Busan expands c-store rest network for mobile workers
The South Korean city is partnering with CU and 7-Eleven to provide 96 convenience store rest areas for delivery riders and drivers.
Busan Metropolitan City has partnered with convenience store operators BGF Retail and Korea Seven to expand access to rest areas for mobile workers, using convenience stores as dedicated break locations throughout the city.
Under the new agreement, Busan will increase its network of convenience store rest areas from 48 CU locations to a total of 96 sites by adding 48 7-Eleven stores. The initiative is aimed at supporting delivery riders, designated drivers and other workers whose jobs require them to travel across the city for extended periods.
The program was developed following feedback gathered during a public consultation held in July as part of the city’s “100-Day Emergency Measures for People’s Livelihoods” initiative. Officials said mobile workers highlighted the need for accessible spaces where they can rest close to their work locations.
Busan currently operates seven support centers and rest facilities for mobile workers. However, many of these are concentrated near major transportation hubs, limiting their accessibility for workers whose routes vary throughout the city. By utilizing convenience stores embedded in local communities, the city aims to provide a more flexible and widely distributed network.
The 96 sites will be spread across Busan’s 16 districts and counties, with six locations designated in each area. According to the city, this will enable workers to more easily find a nearby place to rest during their shifts.
The initiative has already shown early demand. Between August 1 and 14, the initial network of 48 CU locations recorded 1,855 visits from mobile workers. Based on usage levels, the city plans to allocate additional support to locations with higher demand rather than distributing resources equally across all sites.
