Gunsan, South Korea
Gunsan is a historic port city blending modern industry with rich maritime heritage and unique colonial-era architecture.
Port Overview
Gunsan is a port city on the Yellow Sea coast in North Jeolla Province, South Korea, about 200 km southwest of Seoul. It ranks as a mid-sized city with a population of over 310,000 and is the province’s second largest after Jeonju and Iksan. Strategically, Gunsan serves as a major industrial and export hub, benefiting from a free trade zone and proximity to the Saemangeum Seawall. The port handles approximately 250,000 TEU annually, supporting regional manufacturing and international trade.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Gunsan Port features key terminals including Pier 4 for automobiles, Pier 6 for grain, and a dedicated cement pier and petroleum dolphin facilities. The port has 31 berths, a 6,756-meter pier, and handles bulk, general, and specialized cargo such as coal, steel, and petroleum. Major equipment includes shore cranes, shore grabs, forklifts, and container lifters. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are not reported as part of the current equipment.
Container Terminals
Gunsan Port has 6 container berths with a total quay length of approximately 1,270 meters. The annual container handling capacity is modest compared to major Korean ports, serving regional trade and industrial cargo. Automation levels are low, with operations primarily manual. Major operators include the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and private stevedoring companies such as Sebang and CJ Logistics. The port mainly supports regional industries and bulk cargo, with limited container throughput.
Port Services
- Container handling: Dedicated container berths and equipment for efficient loading and unloading.
- Cargo operations: Stevedoring for general, bulk, and vehicle cargo; open-air storage yards and bonded warehouses.
- Ship services: Bunker supply, ship provisions, fresh water, garbage and sludge removal, repair workshops, and crew medical facilities.
- Warehousing: Bonded sheds and multiple bonded warehouses for secure cargo storage.
- Customs: Full customs clearance and inspection facilities for import/export cargo.
Global Connectivity
Gunsan Port, located on South Korea’s west coast, offers strong connectivity via road and rail to inland industrial regions, including Jeonbuk Province. It serves as a gateway for bulk, general cargo, vehicles, and grain, with regular shipping routes to major Northeast Asian markets such as China and Japan. Key carriers like Evergreen and Namsung operate frequent services, linking Gunsan to regional ports and supporting international trade flows.
Port Statistics
Port of Gunsan, South Korea – Key Statistics
- TEU throughput: Approximately 51,000 TEU annually
- World ranking: 292nd by port connectivity
- Number of berths: 4
- Port area: Classified as large
- Shipping lines: Evergreen, Dong Young, Namsung, CK Line, Dongjin
Gunsan serves as a regional gateway with regular container and bulk services, supporting major Korean and international carriers.
