The largest ports in South Korea 

South Korea is the fourth-largest Asian economy and the fifth-biggest exporter in the world. It has several major ports that handle import and export operations to facilitate international trade. One of the ports is in the top ten in the world. What are the largest ports in South Korea?

The largest ports in South Korea – top 5

Here’s an overview of the five largest seaports in South Korea by handled cargo in tones for 2023, along with their respective websites, cargo handled, and growth rates from 2022 to 2023.

The largest port in South Korea – a map

Seaports in South Korea map

Port of Pyeongtaek-Dangjin (KRPTK)

Pyeongtaek Dangjin Port

The port of Pyeongtaek-Dangjin is located on the west coast. It specializes in handling bulk and general cargo. It is a port of call for 17 routes to/from Vietnam, China, the Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. There are also ferry services offered.

  • Website: gppc.or.kr/main.do
  • Handled cargo in 2023 in tons: 116,607,017
  • Annual container throughput in 2023: 0,8 m TEU
  • Growth rate 2022/2023: +0.4%  

Port of Incheon (KRINC)

Incheon Port

Incheon’s seaport was the most important factor in the city’s development. The port of Incheon is located at the mouth of the Han River, which is very close to Seoul. It is used for both cargo and ferry services. It handles cars, grains, general cargo, etc.

  • Website: icpa.or.kr/eng/index.do
  • Handled cargo in 2023 in tons: 146,863,650
  • Annual container throughput in 2023: 3,46 TEU
  • Growth rate 2022/2023: -2%

Port of Ulsan (KRUSN)

Ulsan Port

Port of Ulsan is located on the southeast coast. It is heavily oriented towards the petrochemical and automobile sectors. As the industrial powerhouse of South Korea, Ulsan’s port supports immense volumes of chemical products, providing critical logistic services that bolster the region’s manufacturing capabilities.

  • Website: ulsan.mof.go.kr/en/index.do
  • Handled cargo in 2023 in tons: 192,541,995
  • Annual container throughput in 2023: 0,4 m TEU
  • Growth rate 2022/2023: -1.2%

Port of Yeosu-Gwangyang (KRKAN)

Yeosu-Gwangyang Port

The Port of Gwangyang is situated in the southern part of the peninsula. It can handle massive quantities of bulk and containerized cargo. The port is pivotal for supporting the country’s heavy industries and facilitating international trade.

  • Website: gwangyang.go.kr/port
  • Handled cargo in 2023 in tons: 276,516,394
  • Annual container throughput in 2023: 1,86 m TEU
  • Growth rate 2022/2023: +1.5%

The biggest port in South Korea – Port of Busan (KRPUS)

Port of Busan

The Port of Busan is the largest port in South Korea and one of the ten biggest container ports in the world. As it is situated at the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula, it serves as a crucial transshipment hub in East Asia.

  • Website: busanpa.com/eng/Main.do
  • Handled cargo in 2023 in tons: 434,668,799
  • Annual container throughput in 2023: 23,15 m TEU
  • Growth rate 2022/2023: +2.3%

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