Just a few years ago, food delivery felt almost free. When you ordered chicken, tteokbokki, or Chinese food, you usually only paid for the food itself, and delivery fees were rare. But today, the situation has completely changed. When you open a delivery app now, it’s common to see a basic delivery fee of 3,000 won, or even over 4,000 won. Many people feel that the delivery fee is almost as expensive as the food itself. So why has the delivery fee suddenly become so expensive?
Hassan, Mohamed. Free stock photo of courier, scooter, laptop, and food delivery service. PXHere, image ID 1639107, pxhere.com/en/photo/1639107. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
Delivery App Commissions
One major reason for the sharp rise in delivery fees is the increase in commission fees charged by delivery apps. In the past, restaurants hired their own delivery workers and handled deliveries themselves. Today, however, most orders are placed through delivery apps. To receive orders, restaurants must join these platforms and pay various fees, such as order commission fees and advertising costs. These expenses are eventually reflected in food prices or delivery fees. From the consumer’s perspective, it may feel like delivery fees suddenly increased, but in reality, previously hidden costs have simply become more visible.
Rising Labor Costs
Another important reason is the rise in labor costs. Delivery riders deserve fair compensation for their work, and with recent increases in the minimum wage and overall living costs, the burden of labor expenses has grown. During busy times, such as evenings or weekends, additional delivery fees are often charged. The same applies on rainy days or when the weather is bad, as fewer riders are willing to work under such conditions.
Effects of Increasing Delivery Fees on Consumers
These changes are also affecting consumer behavior. As delivery fees increase, more people are choosing takeout instead of delivery or visiting restaurants in person. Even frequent delivery users say they now order delivery only when it is really necessary.
In the end, rising delivery fees are not simply the result of price increases, but a consequence of changes in the delivery service system itself. Since this issue involves consumers, restaurants, and delivery workers alike, it is important to understand the background rather than viewing delivery fees from only one perspective.
