Koreans Spend 100,000 Won Monthly on “Here

South Korea‘s Food Delivery App Market Booms, Mirroring U.S. Trends

By Archyde News Team | April 9, 2025

Seoul, South Korea – South Korea’s food delivery app market is experiencing a surge, reaching levels not seen since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.according to a report by Wise App and Retail on April 9, 2025, South Korean users aged 20 and over are spending significant amounts monthly through these platforms, utilizing credit cards, debit cards, and account transfers.

A delivery app sticker is attached to a restaurant in downtown Seoul.

The total spending is nearing the record set in March 2022, during the height of the pandemic, when spending reached 2.315 trillion won. This resurgence highlights the continued reliance on, and convenience of, food delivery services in South Korean society, a trend mirrored in the U.S.

A new study shows that 53% (or 27.01 million) of South Korean smartphone owners are actively using food delivery apps. of those users, 23.51 million are paying customers. Each paying customer spends an average of 97,059 won per month, ordering approximately 3.7 times.

To put that into perspective for a U.S. audience, consider the average American’s reliance on apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. While specific spending habits vary, the underlying trend of increased reliance on on-demand food services remains consistent across both countries.

Demographics and Platform Preferences

The data reveals interesting demographic trends. The 30-something age group leads in average monthly spending, shelling out 101,491 won.Usage varies across platforms. “The people of delivery” (likely referring to Baedal Minjok (baemin), a leading platform) dominates with 22.38 million users, followed by Coupang Eats with 11 million, Yogiyo with 5.4 million, and Dingyo with 1.53 million.

The 20s age demographic orders the most frequently, averaging 4.4 orders per month – the highest among all age groups.

Here’s a breakdown of the platform usage:

Platform	Users (Millions)
“The people of delivery” (Baemin)	22.38
Coupang Eats	11.00
Yogiyo	5.40
Dingyo	1.53

Coupang Eats is experiencing considerable growth, adding nearly 5 million users in the past year.Meanwhile, Yogiyo has seen a decrease in users, and Dingyo has experienced a slight increase.

Last month, the amount of domestic delivery app was the highest since 19. Users paid nearly 100,000 won a month./ photo = Wise App and Retail

U.S. Implications and Analysis

The South Korean experience offers valuable insights for the U.S. market. The sustained growth of delivery apps, even post-pandemic, suggests a fundamental shift in consumer behavior. Convenience and accessibility are now paramount, pushing consumers to prioritize delivery services despite potential added costs.

One potential counterargument is the impact of delivery fees and restaurant commissions on the overall cost. Consumers should weigh the convenience of delivery against the added expense and consider alternatives like takeout or cooking at home.

Moreover, the concentration of users on a few major platforms, as seen in South Korea, raises questions about market competition and potential monopolistic practices. In the U.S., regulators are increasingly scrutinizing the practices of dominant delivery platforms to ensure fair competition and protect both consumers and restaurants.

For example, some cities in the U.S. have implemented caps on the commissions that delivery apps can charge restaurants, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on local businesses. Similar interventions may be necessary in South Korea to foster a healthier ecosystem.

The Baemin Factor: A Case Study

The dominance of Baemin, with its massive user base, warrants a closer look. One key difference between Baemin and its U.S. counterparts is its language barrier. According to 10mag.com, “Baedal Minjok (baemin) is also one of the popular food delivery apps in Korea… Currently, Baemin is only available as an app, and only in Korean.” This linguistic limitation, while potentially hindering international users, has seemingly not impacted its domestic popularity. For comparison, in the U.S., apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash offer multilingual support to cater to a diverse population.

The exclusive availability of Baemin as a Korean-language app raises the question of whether cultural specificity and localization play a significant role in its success. U.S. apps have achieved widespread adoption by adapting their services to local tastes and preferences. For instance, DoorDash partners with local restaurants to offer unique menu items and promotions tailored to specific neighborhoods.

Future Trends and Predictions

Looking ahead, several trends are likely to shape the food delivery landscape in both South korea and the U.S. The integration of drone delivery, already being tested in some areas, promises to further reduce delivery times and costs. The rise of “ghost kitchens,” or delivery-only restaurants, is also expected to continue, offering consumers a wider variety of culinary options.

The key takeaway is clear: the food delivery market is here to stay, and its continued evolution will depend on factors such as technological innovation, regulatory oversight, and the ever-changing preferences of consumers.

© 2025 Archyde News

What are teh key factors driving the surge in the food delivery app market in South Korea?

Interview: The Booming Food Delivery App market in South Korea and its parallels to the U.S. with Dr. Anya Sharma

Archyde News Team | april 10, 2025

Archyde News Editor: Welcome to Archyde News, Dr. Sharma.We’re delighted to have you. Today, we’re discussing the burgeoning food delivery app market in South Korea, which, as our recent report highlights, mirrors trends we’re seeing here in the U.S. To start, could you give us a brief overview of the key factors driving this surge in South Korea?

Dr. Anya Sharma (Lead Analyst, Global Consumer Trends at Market Insights Group): Thank you for having me. Certainly. The South Korean market is experiencing remarkable growth,largely driven by the convenience factor. The data indicates a growing consumer preference for on-demand services, particularly among younger demographics. Moreover, high smartphone penetration and readily available payment methods make these apps incredibly accessible. The pandemic accelerated this trend, and it’s clearly sustained itself even after restrictions eased. We’re seeing spending levels that rival the peak of the pandemic.

Key Demographics and Spending Habits

Archyde News Editor: The report reveals some captivating demographic data.For instance, the 30-something age group leads in monthly spending. Can you elaborate on why this demographic appears to be the most active spenders?

Dr. Sharma: Absolutely. The 30s age group often has higher disposable incomes than younger demographics. They may also be facing time constraints due to work and family responsibilities, making food delivery a convenient solution. Furthermore, this group grew up with technology, so they’re digitally savvy and comfortable using these platforms regularly. They spend an average of 101,491 won per month, according to our latest findings.

Platform Competition and Market Dynamics

Archyde News Editor: We also see a clear dominance of certain platforms,such as Baedal Minjok,known as “Baemin.” What insights can you offer about the competitive landscape and how platforms differentiate themselves?

Dr. Sharma: Baemin’s success is meaningful. It’s a testament to the brand loyalty and local cultural embrace. Interestingly, Baemin is predominantly Korean-language, which presents a unique dynamic compared to multilingual options in the U.S. Other platforms,like Coupang Eats,are rapidly gaining ground through promotional strategies and wider restaurant selections. Competition revolves around factors like delivery speed,variety of choices,and user-friendly interfaces. Each platform is vying for a bigger share of the pie.

U.S. Parallels and Regulatory Concerns

Archyde News Editor: how closely do you see the South Korean market mirroring trends in the U.S., and what challenges and opportunities do you think the U.S. can learn from South Korea?

Dr. Sharma: The similarities are striking. Both countries are seeing increased reliance on delivery, even away from the intensity of the pandemic. The convenience factor is a key driver. However, the US can learn from South Korea by looking at regulatory responses to market concentration. With a few platforms controlling the majority of the market share, potential anti-competitive behaviors are possible; this is happening in the US as well. The commissions charged to restaurants and concerns over fair practices are important areas regulators should monitor. Some cities have implemented caps, and South Korea is already on this path.

Future Trends and Predictions

Archyde News Editor: Looking ahead, what future trends do you anticipate shaping the food delivery market in both countries?

Dr. Sharma: We’re likely to see further integration of technologies like drone delivery to cut down on delivery times and reduce cost. The rise of “ghost kitchens,” or delivery-only restaurants, will likely continue, offering more menu options. also,the ever-changing consumer preferences will play a major role,with companies needing to respond quickly to evolving needs. Sustainability will also gain importance as consumers become environmentally conscious.

Archyde News Editor: Dr. Sharma,thank you for sharing your expertise with us today. It’s clear that the food delivery app market is a dynamic and evolving space, with critically important implications for both South Korea and the U.S.

Dr. Sharma: My pleasure.