South Korea supermarket delivery is set to expand. The government will allow major supermarket chains to offer overnight services. As a result, this change could reshape retail competition. Brick-and-mortar retailers may gain a stronger footing against online platforms. Government officials and Democratic Party lawmakers agreed on Sunday to revise a law restricting early-morning deliveries.
The Distribution Industry Development Act was enacted in 2012. It aimed to protect small shops and traditional markets. Large chains could not deliver between midnight and 10 a.m. However, officials now say the law is outdated because online commerce has grown rapidly. Park Soo-hyun, senior spokesperson for the Democratic Party, said the government wants to level the playing field. This will modernize South Korea supermarket delivery regulations.
Meanwhile, the push for change gained momentum after a major e-commerce data breach. The breach highlighted regulatory gaps and fast online growth. Allowing supermarkets to provide overnight delivery could use existing store networks efficiently. Experts say this will make supermarket delivery services faster and more accessible nationwide.
Industry sources estimate that E-mart, Lotte Mart, and Homeplus operate roughly 670 stores nationwide. About 460 already function as logistics hubs. This is nearly double the number of online platforms’ centers. Therefore, officials believe these stores could quickly expand overnight supermarket delivery without large new investments.
Proponents say deregulation will increase consumer choice. Additionally, it will create fairer competition. “Opening overnight delivery to supermarkets will allow them to compete with online retailers on equal terms,” an industry representative said.
However, the plan faces criticism from labor and small-business groups. Labor unions warn that more overnight work could worsen conditions in retail and delivery sectors. Moreover, extra hours may increase physical strain. They could also entrench harsh labor practices tied to supermarket delivery services.
Small-business advocates argue the change could threaten neighborhood stores struggling amid economic slowdown. In contrast, easing restrictions may push local shops into fierce competition with corporate chains. One federation official said the controversy reflects a failure to regulate online monopoly power, not limits on supermarket delivery.
Lawmakers plan to balance deregulation with worker protections. For example, they propose health and safety measures for delivery staff. They also plan support programs for small businesses.
If implemented, the revision could accelerate modernization of South Korea’s retail sector. Finally, analysts expect discussions to continue. The final legislation will likely reflect a compromise between growth, competition, and protection. Overnight supermarket delivery in South Korea could soon become standard for millions of consumers.
