However, not all deliveries will be halted. E-commerce companies with their own delivery networks, such as Coupang and Kurly, will continue normal delivery operations during the holiday. Starting on the 16th, delivery operations will vary by courier—some will operate normally while others will offer holiday delivery—so even items ordered on the same day may arrive at different times.
According to the courier industry on the 14th, major courier companies such as CJ LOGISTICS, HANJIN Logistics Corporation, and Lotte Global Logistics will suspend delivery operations for two days starting today.
This is because August 14 is “Courier Rest Day,” an official holiday established by the industry for couriers who are unable to take time off. In 2020, the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the courier industry designated August 14 of each year as Courier Rest Day through a social agreement.
In particular, this year marks a four-day holiday period starting with “Delivery Rest Day” on the 14th, followed by Liberation Day on the 15th, Sunday the 16th, and a substitute public holiday on the 17th. Consequently, delivery schedules for the 16th and 17th vary by courier company.
CJ LOGISTICS will suspend deliveries on the 14th and 15th and resume normal operations starting on the 16th. During this period, the “Maeil O-NE” service—which normally operates seven days a week, including Sundays and public holidays—will also be suspended.
In observance of these delivery holidays, approximately 20,000 CJ LOGISTICS delivery drivers nationwide will take a break simultaneously. CJ LOGISTICS suspended pickups of perishable items—such as fresh, chilled, and frozen foods—with short shelf lives starting on the 13th.
HANJIN Logistics Corporation will not provide delivery services on the 14th (the parcel delivery holiday) or the 15th (Liberation Day). On the 16th and 17th, it will operate under a holiday delivery system, processing only shipments covered by separate contracts. Unlike regular weekday deliveries, which prioritize holiday-eligible shipments, delivery times may vary depending on the specific items ordered.
Lotte Global Logistics will also be closed on the 14th and 15th. On the 16th and 17th, it will operate under a holiday delivery system, similar to HANJIN Logistics Corporation.
A Lotte Global Logistics official stated, “Normal operations, including the pickup and delivery of general parcels, will resume after the holiday. Therefore, consumers awaiting delivery should check their tracking numbers and confirm delivery schedules via the app.”
In contrast, e-commerce companies will continue deliveries even during the holiday. Coupang will operate its Rocket Delivery service as usual on the 14th and 15th—when courier services are typically suspended—as well as during the Liberation Day holiday. Since Coupang relies on its own logistics and delivery network, it provides delivery services independently of the joint holiday schedule followed by general courier companies.
Kurly will also utilize its own delivery network to maintain normal operations for its early morning and midnight delivery services during the holiday. However, for “Saetbyeol Delivery” areas not covered by Kurly’s own network or for items shipped by certain sellers, delivery schedules may vary depending on the holiday policies of the respective courier companies.
This holiday season, the date you receive your order will depend not only on “where you ordered from” but also on “which delivery network you use.” Especially for fresh foods or essential items needed during the holiday period, it’s more accurate to check the tracking information with the actual delivery company rather than relying solely on the estimated delivery date shown in your order details.
Online communities have generally responded positively to the courier service holidays. Netizens are expressing support for ensuring delivery drivers’ right to rest, saying things like, “It’s okay if my order arrives a day or two late,” and “Delivery drivers working in this heatwave need a break, too.”
