Take a Tour of Daum Communications' Spacious New Jeju Headquarters

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In early April, Daum Communication cut the ribbon for its new company headquarters, called "Daum Space", on Jeju Island. The unconventionaldesignof the HQ and the IT company's decision to move out of Seoul offered new insights for Korea's tech and architectural industries.

For one thing, Daum hired Korean architectural firm,Mass Studies, to undertake the project. Instead of conforming to the trend of building skyscrapers that shoot upwards, Mass Studies sought to design a campus capable of"organic growth".

Minsuk Cho, the firm's founder, says that "Daum Space" will be able to expand horizontally according to its needs. Believing that we have moved beyond office towers, he explains that "the premise for this project resonates with Silicon Valley-style workcultureand lifestyle…"

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According to online architectural and design magazine,designboom, the essence of "Daum Space" is a "superstructure formed with structural modules of extruded and curved elements to make intimate working environments and shelter outdoor spaces".

The result is a cool and aesthetically pleasing campus that evokes the feeling of a more open, innovative, and nimble workplace culture. The campus's first building, "Daum Space 1" is designed to look like"oreum"(tiny volcanic zones common in Jeju) on the outside and like a lava cave on the inside.

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The building features high ceilings,greenspaces, and areas of natural light. It feels miles away from the stuffy, fluorescent-lit atmosphere of a traditional office building. Makes me want to visit just to check it out!

This non-traditional, horizontal design was made possible by the open spaces available for development on Jeju. The island's semi-autonomous local government has been trying to diversify its industries by adding a tech-focus to its traditionally strong tourism industry.

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To this end, Jeju offersspecial perksto companies willing to set up camp on the island. Currently, Daum receives subsidies that amount to 45% of the land purchase price. Since Daum is located in Jeju Science Park, it doesn't need to pay corporate or income tax for the next three years.

Beach weather and tax cuts? This sounds like a deal that might tempt other Korean companies to consider relocating. What do you think? Can Jeju stage the scene for a Korean-style Silicon Valley?

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About the author by Anna Sohn

I'm a New Jersey girl with a lifelong fascination with Korea, my motherland. In 2011, I moved to Seoul and I've enjoyed living in this wired and fast-paced city ever since. I'm excited to share the latest tech and design developments I encounter in Korea and hope you enjoy the AT&D blog as much I enjoy writing for it!

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