When Working at the Coffee Shop Just Won’t Do

This is a promoted post of Elancer Cowkorking Space and E=CS153 in Gangnam, South Korea. Visit www.ECS153.com to learn more about the facility and bringing your business to its address.

Plenty of people forget that not every foreigner in South Korea is here on vacation or teaching. Some are here for academic enrichment while others work outside of the field of education. Additionally, for those of us navigating the entrepreneurial sector in South Korea, the speedy Internet connections aren’t the only allure. Networking within tech, retail, and many other industries in between means many meetings all around the major cities of the peninsula. And if an in-person meeting isn’t necessary, the ambiance of a great work environment can break up the monotony of running things from our apartments. Where do we turn to for this? Our local coffee shops, usually. Or, for those with the means, a coworking space.

However, what happens when you’re not a part of a startup incubator that works with foreign-owned businesses? Or, what if you’re more enthusiastic about your grasp of the Korean language when at the norebang — what about worrying that you’ll be that person in the coworking space who can’t communicate? It’s enough to make you hold your local latte mug a little closer. This certainly wasn’t a concern at ECS153.

Recently, I scheduled a weekday visit to new coworking space ECS153 to not only get out of my studio apartment but also away from the coffee shops I frequent within my area. Located within Gangnam on the 11th floor of a towering building, I was immediately impressed with the expanse of the facility. Not only is it located on the 11th floor, but it is also the entire 11th floor. The entrance is secured by keypad, providing guests with the assurance that their work is just as valued as they are. Upon entry, team members welcomed me and others entering with enthusiasm and interest in being of assistance. 

I was greeted by Alexandra, a Community Manager, and ushered over to ECS153’s lounge area for refreshments. A spread of coffees, teas, and other refreshments were available to all guests, just one of many awesome perks included with membership. Although bustling with meetings and work, the atmosphere was relaxing and exuded genuine care. This wasn’t a happy coincidence either — ECS153’s founder Park Woo Jin (Loyd) was intentional about the aesthetics of the facility. From the spacing of each glass-paned section of offices and the unique light fixtures to the names of the conference rooms and the whimsical artworks (any Tin Tin fans? You’ll love a piece in the entryway), Loyd insisted on creating spaces that inspire and energize the diverse entrepreneurs who call ECS153 home.

Diversity was not only reflected in the types of businesses at ECS153 but within the teams and company owners themselves. Within the span of my working visit, I saw, met and even popped into the office of professionals from all over the world. One professional kindly chatted with me in English and Korean about the beautiful view of metro-Seoul from her exterior office windows and her beautiful computer monitor! (Seriously, that thing was the stuff of dreams.) Everyone was able to communicate in a multilingual manner and ready to engage with you in your first, second, or even third language. The domestic and international balance at ECS153 worked so organically that it put a huge smile on my face.

I hope to get a few more visits under my belt to ECS153. Maybe I’ll see you there next time?