We’ve opened a second location for Klim ventures near Seoul National University Station, and we’d like to share the vision behind creating this space.

At last year’s Klim Day, we realized something important. When people who share the same dreams gather in one space, just being together brings joy, energy, and inspiration. We wanted to create a space where founders could come together anytime to exchange energy and ideas.

When we started Klim ventures, Klim Park was a space dedicated to helping startup teams focus on their business, and it was there that Rapport Labs incorporated and, through pivoting, successfully launched their fashion platform Queenit. Seoul National University Station will now be a space where talented individuals can cultivate their passion for entrepreneurship, take on new challenges, and start their journey with us.

What Does Space Mean to Us?

Space reflects character. Google buildings that become city landmarks, Airbnb offices with a travel vibe, and Nike headquarters surrounded by a jogging track—these spaces convey a powerful, fun message. We also wanted to create a space with character. We want to work with independent, unique founders, and to do so, we believe we must be a team with the same qualities. Over the past three years, we’ve organized our experiences and thoughts, aiming to embody the identity of Klim ventures at the Seoul National University Station location.

Space has power. It’s where we spend the most time, influencing our actions and emotions and shaping the way we interact. Partnering with founders for the long term is essential to us, and this space is where we begin those relationships. We designed it with the hope of building friendships and growing mutual trust here.

Why Seoul National University Station?

We wanted to play a role in strengthening the startup ecosystem by engaging with those passionate about entrepreneurship in a place alive with entrepreneurial spirit.

The founders we’ve met are resilient and possess unwavering grit, often having dreamed of entrepreneurship since college. Heemin and Juyoung, founders of Rapport Labs, first started their own business as college students right here.

This location also holds special meaning for us. When Klim ventures was newly established, with no reputation or resources, AIRS Medical believed in us and became our first portfolio company. They prepared for their startup at Seoul National University’s graduate school and have grown based near the station since their founding in 2018. Levit(Alwayz), introduced to us through AIRS Medical, has also grown rapidly here since their incorporation in 2021.

We frequently talk with these founders, sharing encouragement and friendship. The experience of growing alongside startup teams and fostering positive energy is something we want to share with many others at Klim SNU office.

With Jaeyun of Levit & Hyesung and Jingu of AIRS Medical at Klim SNU Office

Klim ventures SNU Office

"The idea for the polio vaccine, which I had struggled with for years, suddenly came to me in the high-ceilinged 13th-century monastery. High ceilings seem to inspire creativity."
— Jonas Salk, polio vaccine inventor

In this new space, we wanted communication and creativity to flourish. Of the various candidate locations, we were drawn to this one because of its high ceiling. The Salk Institute, designed by architect Louis Kahn, also has three-meter-high ceilings at Salk’s request, as he believed high ceilings foster creative ideas. We followed suit, exposing the ceiling and raising it to four meters.

High Ceiling & Exposed Ceiling - Hoping to Spark Creativity

Inspired by architecture critic Sarah Goldhagen’s statement that “brighter lighting helps inspire better ideas,” we installed brighter lights than those typically found in offices or lecture halls, despite the west-facing location’s ample natural light.

We placed a large island table in front of the canteen and a round bench near the entrance to facilitate easy conversations. We also added a cozy cushion bench for a more intimate setting.

More Conversations and Diverse Topics

Initially, we hadn’t planned on an exposed ceiling. With a ceiling height of three meters, we thought it would be high enough without exposing the ceiling, and we felt a neat finish would look better. However, after consulting with founders, we found that exposed ceilings were much preferred and made the change just before construction began. This increased ceiling costs by around 50%, but the open feeling was well worth it.

We Learned that Various Pipes Run through Ceilings

Another area we deliberated on until the end was the heating and cooling system. Wanting the space to be comfortable for visitors, we adjusted the arrangement and position of the HVAC units over ten times. In the end, even the construction supervisors were getting confused, but the result is a comfortable environment.

Before & After

3C = Creativity * Communication * Closeness

While planning and designing the space, we focused on three key aspects: creativity, communication, and accessibility. We incorporated inspirations from visits to places like Stanford University's D-School and Google Cloud buildings in Silicon Valley into the various elements of the space.

(D-School) Infinite Possibilities for Space Transformation | (Google Cloud) Nudge Concept Using Stairs

We’re not finished yet. As a startup ourselves, this space will continue to evolve. But our goal remains unchanged: to provide an environment where startup talent can take on challenges and contribute to a growing startup ecosystem. We consider Klim SNU office the first milestone. We sincerely welcome everyone we will meet here in the future.