Delivery Workers Speak Out: "It's Not Us" Amid Elevator Use Restrictions

Different Perspectives on Elevator Use During Rush Hours
Conflict Between Residents and Delivery Workers Highlighted

Conflicts between apartment residents and delivery workers over elevator use continue to escalate. The controversy is growing, with notices asking for restraint in elevator use during morning rush hours, the imposition of entry fees, and even restrictions on using handcarts. On January 30, a notice posted in an apartment elevator was shared on an online community. The notice stated, "Please do not occupy the elevator for extended periods while delivering packages during rush hours (8-10 a.m.)," and added, "Complaints from residents about inconvenience are being continuously raised."

On the 30th, a notice posted in an apartment elevator was shared on an online community. Online community

However, after the notice was posted, delivery workers began leaving handwritten notes inside the elevator. Messages such as "Not Market Kurly (before 7 a.m.)," "Not CJ (around 12 p.m.)," and "Not Lotte (after 10 a.m.)" appeared one after another, along with a note stating, "Coupang also delivers after 10 a.m." These notes were intended to refute the misconception that delivery workers were occupying the elevator for long periods during rush hour.

Apartment Delivery Conflict Reignites

Many residents have voiced their discomfort. Some claim, "I was almost late for work because the elevator was stopped for deliveries during the morning rush," and "It is repeatedly difficult for people with strollers or the elderly to use the elevator." As complaints accumulated, the management office explained that a response at the office level became inevitable.

The photo is not related to the specific content of the article. Pixabay Yonhap News Agency

The management office stated that "the intention is not to restrict deliveries themselves, but to implement the minimum management measures necessary to ease congestion during rush hour and prevent damage to the facilities." One management official said, "There have been actual cases of elevator floor damage and malfunctions caused by pressing multiple buttons at once," emphasizing that these steps are to maintain order for all users.

Controversy Over Excessive Entry Fees and Restrictions in Some Apartments

As the controversy over delivery work grows, some measures implemented by certain apartments are being criticized as excessive. One apartment complex in Incheon posted a notice stating that delivery workers would be required to pay a 100,000 won deposit and a monthly fee of 33,000 won to receive a main entrance access key, sparking controversy. The document also included provisions prohibiting pressing multiple elevator buttons at once and holding the delivery worker fully responsible for any loss of the access key.

In response, delivery workers and online users protested, saying, "It is unfair to charge an entry fee for delivering items ordered by residents," and "It is unreasonable to shift management responsibility onto the delivery workers." On the other hand, some residents argued, "Since outsiders have constant access to the building, at least a minimum management standard is necessary." In another apartment, a notice was posted completely banning delivery handcarts from the elevator. The management office explained, "Repeated floor damage caused by handcarts made this measure unavoidable," but even among residents, opinions were divided, with some saying it was "an unrealistic response."