Coupang announces 100 billion won logistics center

Coupang executives and lawmakers attend a groundbreaking ceremony for Coupang's new logistics center in Eumseong, North Chungcheong, on Friday. [COUPANG]

E-commerce company Coupang will invest 100 billion won ($83 million) into its new logistics center in Eumseong, North Chungcheong, to extend its same or next-day delivery service to a broader swath of the country.

Coupang announced on Friday that the new 99,173 square meter (1.1 million square feet) facility, due to be completed in August 2021, will ensure faster delivery across the Chungcheong region.

The facility will use advanced technology to design more efficient routes and manage inventory, the company said.

The logistics center is expected to create 500 new jobs, with local hires given priority. Coupang also pledged to contribute to the regional economy by collaborating with small businesses and merchants there.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held on Friday and was attended by North Chungcheong Governor Lee Si-jong, Eumseong Mayor Jo Byung-wook and Park Dae-jun, representative director of new business.

Coupang's “Rocket Delivery,” provides delivery of over five million products on either the date of purchase or the next day, and has required the company to substantially expand its nationwide distribution network.

Coupang's delivery workforce recently surpassed 10,000, Coupang said on Thursday, doubling from the end of 2019.

BY PARK EUN-JEE [park.eunjee@joongang.co.kr]