Dear residents of Korea, do you often eat out? How do you usually eat when you can't leave the house or cook? Have you ever ordered food using a delivery service in Korea? Have you ever experienced Korea’s developed delivery culture?
When you walk around the streets of Korea, you've probably seen a lot of people making deliveries on motorcycles, right? We offer a 24-hour delivery service both day and night, so I think dining is convenient. Whenever you're hungry, you can order and eat delicious Korean food. Are you curious about why Korea’s delivery culture is so developed? This time, I would like to introduce you to Korea’s delivery culture.
Delivery culture
Korea's delivery culture is world-famous and unique. In Korea, you can receive delivery of not only food but also a variety of other products, quickly and conveniently regardless of time and place.
History of Korea’s delivery culture
The first food delivered in Korea was ‘Hyojonggaeng’, a dish made at Namhansanseong Fortress during the Joseon Dynasty. It is said that this food was sent to Seoul overnight and eaten by the nobles within the four major gates at dawn.
Source: Korea’s delivery culture by Minsu Jo (prezi.com)
The food delivery culture began in earnest with pizza and Chinese food, which were popularized by the U.S. military after the Korean War. Since the 1950s, restaurants that deliver pizza, black bean noodles, and jjamppong have appeared.
Entering the 1980s, delivery food such as chicken, pig's feet, and bossam began to gain popularity. In particular, chicken spread nationwide through TV commercials and celebrity promotions.
In the 1990s, the development of the Internet and mobile phones made ordering delivery easier and more convenient. Additionally, with the emergence of various restaurants and menus, the range of delivery food options has expanded.
After the 2000s, delivery culture developed further with the advent of smartphones and mobile apps. Through delivery brokerage apps such as 'Baedal Minjok' and 'Yogiyo', you can easily order, pay for, and track the food you want.
Characteristics of Korea’s delivery culture
Korea’s delivery culture reflects the spirit of ‘fast, quick’. In Korea, you can receive the food or product you order as quickly as possible. Some restaurants even deliver within 10 minutes of ordering.
Source: Korea’s delivery culture seen through keywords │ Magazine Hankyung (hankyung.com)
Korea’s delivery culture is diverse and creative. In Korea, you can get almost anything delivered, including not only food, but also fruit, flowers, gifts, exercise equipment, golf clubs, and playgrounds. Delivery is also available for gourmet restaurants, high-end restaurants, and dessert cafes.
Korea’s delivery culture is consumer-centered. In Korea, consumers can receive delivery at their desired time and location. For example, at Yeouido Hangang Park, you can order and receive various foods at a place called ‘Delivery Zone’. Additionally, consumers can rate and share the quality of restaurants through reviews and ratings on delivery apps.
Recent changes in Korea’s delivery culture
Korea's delivery culture has become more active due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to social distancing, more people are refraining from eating out and ordering food at home. Additionally, the delivery market has grown as non-face-to-face payments and non-store delivery restaurants have increased.
Source: Korea’s delivery culture seen through keywords │ Magazine Hankyung (foodbank.co.kr)
Korea's delivery culture also applies to grocery shopping. Due to the increase in single-person households and busy lifestyles, the number of people using small-scale grocery delivery is increasing. You can easily purchase fresh and diverse food through services such as ‘Baedal Minjok’s B Mart’, ‘Shinsegae’s Early Morning Delivery and Ssuk Delivery’, ‘Coupang Rocket Fresh’, and ‘Market Curly’.
Korea's delivery culture is recognized as a unique culture in the world. Foreigners find Korea’s delivery culture fascinating and admirable. Korea's delivery culture will continue to develop and change, providing convenience and satisfaction to our lives.
