Introduced in 1979, the volume of packages moved through Korea Post’s express mail service or EMS has grown rapidly fueled by increasing exchange with other nations.

According to Korea Post, the number of EMS packages sent abroad in 1979 numbered 600, but the figure soared to over 6 million last year, with revenues generated from the service reaching 243.4 billion won ($230 million). 

With the service gaining popularity, the Korea Post has also introduced innovative measures such as the delivery date guarantee program to ensure high quality of service.

Under the guarantee packages sent to areas near the capital of a European country will be delivered within three days after the day a package is posted. Those sent to such areas in Asian countries are delivered within two days after the day of posting.

By collaborating with members of the Kahala Posts Group, the company currently boasts 98 percent rate of success in meeting the delivery date.

Korea’s state-run postal services provider’s efforts have led to international recognition, with Korea Post receiving the top award for related services from the Universal Postal Union in 2004, and again for five consecutive years from 2006 to 2010.

By Choi He-suk (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)