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| A Shuttle Delivery worker delivers food in Seoul. Shuttle Delivery, bilingual delivery platform partners with what3words to offer the best delivery service for Korea's foreign community. Courtesy of what3words |
By Kim Hyun-bin
Korea is fast becoming a popular destination for tourists and expats. At the end of 2022, there were 2.25 million foreign residents living in Korea, making up 4.37 percent of the total domestic population, a year-on-year rise of 14.8 percent.
For people living far away from their country and missing their friends and family, one source of comfort is eating food that reminds them of home. People living in the Yongsan area of Seoul, the district with the third-largest foreign population in Seoul, have a variety of international restaurant options available to them, as well as specialized grocery stores in Itaewon. However, there is less choice for people residing in different parts of Seoul or other cities in Korea, and sourcing non-local cuisines can be more challenging.
Unlike many food delivery services which operate predominantly in Korea, Shuttle Delivery is bilingual, making it a perfect alternative for Korea's foreign community.
Shuttle Delivery lists over 2,000 restaurants, bakeries, cafes and grocery stores serving food from around the world, including Middle Eastern, African, North and South American and European specialties. It also lists popular Korean spots and vegan options.
The platform has enjoyed popularity among the foreign community, with over 215,000 account sign-ups since its launch. Not only does Shuttle Delivery offer a wide variety of international cuisines, but its newly introduced catering delivery service has also integrated the use of revolutionary location technology, what3words, to ensure orders arrive precisely where expected.
Describing precise locations, what3words has divided the world into a grid of squares three meters by three meters and given each square a unique combination of three words: a what3words address. Now every tucked-away side alley, picnic setup in the park, large office building entrance, and apartment complex has its own what3words address.
The company added a layer of accuracy, ensuring goods are dropped off exactly where they are expected and the technology is useful for everyone: foreign residents, tourists, and people who have recently moved to a new area. It simplifies planning meet-ups, sharing precise locations with friends and even saving directions to the best foodie spots in town.
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