Coupang - High Risks of Speedy Delivery, Speedy Innovation in a Fierce Marketplace
Coupang has redefined e-commerce in South Korea. There were many times that Bom Kim, the company's founder, had to make bold decisions to sail the ship. What did it take to build a Coupang like today in this competitive industry?
At a glance
Founded
2010
Country
South Korea
Industry
E-Commerce Platform
Total Revenue
US$ 24,383 million
(FY2023)
Abstract
Coupang, a South Korean e-commerce giant, revolutionized online shopping through its groundbreaking promise of same-day or next-day service. Founded by visionary entrepreneur Bom Kim, Coupang challenged industry norms by building its own infrastructure, controlling every step of the process from warehouse to doorstep.
This case study delves into Coupang's journey, exploring its strategic decisions, operational innovations, and the challenges of balancing rapid growth with profitability. Key insights reveal how Coupang leveraged technology, logistics, and a dedicated workforce to redefine the customer experience.
By examining Coupang's bold moves and its impact on the South Korean market, this case study provides valuable lessons for businesses seeking to disrupt industries and achieve sustainable growth.

Image from Shutterstock
Banner image: Photo courtesy of Coupang
All rights reserved. © 2025 Nikkei Business Lab Asia. No part of this publication may be copied, stored, or transmitted in any form. Copying or posting is an infringement of copyright.
Disclaimers:
(1) Regarding Case Study Content: This case study is based mainly on secondary data and analysis of publicly available information unless otherwise stated, and is intended solely for educational purposes. Any opinions expressed by the author(s) are designed to facilitate learning discussion and do not serve to illustrate the effectiveness of the company. Additionally, banner images and logos used in the case study are intended for visualization in an educational setting and it is not used to represent or brand the company. For any dispute regarding the content and usage of images and logos, please contact the team.
(2) Regarding University Affiliation and Titles of Authors: The university affiliation and titles of author(s) seen in the case study is based on their affiliation and title during the time of publication. It may or may not represent the current status of said author(s).