Coupang will establish a large high-tech logistics center in Gwangju Metropolitan City. Coupang held a "Gwangju win-win job New Deal" ceremony at Gwangju City Hall on Sept. 4h, attended by key figures including Gwangju Mayor Lee Yong-sup and Coupang's new business division CEO Park Dae-joon.
The "Coupang Gwangju Pyeong-dong 3rd Advanced Logistics Center" has a floor space area of 48,000 pyeong and aims to start construction in the first half of next year and complete it in the first half of 2023.
This is the first time that the company has established its own cold and frozen logistics centers for storing fresh food at the same time, and the total investment cost alone amounts to 224 billion won ($188 million).
It is the first nationwide rocket delivery center to be built in the Honam region and has a size of 22 football fields.
Coupang plans to introduce its own logistics software, product management and worker traffic optimization system using artificial intelligence (AI), eco-friendly packaging facilities and advanced logistics equipment to the Gwangju logistics center in order to reduce the burden on workers and increase efficiency.
In particular, the estimated number of new employees due to the construction of the logistics center in Gwangju is more than 2,000, the largest in the last 20 years.
Coupang's labor costs alone are estimated to be more than 70 billion won ($58.8 million) a year due to its large-scale employment. Coupang expects an additional 500 billion won in annual spending due to COVID-19, but it will continue to invest in revitalizing the local economy, seeking co-prosperity and amazing customer experiences.
Gwangju Mayor Lee said, "Thanks to the efforts of the employees, it is very meaningful that the Gwangju win-win job project has finally been completed in the service sector. Coupang's entry into Gwangju is the best gift that gives hope to citizens who are tired of COVID-19."
In addition, he said, "We hope Coupang will contribute greatly to revitalizing the local economy and creating jobs by realizing the stable working environment, sustainable employment, and the value of shared growth with small and medium-sized enterprises and small business owners in Gwangju."
Park, CEO of the Coupang’s new business division, said, "We will make more efforts to set an example of win-win development with the local community by revitalizing the local economy and creating jobs. Coupang will continue to make more amazing customer experiences by utilizing logistics networks across the country and make customers feel this experience a natural daily life."
