South Korea, with its robust maritime industry and strategic location in East Asia, boasts several ports that are vital to its economy and global trade. These ports serve as key gateways for imports and exports, facilitating the movement of goods, commodities, and resources. Here are the most important ports in South Korea:
List of Largest Ports in South Korea
| Port Name | Type of Cargo Ships | Monthly Arrivals |
|---|---|---|
| Port of Busan | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro, Oil Tankers | 800 |
| Port of Incheon | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro, Oil Tankers | 600 |
| Port of Ulsan | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro, Oil Tankers | 500 |
| Port of Gwangyang | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro, Oil Tankers | 400 |
| Port of Yeosu | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro, Oil Tankers | 300 |
| Port of Pyeongtaek | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro, Oil Tankers | 250 |
| Port of Gunsan | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro, Oil Tankers | 200 |
| Port of Incheon New Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro, Oil Tankers | 200 |
| Port of Donghae | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro, Oil Tankers | 150 |
| Port of Mokpo | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro, Oil Tankers | 150 |
| Port of Pohang | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro, Oil Tankers | 150 |
| Port of Sokcho | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro, Oil Tankers | 100 |
| Port of Masan | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro, Oil Tankers | 100 |
| Port of Jeju | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro, Oil Tankers | 100 |
| Port of Tongyeong | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro, Oil Tankers | 80 |
Major Ports of South Korea
1. Port of Busan
The Port of Busan is South Korea’s largest and most significant port, and one of the busiest in the world. It is a global hub for containerized cargo, and it plays a critical role in the country’s economic and industrial activities. The port is located in the southeastern part of the country, making it a key gateway for imports and exports to and from South Korea, especially to neighboring China, Japan, and other Southeast Asian markets. The port has various terminals for container ships, general cargo, and cruise liners.
City Location: Busan, South Korea
Latitude: 35.1796° N
Longitude: 129.0756° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Ulsan | 70 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
| Daegu | 130 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
| Changwon | 40 | Gyeongnam Expressway |
| Daejeon | 210 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
| Gwangju | 320 | Honam Expressway |
| Jeonju | 330 | Honam Expressway |
| Seoul | 320 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Busan Railway Station (Busan)
- Haeundae Railway Station (Busan)
- Ulsan Railway Station (Ulsan)
- Daegu Railway Station (Daegu)
- Changwon Railway Station (Changwon)
2. Port of Incheon
Incheon is a major port city located to the west of Seoul, and its port is one of the most important on the western coast of South Korea. It serves as a major international shipping hub, handling a variety of cargo, including containers, bulk goods, and automobiles. The port also plays an important role in facilitating trade between South Korea and the United States, China, and Japan. Additionally, Incheon’s proximity to Seoul makes it a crucial port for serving the capital’s economic activities.
City Location: Incheon, South Korea
Latitude: 37.4563° N
Longitude: 126.7052° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul | 40 | Incheon International Airport Expressway |
| Suwon | 60 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
| Gyeonggi-do | 50 | Yeongjongdaero Expressway |
| Ansan | 30 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
| Pyeongtaek | 70 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
| Daegu | 250 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
| Jeju | 390 | Express Ferry Service |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Incheon Railway Station (Incheon)
- Seoul Railway Station (Seoul)
- Suwon Railway Station (Suwon)
- Ansan Railway Station (Ansan)
- Gyeonggi-do Railway Station (Gyeonggi-do)
3. Port of Ulsan
Ulsan is located in the southeastern region of South Korea and is one of the country’s industrial and maritime hubs. The port handles a significant amount of cargo, including oil, liquefied natural gas, and petrochemical products, in addition to containerized goods. Ulsan is known for its oil refineries and shipbuilding industries, which rely on the port for the export of their products. The port is equipped with modern facilities that support the city’s strong manufacturing sector.
City Location: Ulsan, South Korea
Latitude: 35.5397° N
Longitude: 129.3113° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Busan | 70 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
| Daegu | 130 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
| Changwon | 90 | Gyeongnam Expressway |
| Daejeon | 220 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
| Gwangju | 330 | Honam Expressway |
| Jeonju | 350 | Honam Expressway |
| Seoul | 400 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Ulsan Railway Station (Ulsan)
- Busan Railway Station (Busan)
- Daegu Railway Station (Daegu)
- Changwon Railway Station (Changwon)
- Daejeon Railway Station (Daejeon)
4. Port of Gwangyang
Gwangyang Port, located in the southern part of South Korea, is one of the country’s key ports for handling bulk and containerized cargo. It is also a vital port for the steel industry, as it serves POSCO, one of the world’s largest steel manufacturers. The port handles a variety of cargo, including iron ore, coal, and steel products. Gwangyang’s deep-water harbor allows it to accommodate large vessels, making it a crucial point for international trade.
City Location: Gwangyang, South Korea
Latitude: 34.9510° N
Longitude: 127.7027° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Yeosu | 30 | Gwangyang-Yeosu Road |
| Mokpo | 130 | Honam Expressway |
| Busan | 230 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
| Gwangju | 70 | Honam Expressway |
| Jeonju | 170 | Honam Expressway |
| Seoul | 350 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
| Daejeon | 290 | Honam Expressway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Gwangyang Railway Station (Gwangyang)
- Yeosu Railway Station (Yeosu)
- Mokpo Railway Station (Mokpo)
- Gwangju Railway Station (Gwangju)
- Jeonju Railway Station (Jeonju)
5. Port of Pohang
Pohang is a port city on the southeastern coast of South Korea, known for its steel production, particularly by POSCO, one of the largest steel manufacturers in the world. The port handles a significant volume of steel products, as well as bulk materials such as iron ore and coal. Pohang is a critical link in the global supply chain for steel products, and its port infrastructure supports the industrial and manufacturing sectors of the region.
City Location: Pohang, South Korea
Latitude: 36.0217° N
Longitude: 129.3414° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Ulsan | 70 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
| Busan | 130 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
| Daegu | 120 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
| Gwangju | 280 | Honam Expressway |
| Jeonju | 310 | Honam Expressway |
| Daejeon | 360 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
| Seoul | 400 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Pohang Railway Station (Pohang)
- Ulsan Railway Station (Ulsan)
- Busan Railway Station (Busan)
- Daegu Railway Station (Daegu)
- Gwangju Railway Station (Gwangju)
6. Port of Incheon
Incheon is a major port city on the western coast of South Korea, serving as the country’s principal gateway to the world. The port handles a diverse range of cargo, including containers, chemicals, and automobiles. The proximity of Incheon to Seoul further enhances its importance, as it provides a direct link to the capital city’s industrial and commercial sectors. The port is a critical entry point for global shipping routes and supports various industries in the region.
City Location: Incheon, South Korea
Latitude: 37.4563° N
Longitude: 126.7052° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul | 40 | Incheon International Airport Expressway |
| Suwon | 60 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
| Gyeonggi-do | 50 | Yeongjongdaero Expressway |
| Ansan | 30 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
| Pyeongtaek | 70 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
| Daegu | 250 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
| Jeju | 390 | Express Ferry Service |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Incheon Railway Station (Incheon)
- Seoul Railway Station (Seoul)
- Suwon Railway Station (Suwon)
- Ansan Railway Station (Ansan)
- Gyeonggi-do Railway Station (Gyeonggi-do)
7. Port of Gwangju
The Port of Gwangju is situated in the southwestern part of South Korea, with a focus on general cargo and bulk shipments. It handles goods related to industrial sectors like petrochemicals, machinery, and electronics. The port is crucial for serving the local economy and its proximity to industrial hubs helps it meet the needs of various businesses.
City Location: Gwangju, South Korea
Latitude: 35.1600° N
Longitude: 126.8526° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Mokpo | 50 | Honam Expressway |
| Jeonju | 120 | Honam Expressway |
| Seoul | 300 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
| Busan | 350 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
| Daejeon | 250 | Honam Expressway |
| Gwangyang | 100 | Honam Expressway |
| Yeosu | 50 | Honam Expressway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Gwangju Railway Station (Gwangju)
- Mokpo Railway Station (Mokpo)
- Jeonju Railway Station (Jeonju)
- Seoul Railway Station (Seoul)
- Busan Railway Station (Busan)
8. Port of Yeosu
Yeosu is located in the southern part of South Korea and is a key port for the country’s petrochemical industry. The port is heavily involved in handling chemicals, oil products, and bulk materials. Additionally, Yeosu’s proximity to other industrial cities makes it a significant point for regional trade and commerce.
City Location: Yeosu, South Korea
Latitude: 34.7606° N
Longitude: 127.6622° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Gwangju | 100 | Honam Expressway |
| Mokpo | 90 | Honam Expressway |
| Jeonju | 150 | Honam Expressway |
| Busan | 350 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
| Daejeon | 250 | Honam Expressway |
| Gwangyang | 40 | Honam Expressway |
| Seoul | 400 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Yeosu Railway Station (Yeosu)
- Gwangju Railway Station (Gwangju)
- Mokpo Railway Station (Mokpo)
- Jeonju Railway Station (Jeonju)
- Busan Railway Station (Busan)
9. Port of Pohang
Pohang is known for its steel industry, with POSCO being one of the major steel producers in the world. The port handles a large volume of steel products, raw materials, and other industrial goods. It plays a key role in South Korea’s manufacturing sector, with strong connections to both domestic and international markets.
City Location: Pohang, South Korea
Latitude: 36.0217° N
Longitude: 129.3414° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Ulsan | 70 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
| Busan | 130 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
| Daegu | 120 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
| Gwangju | 280 | Honam Expressway |
| Jeonju | 310 | Honam Expressway |
| Daejeon | 360 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
| Seoul | 400 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Pohang Railway Station (Pohang)
- Ulsan Railway Station (Ulsan)
- Busan Railway Station (Busan)
- Daegu Railway Station (Daegu)
- Gwangju Railway Station (Gwangju)
10. Port of Mokpo
Mokpo, located in the southwestern part of South Korea, is a vital port for both general cargo and passengers. The port handles goods such as chemicals, grain, and automobiles, as well as serving as a hub for ferries and passenger ships to nearby islands and countries.
City Location: Mokpo, South Korea
Latitude: 34.7910° N
Longitude: 126.3928° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Gwangju | 80 | Honam Expressway |
| Jeonju | 100 | Honam Expressway |
| Busan | 230 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
| Daejeon | 180 | Honam Expressway |
| Gwangyang | 50 | Honam Expressway |
| Yeosu | 60 | Honam Expressway |
| Seoul | 400 | Gyeongbu Expressway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Mokpo Railway Station (Mokpo)
- Gwangju Railway Station (Gwangju)
- Jeonju Railway Station (Jeonju)
- Busan Railway Station (Busan)
- Daejeon Railway Station (Daejeon)