The app featured a low 2% commission rate, waived advertising and onboarding fees for merchants, and enabled payments via the Changwon Sarang gift card to support local businesses. (Image provided by Changwon city)
CHANGWON, Nov. 23 (Korea Bizwire) – Changwon City announced on Friday that it will discontinue the operation of its public delivery app, Nubigo, on November 30, just 21 months after its official launch in February 2023.
Developed and managed by private firm Smart Market Service Co. with promotional support from the city, Nubigo was introduced as a public-private partnership to address high commission fees charged by private delivery apps.
The app featured a low 2% commission rate, waived advertising and onboarding fees for merchants, and enabled payments via the Changwon Sarang gift card to support local businesses.
Despite its intended benefits, the app struggled with low consumer awareness and usability issues, failing to attract a significant user base. Mounting financial losses prompted the operator to request an early termination of services, initially planned through January 2025.
The city accepted the request, citing concerns about wasted resources in the absence of sufficient competitiveness for public delivery apps.
Orders and services through Nubigo will cease at the end of the month, with the city working with the operator to ensure the resolution of any outstanding payments to merchants.
A city official stated, “Following the termination of Nubigo, we will focus on implementing more effective support measures for small businesses.”
Nubigo’s closure reflects broader challenges in maintaining public delivery platforms amid stiff competition from established private-sector alternatives.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
