCs and Angels that startups can look to build connections.  Therefore, Seoul Startup Hub is great for startups looking to attract investments or go global.  They not only offer coworking spaces but also provide education programs and consulting.  Some of their programs include the Global Startup Incubation Program, Early Startup Incubation Program, and Kitchen Incubator.

Address:  21 Baekbeom-ro 31-gil, Ahyeon-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

1) HEYGROUND

HEYGROUND which opened in June 2017 is an 8 story building for 550 social innovators, NGO/ non-profits, social ventures, and freelancers that want to join a community of Changemakers in Seoul.  Supporting Changemakers’ work, life and learning opportunities since 2012, Root Impact designed, developed, and is managing the space.  Not only is HEYGROUND a great coworking space but it gives the members a sense that they belong in a changmaking community.

The space offers free legal services, financial consulting, patent advice, and their network of global partners to help members’ sustainable growth.  The private offices are from the 2nd floor to the 5th floor and start at 360,000 won a month per person while the dedicated desks start at 240,000 won.  There is a coffee shop on the first floor as well as a restaurant that offers a variety of dishes.  Their roof layout is amazing and can accommodate up to 200 people for events which start at 150,000 won per hour.

Address:  Seoul, Seongdong-gu, 22-8

Conclusion

Coworking spaces are thriving in Seoul because Korean startups are having success there than being on their own.  This is mainly due to collaboration.  Korean startups can not only network and partner with other Korean startups but also global startups looking to enter the Korean market.  Startups are sharing their different skills.  This forms a strong community that helps one another.  Therefore it feels more like being with friends rather than work because coworking spaces bring a lot of freedom.  Hopefully, the lessons that can be had from coworking spaces will sneak into Korean corporate companies.

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