Coupang expands direct-from-source seafood purchases

Park Jin-hyung, CEO of Hangil Fisheries, located in Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do. (Coupang)

Coupang announced Sunday that its direct-from-source seafood purchases topped 1,000 tons in 2024 to date, with the figure tripling over a three-year period. The direct-from-source service delivers freshly caught seafood to consumers as early as the next morning after an order is placed.

The selection was initially limited to three or four types of seafood, including abalone, squid, shrimp, and gwamegi. However, the range has expanded to over 30 varieties to include crabs, mackerel, cutlassfish, and webfoot octopus in 2024. Orders placed by 1 p.m. can be delivered within 18 hours, with refrigerated trucks ensuring freshness and quality.

Taean in Chungnam Province has become Coupang’s largest seafood procurement area. Coupang purchased 420 tons of seafood from the region during the 2024 spring and fall seasons.