The world of delivery work has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, evolving from a relatively stable, if physically demanding, job into a fiercely competitive arena driven by speed, volume, and increasingly, precarious working conditions. While often framed as a flexible income opportunity, a closer look reveals a complex landscape where financial gains are often offset by significant pressures and risks.
Recent reports highlight the increasing number of individuals turning to delivery services – like Coupang Eats and Baemin Connect – as a primary or supplemental source of income. This trend is particularly noticeable among those in their 40s and 50s, with subscriber numbers doubling over the past three years as of October 2025. This shift reflects broader economic challenges, with many individuals seeking alternative employment after job losses or needing to supplement existing incomes. The situation mirrors a narrative seen in popular culture, where the pursuit of financial stability leads individuals to embrace the demands of the gig economy.
The allure of higher earnings is a significant driver. One 26-year-old delivery driver in the Incheon area reportedly earns 12 million Korean won (approximately $9,000 USD as of February 12, 2026) per month, having saved 300 million won (approximately $225,000 USD) in just six years. This impressive feat is achieved through an extraordinary workload – delivering between 600 and 700 parcels daily, exceeding the volume handled by most drivers. His success, however, comes at a cost, with reports suggesting he works to the point of near exhaustion.
However, the experience isn’t universally lucrative. A 42-year-old delivery rider in Seoul, having transitioned to the role after five years with a small-to-medium sized company, earns between 5 million and 7 million won monthly. Another rider, aged 51, who became self-employed after his business struggled, manages approximately 5 million won per month completing 40 to 50 deliveries a day. A “newcomer” aged 47, supplementing self-employment income, earns between 1 million and 1.5 million won monthly with an average of 10 deliveries daily. These figures demonstrate a wide range of income potential, heavily influenced by factors like location, hours worked, and efficiency.
The historical context of delivery work paints a different picture. One individual recalls a time when delivery positions were less common, primarily filled by recent high school graduates or those already working in related industries like Chinese restaurants. Back then, the pay was a relatively straightforward 8,000 won per delivery, with a 500 won bonus per order, on top of a minimum wage of 6,000 won. Crucially, these positions often included benefits like two provided meals per shift – one chosen from the menu and another, more substantial meal prepared by the owner’s wife, or sourced from a local restaurant if the owner was alone. Bonus items, like whole chickens or large bottles of soda, were also common rewards for hard work during busy periods.
This earlier model offered a degree of psychological stability and predictability that seems increasingly absent in the current landscape. The older system also absorbed many of the costs associated with the job – insurance, vehicle maintenance, fuel, and even basic necessities like beverages – which are now largely the responsibility of the individual driver. The rider recalls a sense of safety, attributing it to a slower pace and a lack of the intense pressure to accept every order, a practice that now increases the risk of accidents.
The current system, while offering the potential for high earnings, is characterized by a relentless pursuit of volume. The focus on speed and efficiency has led to innovative, but potentially dangerous, delivery techniques, such as delivering parcels while riding elevators, dropping them off on multiple floors to minimize wait times. This emphasis on maximizing deliveries, coupled with the low barrier to entry – even individuals without motorcycles can now deliver using cars or bicycles – has created a highly saturated and competitive market.
Concerns are growing about the impact of automated dispatch systems, like Otto, on driver earnings. While some believe these systems offer a degree of fairness by evenly distributing calls, others argue they prioritize volume over unit price, ultimately reducing individual income. There’s a suggestion that maintaining a delivery-specific automated system, with higher barriers to entry, could protect the earnings of experienced drivers from being undercut by those willing to accept lower rates.
As of January 2, 2026, discussions are underway regarding potential restrictions on delivery hours, raising concerns about the impact on both consumers and drivers. A recent survey indicates that night delivery drivers earn an average of 5.81 million won monthly, with approximately 10% earning over 9 million won. A significant majority (53%) report satisfaction with their income, and 66.3% believe their livelihoods have improved since starting night delivery work. Restricting these hours could disproportionately affect those who rely on the flexibility and higher earning potential of nighttime deliveries.
The evolution of delivery work highlights a broader tension between the convenience demanded by consumers, the economic pressures faced by workers, and the need for policies that protect both public safety and the livelihoods of those who provide this essential service. The “8 million won delivery driver” era may be upon us, but the question remains whether this financial gain comes at an unsustainable cost.
