How much can a courier earn in Korea, the ‘delivery republic?’

Jung Sang-bin, right, a delivery worker, speaks with comedian Yoo Jae-suk on “You Quiz on the Block.” Captured from tvN

How much money can you really make delivering packages in Korea?

For one young man, the answer is life-changing. A 26-year-old delivery worker in Korea has stunned viewers by revealing that he saved nearly 300 million won ($220,000) in just six years — solely through delivering packages.

On the Wednesday episode of the tvN talk show “You Quiz on the Block,” Jung Sang-bin, dubbed the “delivery god,” shared how he went from an entry-level courier to one of the top 1 percent in his industry before turning 30.

Jung Sang-bin, a delivery worker, speaks on “You Quiz on the Block.” Captured from tvN

Jung said he started his career at 20 after responding to a delivery company’s recruitment ad. “My first month’s salary was 1.9 million won. At that time, it was a fixed salary,” he said. However, after moving to another company, he switched to a per-delivery payment system — a change that motivated him to push himself further.

“I studied the most efficient delivery routes and memorized every building address in my area. Just by looking at the waybill, I know the exact order of deliveries,” Jung said, explaining how he maximized his earnings.

His hard work paid off. Today, Jung earns between 12 million and 13 million won ($9500) a month. “I spend about 4 million won on family living expenses and save the rest,” he said, shocking the hosts and audience alike.

Jung’s story has resonated widely online, as young Koreans face rising living costs, housing challenges and intense job market pressure. His success — achieved without a corporate job or university degree — is being hailed as proof that determination and strategy can still pave the way to financial independence in Korea’s tough economic climate.

This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.