Seoul, South Korea – Coupang, South Korea's leading e-commerce company, has announced that it has created over 80,000 jobs nationwide. The company has been praised for its role in alleviating job shortages, particularly in regions facing challenges such as low birth rates, a declining population, and economic downturns.
According to Coupang's 2024 Impact Report, released on October 10, the company and its logistics subsidiaries, Coupang Logistics Services (CLS) and Coupang Fulfillment Services (CFS), had a combined workforce of over 80,000 employees as of September.
The company's rapid job creation has been driven by the expansion of its customer base and logistics infrastructure across the country. As Coupang's reach has grown, so too has the demand for logistics workers, particularly in rural areas where job opportunities are limited.
Coupang's jobs have been particularly attractive to young people in regional areas. Over 51% of the company's 20-30-year-old employees work in logistics centers outside of the Seoul metropolitan area, compared to around 40% in the capital region.
Coupang has also made significant strides in creating jobs for women and people with disabilities. As of last year, the company had created over 20,000 jobs for women, and women accounted for 50% of its warehouse workforce. The company also employs over 1,300 people with disabilities, a 20% increase from the previous year.
To support its growing workforce, Coupang has invested heavily in employee benefits. In 2023, over 85% of Coupang's delivery drivers who took parental leave opted for extended leave, while the remaining 15% chose reduced work hours. Notably, 97% of employees who took parental leave returned to work.
The company has also invested approximately 18 billion won in workplace safety measures, including regular safety inspections and the provision of safety equipment. Coupang has invested over 10 billion won in its healthcare centers and mental health counseling services, which have been utilized by over 25,000 employees.
Beyond job creation, Coupang has also played a significant role in supporting small businesses. The company's marketplace now hosts over 230,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), a 30% increase from the previous year. These SMEs have seen their sales grow by 30% to reach 12 trillion won.
Coupang has also facilitated exports for Korean SMEs through its Rocket Direct and Rocket Delivery services in Taiwan. Sales of Korean products in Taiwan have increased by over 2,600% year-on-year, and the number of SMEs exporting to Taiwan has grown by 140%.
Looking ahead, Coupang plans to further expand its logistics infrastructure and create additional jobs. The company has committed to investing over 3 trillion won to build new logistics centers in nine regions by 2026, creating approximately 10,000 new jobs.
"Coupang is committed to creating quality jobs and fostering balanced regional development through continued investment in our logistics infrastructure," said a Coupang spokesperson. "We will also continue to focus on providing our employees with a supportive and rewarding work environment."
[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]
