Coupang expanded its Rocket Delivery service to Jeju Island in February 2020, transforming the commerce experience for Jeju residents. For the first time, customers on the island could shop online for millions of items without having to pay significant shipping fees or endure long waits for their orders (read more here). But Coupang’s launch in Jeju wasn’t just transformative for customers—workers could also find good jobs with great pay and benefits while enjoying the tranquility and leisure of island life.
Sang-ho Kang
Sang-ho Kang, one of the first employees of Jeju Camp 1, agrees wholeheartedly with this statement. Before joining Coupang, Sang-ho had spent 10 years as the head of sales management for a commercial kitchen company, responsible for everything from consultations and sales to design, construction, and after-sales service. He had no time to rest or spend with his family, even on weekends, and eventually felt the effects of burnout. When he saw that Coupang was hiring in Jeju, he applied without any hesitation as a loyal customer himself.
“With great colleagues, a five-day workweek, free use of annual leave, a stable salary, and more, I am very satisfied with my work life at Coupang,” said Sang-ho. “When I see the vast ocean outside of my car window while I work my coastal route, I think to myself, this is happiness.”
Sang-ho with his family on an outing in Jeju
He added, “I achieved my dream of going fishing after work in the evening. On my days off, I can relax by going camping with my family on the beach outside my house. We plan to continue enjoying our life here.”
Eui-sook Ji
Eui-sook Ji, another Coupang Friend and Group Leader at Jeju Camp 1, shares a similar story. Before Coupang, she worked for a TV manufacturer for five years, making her way up to manager. Even after she left the workplace at the end of each night, her work would continue to occupy her thoughts, giving her no time to relax. She eventually resigned to live out her dream of island life, flying to Jeju in the winter of 2019.
She fell in love with the island almost instantly, and determined to live here, she started searching for jobs. She didn’t want to be stuck in an office any longer, and ultimately found her ideal job—driving a Coupang Car through Jeju’s beautiful scenery.
“There aren’t many jobs in Jeju, and most of the jobs here do not pay very well. However, Coupang Friends are paid the same salary regardless of where they live, so it was a huge help for me in settling down here,” said Eui-sook. “I’m also satisfied with my work environment. I didn’t have benefits like health leave at other companies, but I can use it freely at Coupang.”
“And best of all, this is Jeju Island. The beautiful scenery of Jeju is the driving force behind my work here at Coupang,” she added. “They say there are 368 oreums (mounts) on Jeju, and I’ve been to at least 30 of them already. I plan to visit every single one in my time here.”
Seok-kyung Hong
Finally, there is Seok-kyung Hong, a former non-commissioned navy officer and navigator, who fell in love with Jeju the moment he stopped by on one of his routes to Southeast Asia. Without even knowing a single soul on the island, he packed his bags and decided to set up his life here.
Not only did he find a job he loves at Coupang, but he also met the love of his life, another Coupang Friend. And in May this year, Seok-kyung became a proud father.
“On my days off, I enjoy going out to the sea with my wife and eating sushi from the fish I caught,” said Seok-kyung. “Since I live in Jeju, I feel like I can enjoy a life of leisure and happiness. We look forward to our family’s life here in Jeju.”
