If you’ve ever doubted the power of advertising, Hyunseok Choi can convince you otherwise. He still vividly recalls the Finnish xylitol gum commercial that became a sensation in his native South Korea during his childhood. Thanks to that ad, most Koreans still associate the word ‘hyvä,’ meaning ‘good’ in Finnish.
However, it wasn’t until later that Hyunseok seriously considered moving to Finland. His exposure to Finnish friends and insights into the Finnish education system during a student exchange year in Japan (2007–2008) planted the seeds. Fueled by these experiences and spurred on by a connection with his Finnish girlfriend, Hyunseok made the momentous decision to move to Finland for further studies in 2011. Since then, he’s not only fallen in love with exploring Finland’s nature but has also crafted a successful career coordinating leisure and business travel between South Korea and his new Nordic home.
Venturing into Entrepreneurship: Breaking the Mould
“I decided to start a company in Finland because…” While studying, requests poured in for me to arrange meetings, mediate deals, and conduct preliminary research for Korean government organizations and companies collaborating with their Nordic counterparts. Recognizing a void in services despite the demand, I leaped and established a company to fulfill this professional need.
The decision marked a transformative shift for me, shattering preconceived notions about entrepreneurship. Coming from a background where my father’s business failure cast a shadow, I had been apprehensive about the prospect of failure. Yet, the positive culture and atmosphere of the Finnish entrepreneurial community proved to be a catalyst, gradually eroding my fear of failure.
Navigating Finnish Work Culture: Flexibility and Surprises
Reflecting on the Finnish work culture, what surprises me is the flexibility of the academic environment. Balancing work and study, I was employed by a biotech company while pursuing my education. The positive impressions stem from the horizontal work structure, flexible schedules (provided tasks are completed on time), and a genuine concern for employees’ mental and physical well-being. This culture, founded on strong trust among community members, fosters a unique and conducive working environment.
An additional revelation is the accessibility of Finnish society. Initiating contact with anyone, be it organizations or experts, is remarkably straightforward. The willingness of Finns to assist, promptly responding to inquiries via email and, if needed, connecting to individuals with more expertise, underscores the collaborative spirit ingrained in the culture.
“If I could change one thing about Finnish working life…” While the strict adherence to working hours and holidays can sometimes pose challenges in arranging meetings or handling urgent matters, the willingness of many Finns to embrace flexibility, especially evident during the pandemic’s surge in online meetings, has been reassuring. Balancing work-life priorities is crucial, yet a measured level of flexibility would further ease the process for everyone involved.
Cherishing Finland: Nature, Community, and Sustainable Living
“My favourite thing about Finland is…” nature. The pandemic prompted a significant shift in my lifestyle, placing nature at its core. I’ve come to believe that nature is the missing puzzle piece that completes us, and Finland’s well-preserved natural landscapes, complemented by citizens’ care, amplify this connection. Access to pristine forests and water bodies, regardless of one’s location, along with well-maintained infrastructure, facilitates a myriad of safe outdoor activities, from hiking to berry picking.
Reflecting on the challenges encountered, I count myself fortunate to have smoothly adapted to the Finnish work culture. One noteworthy experience involved understanding the significance of ‘tauko’ or coffee breaks in Finnish workplaces. Initially hesitant to participate, considering it merely a break, I later grasped its social importance. Recognising that connections are pivotal in Finland, actively engaging in ‘tauko’ emerged as a valuable way to connect with colleagues, fostering relationships.
Embarking on Entrepreneurial Ventures in the Finnish Startup Ecosystem
Working within the Finnish startup ecosystem has been a revelation in three aspects. Firstly, the fearless approach to failure, with a prevailing attitude of “try fast, fail fast.” Embracing stories of failure is integral to the culture, fostering resilience and a disciplined approach to learning from setbacks.
Secondly, the willingness to assist one another is commendable. Experienced entrepreneurs readily extend support to newcomers, preventing unnecessary pitfalls and contributing to the thriving startup environment. This collaborative ethos has influenced my commitment to aiding others when needed.
Lastly, the open sharing of ideas creates an enriching environment. Recognizing the value of expressing thoughts and ideas has not only broadened perspectives but also facilitated meaningful connections with fellow entrepreneurs.
Expectations Surpassed: Quality of Life and the Finnish Way
“My initial expectations of Finland were” rooted in a limited understanding, anticipating a quiet and somewhat mundane life. However, Finland has exceeded my expectations, significantly improving my overall quality of life. Embracing nature for relaxation and various activities, experiencing reduced stress due to the country’s well-functioning systems, and adopting a more sustainable lifestyle have been unexpected but welcome transformations.
Life in Helsinki: Nature, Safety, and Functionality
“What I enjoy most about living in Helsinki is” the abundance of nature. Despite being Finland’s largest city, Helsinki boasts extensive and well-maintained green areas. When stress mounts or critical decisions loom, a run in a nearby forest acts as a refreshing escape. The proximity of two national parks is an added privilege.
Safety is another standout feature, alleviating mental and financial burdens. Consistent functionality and a reliable infrastructure further contribute to stress reduction. Lastly, the city’s commitment to eco-friendly and sustainable living aligns seamlessly with my values, contributing to a happy life in Helsinki.
Holistic Hobbies: Connecting with Nature and Community
“The hobbies that I have enjoyed practicing in Finland are” those rooted in nature, providing an accessible and enjoyable option. Engaging in hiking, camping, running, skiing, paddling, and, of course, the essential sauna sessions have enriched my Finnish experience. Hobbies have also proven to be effective avenues for forging friendships, a process that, while time-consuming, results in enduring connections. Personally, my involvement in a hiking association has been particularly rewarding, transcending the traditional bounds of mere hiking.