Dawn, Same-Day Delivery Services Transform Korea's Retail Industry

No longer just limited to milk and newspapers, Korea's fast delivery services are especially popular among dual-income and single households.

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From organic fruit and vegetables to ready-to-eat food, an order placed before 11 p.m. guarantees groceries will be with customers by 7 a.m. the next day.

"It's difficult to go grocery shopping with my baby, so being able to buy high quality goods easily using an app is very convenient", said a housewife.

With major companies and start-ups joining the race, the market is growing rapidly despite being limited to Seoul and some other areas surrounding the capital.

Companies like Shinsegae, Lotte and Coupang have been focusing on upgrading their logistics, with Coupang planning to expand its service nationwide within this year.

For those who still prefer to see and feel fresh produce in grocery stores, simply scanning a QR code on a product pays for it and schedules its delivery. There is no need to line up at the till or carry groceries home. Scanned items are delivered within three hours from nearby branches.

But the services do come with some downsides like excessive packaging and high delivery fees. However, those are likely to come down in the fierce race for ever faster service.