Prioritize measurable KPIs—order accuracy, on-time delivery, and dock-to-delivery lead time—alongside infrastructure: racked capacity, number of dock doors, WMS functionality, real-time inventory visibility, and cross-dock capability. Also validate carrier network depth and peak-season labor plans.

Close proximity reduces drayage, shortens export lanes, and improves scheduling windows for ocean carriers, which lowers total freight spend and variability. Strong highway links enable faster regional deliveries and lower last-mile costs, particularly for high-frequency B2B routes.

Look for:

Land and labor costs are generally more competitive than Seoul metro, enabling larger facilities and lower fixed costs. Local municipal incentives may be available for logistics or manufacturing projects—verify with regional authorities. Assess workforce skill mix for specialized handling needs.

Onboarding commonly ranges from 60 to 120 days depending on SKU complexity and system integration. Contracts often include minimum volumes, SLA metrics for accuracy and lead time, chargebacks for missed SLAs, and defined change-management clauses. Negotiate trial periods and clear exit terms.