Culture News Blog

"We wanted to change the feeling of our meetings and check out the new stores in the surrounding area," said Yoo Ho-seong of Jinro Ballantines' marketing team.

"As we walked in twos or threes along the banks of the stream, everyone felt more relaxed than if we had been in the office, and as a result ideas flowed more naturally."

Following the walk, the team went to a nearby pub to exchange notes on what they had discussed. The experiment was evidently a success, as the company says it plans to hold at least one meeting a month away from the office.

And it is not alone. Earlier this month, five employees of FedEx Korea's marketing team also held a strategy meeting at Cheonggye stream.

Cowon Systems Inc., an MP3 maker based in southern Seoul, is another recent convert to holding meetings outside, but at the much closer Yangjae stream.

During meetings, employees either walk along the stream or sit on benches and exchange ideas. A few times, Cowon staff members have even mixed business with pleasure, having a picnic while they talk shop.

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