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Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] SEOUL, South Korea — November 3, 2025 — A majority of Coupang’s contracted delivery drivers have expressed opposition to a proposal by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) to ban overnight or “dawn delivery” services, according to a new industry survey.
The Coupang Partners Alliance (CPA), an association representing more than 10,000 delivery contractors and 100 logistics branches nationwide, conducted an emergency survey of 2,405 drivers between November 1–2.
Results showed that 93% of respondents opposed the proposed ban on overnight delivery operations.
CPA represents roughly half of Coupang’s 20,000 “Quick Flex” subcontracted delivery drivers, making it the largest organization of its kind in South Korea’s parcel delivery sector.
Coupang’s overnight delivery network consists of two groups:
“Quick Flex” — subcontracted drivers employed by local logistics partners, and
“Coupang Friends” — full-time delivery employees directly hired by Coupang.
The survey indicates that, apart from the KCTU-affiliated parcel delivery union, the vast majority of Coupang drivers wish to continue overnight deliveries.
In addition, 95% of respondents said they plan to continue working overnight, citing several key advantages:
Less traffic and easier elevator access during nighttime hours (43%)
Higher income compared to daytime shifts (29%)
More personal time available during the day (22%)
Lack of alternative daytime jobs (6%)
About 70% of respondents said they would seek other nighttime employment if the government or unions were to impose restrictions on overnight work — underscoring that many drivers, as independent contractors, value the flexibility and higher earnings of night delivery schedules.
Alphabiz Reporter Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
