Busan, South Korea

Port Overview

Busan is located on the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula and is South Korea’s second-largest city. Its port is the country’s busiest and ranks as the world’s sixth-largest container port, handling over 22 million TEU annually. Busan’s strategic location makes it a vital gateway for Northeast Asian trade, connecting Korea to major global shipping routes. The port’s size and efficiency underpin Busan’s role as a key logistics and industrial hub in the region.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Busan Port features major terminals including North Port for general cargo and passengers, and Busan New Port, a state-of-the-art container terminal with deep-water berths and advanced automation. Key facilities include six container terminals, multi-purpose piers, and extensive open-air storage. The port is equipped with numerous ship-to-shore cranes, automated stacking cranes, and AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) to support high-volume, efficient cargo handling and accommodate the world’s largest container vessels.

Container Terminals

Busan's container terminals are a key part of South Korea's logistics infrastructure. The Busan New Port Container Terminal features four berths capable of handling 50,000-ton ships. It has a yearly capacity of over 2.6 million TEUs and is equipped with advanced automation systems. Major operators include KCTC, which provides specialized container stevedoring services. The port is renowned for its efficiency and strategic importance in global trade.

Port Services

• Container handling: advanced terminals for loading, unloading, and transshipment of containers
• Cargo operations: general cargo, bulk, and specialized cargo handling
• Ship services: bunkering, ship supplies, repairs, and pilotage
• Warehousing: extensive storage facilities, logistics parks, and bonded warehouses
• Customs: efficient customs clearance, inspection, and documentation services

Global Connectivity

Busan is South Korea’s largest port and a major global transshipment hub, connecting over 500 ports in more than 100 countries. It serves Northeast Asia, including China, Japan, and Russia, and is a key gateway for Korean exports to the United States, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Positioned on main East-West shipping routes, Busan offers frequent, direct services to major markets, supporting efficient trade across Asia, the Americas, and Europe.

Port Statistics

Port of Busan, South Korea – Key Statistics (2024):

• TEU throughput: 24.4 million TEU
• World ranking: 7th largest container port
• Number of berths: 45
• Port area: Approximately 840 hectares
• Shipping lines: Served by over 150 shipping lines, connecting to more than 500 ports worldwide

Busan is a major transshipment hub and the principal gateway for Northeast Asia’s trade.