Delivery App Payments Hit Record $2.4 Billion in July Amid Heatwave

South Korea's major food delivery apps processed a record 3.2787 trillion won (approximately $2.4 billion) in payments in July, marking an all-time high. This figure represents an 18% increase compared to the same period last year and surpasses the previous record set in May. The analysis, based on payment data from WiseApp, Retail, and Goods, covers services including Baedal Minjok, Coupang Eats, Yogiyo, and Ttaenggyo.

The intense heatwave and persistent tropical nights throughout July are seen as primary drivers for the surge in delivery orders, as consumers opted to stay indoors. The national average temperature in July was 26.8 degrees Celsius, 2.2 degrees higher than the average, making it the third hottest July since 1973. The average minimum temperature was the highest on record, and the number of tropical nights also reached an all-time high.

During July, a total of 24.41 million users engaged with the four major delivery platforms. On average, each user made 5.8 orders, spending approximately 134,747 won per month, or 23,203 won per order. Baedal Minjok remained the most used app with 23.02 million users, followed by Coupang Eats with 13.13 million. Notably, Coupang Eats showed remarkable growth, setting new records for both payment volume (1.1798 trillion won) and monthly users, intensifying the competition with Baedal Minjok in the rapidly expanding delivery market.