<aside> 💡 Can early startups thrive on island time?

Jeju’s work culture is a combination of the Korean hustle and small town magic. It has the charm of a close knit community where everyone knows everyone and in true Korean fashion, everything is done with gusto and passion.

The question I kept asking myself about startups emerging in Jeju is: Can they endure the business grind amidst the laidback island culture?

I can argue for both sides.

Yes, the island culture of Jeju is an advantage to startup businesses thriving because the laidback attitude improves mental health and makes true work life balance more conducive. Allowing the brain to switch into a passive gear as you run by the ocean or surf the waves lets you come up with more creative ideas and solutions to problems that you couldn’t see within the office walls and whiteboard. The culture that the island offers inspires more artistic approaches to business problems. Or no, the island culture of Jeju is disadvantageous to startup businesses thriving because they will grow too slow and be challenged with staying focused on work. When it’s 21° outside and sunny, it can feel like nature is calling your name to be outdoors and enjoy the ocean breeze. Push deadlines out and ignore regimented schedules. Early stage startups require laser focus to launch fast and gain traction. The first couple hires are usually the most obsessive about the problem the business is solving. I can’t say with confidence that there is great talent with obsessive tendencies in Jeju.

We were part of meetings that were scheduled for 1 hour that would go 30 or 60 minutes over. I am honored and grateful that they were willing to spend more time with us but it made me wonder - do they not have other business matters to take care of? Shouldn’t these Vice Presidents and business leaders be busy with building their businesses? In the spirit of transparency, my career was groomed in New York City where time is meticulously tracked and felt.

There is a magic to Jeju and like anything magical, we are all waiting for the reveal. Can early startups thrive on this island?

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