Seoul's First Ethical Delivery App 'Gwangjin Narumi' Developed

Significant Reduction in Commission and Advertising Fees Expected to Greatly Help Restaurants... Platform Currently Under Development, Scheduled to Launch in Second Half of the Year

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Gwangjin-gu (Mayor Kim Seon-gap) is starting the development of the public delivery app ‘Gwangjin Narumi,’ which reduces commission and advertising fee burdens.

‘Gwangjin Narumi’ is the first public delivery app developed by a Seoul autonomous district to provide practical support to small restaurant business owners struggling due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.

With the recent changes in the commission system of existing delivery apps expected to increase the commission burden on the restaurant industry, the newly developed app is anticipated to greatly help small business owners by reducing not only commissions but also advertising fees.

Additionally, payments can be made using the Gwangjin Love Gift Certificate, which offers up to a 15% discount, allowing consumers to order food at discounted prices.

Besides this, various payment methods such as Zero Pay, credit/debit cards, and cash are also accepted.

Moreover, through the mobile app’s push message function, users can receive notifications, delivery status updates, and useful lifestyle information for residents, planning to operate as a new promotional platform.

The ‘Gwangjin Narumi’ app is available for anyone to download and use, but business registration is limited to restaurant businesses located in Gwangjin-gu.

Currently, the ‘Gwangjin Narumi’ app is under platform construction, and after testing and pilot operation phases, it is scheduled to open in the second half of the year.

The district office plans to build a system that provides economic benefits to both small business owners and consumers by thoroughly reviewing related regulations such as infringement of the existing delivery app market and enacting ordinances related to delivery app operation.

Kim Seon-gap, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu, said, “The non-face-to-face consumption culture due to COVID-19, along with the increase in single-person households and dual-income families, has activated the delivery culture using delivery apps. However, the burden of delivery app commissions and advertising fees is increasing, so we decided to develop the first public delivery app in Seoul to alleviate the economic difficulties of restaurant merchants.”

He added, “Although these are difficult times for everyone, we will continuously seek ways to coexist and overcome together.”