[Next K-Startup] ‘JoeunApp’ Responsible for Jobs for 10 Million Seniors

'Eoreusin Delivery' Service 'Eodil'
Under 5kg Small Parcel Public Transport Delivery
Addressing Senior Job Blind Spots... Supporting Economic Independence

By next year, South Korea will enter a super-aged society with over 10 million people aged 65 and older. The issue at hand is jobs for the elderly. Although many seniors are so healthy that they hardly fit into the elderly category even past the age of 70, there are no jobs available for them. To address this, the logistics job platform startup JoeunApp has stepped forward.

JoeunApp operates a logistics job platform called "Eodil," which is based on public transportation. Eodil stands for "Eoreushin Delivery (Senior Delivery)" and "Urban Delivery." Eodil acts as an intermediary between customers and seniors aged 60 and above, enabling them to deliver small parcels weighing less than 5 kg.

On the 24th, JoeunApp CEO Cho Seung-yeon explained, "Eodil is a platform creating a quick logistics ecosystem with 10 million seniors," adding, "Creating a quick ecosystem means seniors can earn 5,000 won while visiting their children’s homes and 7,000 won on their way out for errands, forming a lifestyle-integrated ecosystem."

The service provided by Eodil is similar to subway parcel delivery. However, JoeunApp, aiming to be a tech company, has developed and utilizes its own platform, marking a fundamental difference. By using its own platform, it has significantly lowered commission fees and aims to eliminate blind spots in senior employment.

CEO Cho explained the difference between existing subway parcel delivery and Eodil: "Subway parcel delivery has existed for a long time but has never been systemically advanced. It uses a shared program where seniors pick up delivery items as they appear, but because it relies on a shared program, double commissions are charged."

Jo Seung-yeon, CEO of Joeun App.

Existing subway parcel delivery required paying commissions up to 40%. For example, if the delivery fee was 10,000 won, 4,000 won would be deducted as commission, leaving only 6,000 won for the senior. However, JoeunApp has reduced the commission to 20%. Also, subway parcel delivery lacked hubs, forcing seniors to wait outdoors even in bad weather, but Eodil has established its first hub in Dongdaemun. This location not only protects seniors from snow and rain but also serves as a community space where seniors can interact.

When visiting the hub on the 23rd, one could see 4 to 5 seniors gathered, chatting. They exchanged advice on faster routes to delivery locations and shared personal stories about their children. They greeted Eodil staff warmly, creating a friendly atmosphere.

Founded in 2021, Eodil has gathered 560 seniors without much advertising through a different service model. One or two seniors who passed by two advertising banners placed in front of the Dongdaemun hub started using the service, and word of mouth began to spread.

CEO Cho said, "Currently, we handle about 150 logistics cases daily, and the customer retention rate is 90%. Many seniors earn 50% more income compared to the subway parcel delivery service they used before."

A view of the Dongdaemun hub.

Currently, seniors make an average of 6 to 7 deliveries per day. Many earn over 1.1 million won per month. The age range varies from 60 to 80 years old. The seniors have diverse past professions, including writers, professors, and artists. Jo Yong-moon (84), who recently transitioned from delivery work to an advisory role, worked at the Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation for 30 years.

JoeunApp plans to expand to three more hubs this year, handling 13,000 deliveries per month. By 2025, the goal is to secure 10 hubs and establish nationwide service. CEO Cho emphasized, "We prioritize the economic independence of seniors. Through continuous technological investment, we will not only expand profits but also strive to improve the image of senior delivery workers. This year marks the beginning of solving the blind spots in senior labor."