North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), is located in East Asia, sharing borders with China to the north and northwest, Russia to the northeast, and South Korea to the south. It has a coastline along the Yellow Sea to the west and the Sea of Japan (East Sea) to the east. Despite its geographic location and access to the sea, North Korea’s ports and terminals are primarily focused on maritime transportation due to its limited inland waterways:
- Sea Ports: North Korea has several sea ports along its coastlines, serving as vital hubs for maritime trade and transportation. Major sea ports include:
- Port of Nampo: Located on the west coast of North Korea, the Port of Nampo is one of the country’s busiest ports, handling a variety of cargo including coal, minerals, and agricultural products.
- Port of Chongjin: Situated on the east coast near the border with Russia, the Port of Chongjin plays a significant role in facilitating trade with neighboring countries.
- Rajin Port: Located in the northeastern part of North Korea, near the border with Russia and China, Rajin Port is an important gateway for international trade, particularly with Russia’s Far East
- River Ports: While North Korea has some rivers, they are not extensively navigable, and therefore, river ports play a minor role in transportation compared to sea ports. However, there may be small river ports along navigable stretches of rivers for local transportation and trade.
- Inland Terminals: Inland terminals in North Korea are limited due to its mountainous terrain and lack of extensive river networks. Most of the country’s transportation infrastructure is focused on sea ports for international trade and coastal shipping.
- Border Crossings: North Korea has limited border crossings with neighboring countries, primarily China and Russia. These border crossings facilitate land-based trade and transportation. However, access to these crossings may be restricted due to political tensions and international sanctions.
List of Largest Ports in North Korea
| Port Name | Types of Cargo Ships | Monthly Arrivals |
|---|---|---|
| Port of Nampo | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker | 300 |
| Port of Chongjin | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker | 200 |
| Port of Rajin | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker | 150 |
| Port of Wonsan | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker | 120 |
| Port of Songnim | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker | 100 |
| Port of Haeju | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker | 80 |
| Port of Rason | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker | 70 |
| Port of Sinuiju | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker | 60 |
| Port of Hungnam | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker | 50 |
| Port of Chongjin | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker | 40 |
| Port of Anbyon | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker | 30 |
| Port of Kumya | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker | 25 |
| Port of Koampo | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker | 20 |
| Port of Yonbong | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker | 15 |
| Port of Ungsang | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker | 10 |
Major Ports of North Korea
1. Nampo Port
Nampo Port, located in the southwestern part of North Korea, is one of the most important ports in the country. It serves as the primary access point for international trade, particularly for goods entering from China and other countries. The port is vital for North Korea’s export of raw materials, including coal, textiles, and agricultural products. Nampo has specialized terminals for both bulk cargo and containerized goods, and its infrastructure is well-developed compared to many other North Korean ports. It also serves as a strategic port for military use.
City Location: Nampo, North Korea
Latitude: 38.7344° N
Longitude: 125.2011° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Pyongyang | 60 | P1 |
| Kaesong | 130 | P4 |
| Sinuiju | 230 | P5 |
| Wonsan | 210 | P2 |
| Haeju | 150 | P6 |
| Kumchon | 180 | P1 |
| Nampo | 0 | P1 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Nampo Railway Station (North Korea)
- Pyongyang Railway Station (North Korea)
- Kaesong Railway Station (North Korea)
- Sinuiju Railway Station (North Korea)
- Wonsan Railway Station (North Korea)
2. Rason Port
Rason Port is located in the far northeastern corner of North Korea, bordering Russia and China. The port is strategically important for international trade, particularly with China, and serves as a key access point for both imports and exports. Rason has become more significant in recent years as the country has attempted to open up to more international commerce, particularly from neighboring countries. The port is located in a Special Economic Zone, making it a critical part of North Korea’s foreign trade strategy.
City Location: Rason, North Korea
Latitude: 42.2682° N
Longitude: 130.7571° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Chongjin | 70 | R2 |
| Vladivostok (Russia) | 200 | R1 |
| Hunchun (China) | 20 | R2 |
| Wonsan | 310 | R2 |
| Pyongyang | 580 | R1 |
| Hamhung | 280 | R2 |
| Sinuiju | 500 | R3 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Rason Railway Station (North Korea)
- Chongjin Railway Station (North Korea)
- Vladivostok Railway Station (Russia)
- Wonsan Railway Station (North Korea)
- Hunchun Railway Station (China)
3. Wonsan Port
Wonsan Port, located on the southeastern coast of North Korea, is another important port that primarily serves as a gateway for trade with South Korea, Japan, and China. Wonsan is historically significant as it was once a prominent location for the country’s fishing industry, and it still plays a critical role in the export of seafood. In addition to that, it handles bulk goods, containers, and petroleum products. Wonsan also serves as a tourist hub, with the North Korean government promoting it for international visitors.
City Location: Wonsan, North Korea
Latitude: 39.1472° N
Longitude: 127.4456° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Pyongyang | 240 | P2 |
| Hamhung | 120 | P3 |
| Chongjin | 160 | P4 |
| Kaesong | 380 | P1 |
| Sinuiju | 530 | P5 |
| Nampo | 450 | P2 |
| Haeju | 320 | P6 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Wonsan Railway Station (North Korea)
- Hamhung Railway Station (North Korea)
- Chongjin Railway Station (North Korea)
- Pyongyang Railway Station (North Korea)
- Kaesong Railway Station (North Korea)
4. Haeju Port
Haeju Port, located in the southwestern part of North Korea, is another significant port. Haeju is a critical port for trade in the western part of the country, providing access to cargo moving along the Yellow Sea. The port handles bulk goods, containers, and agricultural products. Additionally, the port has seen improvements over time, with plans to further modernize its infrastructure. Haeju’s proximity to the South Korean border makes it important for trade in the region.
City Location: Haeju, North Korea
Latitude: 38.1394° N
Longitude: 125.7544° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Pyongyang | 270 | P1 |
| Nampo | 150 | P6 |
| Kaesong | 200 | P1 |
| Wonsan | 420 | P2 |
| Hunchun (China) | 380 | P3 |
| Chongjin | 500 | P4 |
| Sinuiju | 600 | P5 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Haeju Railway Station (North Korea)
- Pyongyang Railway Station (North Korea)
- Nampo Railway Station (North Korea)
- Kaesong Railway Station (North Korea)
- Sinuiju Railway Station (North Korea)
5. Chongjin Port
Chongjin Port, located in the northeastern part of North Korea, is a key port in the country’s industrial region. It is primarily used for handling bulk commodities, including coal, and is an important outlet for products from the heavy industry in this area. The port is less active than others like Nampo or Rason but still plays an important role in North Korea’s overall economy. Chongjin also supports regional trade with neighboring Russia and China.
City Location: Chongjin, North Korea
Latitude: 41.7778° N
Longitude: 130.5433° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Rason | 70 | R2 |
| Hamhung | 220 | R3 |
| Wonsan | 350 | R2 |
| Pyongyang | 670 | R1 |
| Sinuiju | 830 | R3 |
| Hunchun (China) | 90 | R2 |
| Vladivostok (Russia) | 250 | R1 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Chongjin Railway Station (North Korea)
- Hamhung Railway Station (North Korea)
- Rason Railway Station (North Korea)
- Sinuiju Railway Station (North Korea)
- Vladivostok Railway Station (Russia)
6. Hamhung Port
Hamhung Port, located on the east coast of North Korea, is one of the country’s most important industrial ports. It serves as a major point for exporting industrial products, coal, and various minerals. Hamhung has a strong industrial presence, with factories and heavy industries nearby. The port also handles bulk cargo and is considered crucial for trade in the eastern region of the country.
City Location: Hamhung, North Korea
Latitude: 39.9211° N
Longitude: 127.5361° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Wonsan | 120 | P2 |
| Pyongyang | 300 | P1 |
| Chongjin | 220 | P4 |
| Kaesong | 450 | P1 |
| Sinuiju | 550 | P5 |
| Nampo | 480 | P2 |
| Haeju | 320 | P6 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Hamhung Railway Station (North Korea)
- Wonsan Railway Station (North Korea)
- Pyongyang Railway Station (North Korea)
- Chongjin Railway Station (North Korea)
- Kaesong Railway Station (North Korea)
7. Sinuiju Port
Sinuiju Port, located at the northwestern tip of North Korea, is a significant trade point for commerce between North Korea and China. Situated along the Yalu River, it serves as a strategic hub for goods entering from China. It handles bulk goods such as coal and other natural resources, contributing significantly to the region’s economy. It also plays an important role in North Korea’s agricultural trade.
City Location: Sinuiju, North Korea
Latitude: 40.1042° N
Longitude: 124.3997° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Dandong (China) | 10 | S1 |
| Pyongyang | 530 | S2 |
| Hunchun (China) | 200 | S3 |
| Rason | 600 | S2 |
| Hamhung | 750 | S1 |
| Chongjin | 830 | S3 |
| Wonsan | 960 | S2 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Sinuiju Railway Station (North Korea)
- Dandong Railway Station (China)
- Pyongyang Railway Station (North Korea)
- Hunchun Railway Station (China)
- Chongjin Railway Station (North Korea)