100,000 Won Annual Fee Demanded as Deposit and Usage Charges
Plan Withdrawn After Public Backlash
An apartment complex in Suncheon, South Jeolla Province, withdrew its policy after controversy arose over plans to charge delivery drivers for access to the main entrance and elevator usage.
According to Suncheon City on August 19, the apartment complex began requiring delivery drivers last month to pay a 50,000 won deposit for a main entrance access card and an annual elevator usage fee of 50,000 won (5,000 won per month). The apartment management cited reasons such as strengthening resident security and concerns about facility damage.
Delivery drivers were effectively forced to pay a total of 100,000 won per year to carry out their deliveries smoothly. As this information spread on online communities, public opinion quickly turned negative. Internet users who learned of the situation criticized the policy, asking, "Are they imposing a kind of 'toll fee' on drivers while expecting doorstep delivery?"
As criticism mounted, the apartment management withdrew its plan to collect the fees. A representative from the management office explained, "Some other complexes have similar systems, and due to concerns over unit security, as well as potential damage to the main entrance and elevator, we intended the fee as a way to encourage careful use."
On the same day, Suncheon City conducted an on-site inspection to assess the situation and sent an official notice to all apartment complexes in the city, recommending, "Please refrain from charging such fees in consideration of the city's image and the difficulties faced by delivery drivers." A city official stated, "As soon as the controversy arose, we immediately confirmed the facts and requested the apartment's cooperation. We will also check all apartment complexes in the city to see if there have been similar cases."
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