Kim Soo-hyeon, a Coupang deliveryman on Ulleung Island, is at work. Screenshot from YouTube

A YouTube videofeaturing a Coupang deliveryman on Korea's Ulleung Island has gone viral, revealing his tough working conditions on the remote, hilly island.

Kim Soo-hyeon, 34, is one of the few deliverymen serving the island's roughly 9,000 residents. The video has attracted nearly 338,000 views and over 1,400 comments in just eight days.

According to the video, Kim's workday begins early, starting when the daily ferry from the mainland arrives. “If the weather is bad or the ferry has issues, there are no deliveries that day, so I get a day off,” Kim said. “But when everything finally arrives, my workload skyrockets.”

Once a truck full of Coupang packages arrives via ferry, Kim begins sorting the items and loading them onto his own truck. But the real work, he says, starts after he parks his truck.

“There's hardly any flat land here,” Kim explains, as he carries boxes of 1.5-liter tea bottles up a steep, narrow alley. “Most homes are in areas that trucks can't access. I've even had to deliver a refrigerator by hand.”

Coupang maintains its 24-hour delivery policy for all customers, including those on Ulleung Island, and Kim's top priority is respecting that policy.

His work hours vary day to day. On a good day, he finishes by 2 p.m., but if there are a lot of deliveries or delays, he can work until nearly midnight.

One big advantage for Kim, who was born and raised on the island, is his familiarity with the area and its residents. In the video, many greet him by his first name, offering him drinks or meals as he passes by.

Parking is a big challenge for him. Kim often has to stop his truck in the middle of the road, knowing there are cars behind him. “There's just no other option. I can't park too far away, but there's nowhere close to park either.”

Kim Soo-hyeon, a Coupang deliveryman, is at work. Screenshot from YouTube

The parking issue has worsened with the rise in number of tourists to the island. "I heard nearly 400,000 visitors come each year, many of whom bring their own vehicles."

The video also highlights some unique aspects of life on the island.

Due to the island's remote location, everything from fuel to household items is more expensive than on the mainland. As a result, islanders rely heavily on Coupang for essentials. “Household goods are the most popular items,” Kim says.

Despite the challenges, Kim is happy with his job.

“Yes, the workload is tough, but I'm happy because I make almost 7 million won ($5,245) a month,” Kim said with a smile. “Money is a huge motivation for me. When I see my bank account, the fatigue disappears. But don't get me wrong. Nothing is free and the work is hard."

One deliveryman commented, "I've delivered to many different places and even received awards for my work. But I don't have the courage to try delivering there (on Ulleung Island)."

Another comment read, "You're the person the island needs the most."