Kwangyang, South Korea

Port Overview

Kwangyang, located in South Korea, is a significant maritime hub. Strategically positioned, it plays a crucial role in the country's trade and logistics. The port is managed by the Yeosu Regional Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Office. While specific annual TEU capacity figures are not readily available, Kwangyang is known for its large size and importance in handling various types of cargo. Its strategic location facilitates trade with neighboring countries and global markets, making it a vital component of South Korea's economic infrastructure.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Kwangyang Port features a major container terminal with over 30 container cranes, extensive yard space for more than 123,000 TEUs, and a 100% on-dock system for efficient cargo handling. The port includes specialized terminals for containers, bulk cargo, and LNG, with modern equipment such as automated gate services and advanced IT systems. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and high-capacity cranes support rapid vessel turnaround and high-volume operations.

Container Terminals

Kwangyang’s container terminals feature 16 dedicated container berths with a total annual capacity exceeding 2.5 million TEU. The terminals are equipped with advanced automation, including automated stacking cranes and state-of-the-art IT systems, supporting efficient operations and high throughput. Major operators include PSA Korea and Korea International Terminal. The port accommodates ultra-large container vessels and offers 100% on-dock systems, making it one of South Korea’s most modern and efficient container hubs.

Port Services

Main Services at Kwangyang Port

Container Handling & Cargo Operations The port handles diverse vessel types including bulk carriers, container ships, tankers, and general cargo vessels. Primary operations focus on cargo handling (86.92% of port usage) and tanker services (6.92%).

Ship Services The port accommodates vessels with maximum drafts up to 21 meters and handles ships with LOA up to 366 meters. Various vessel types are served including bulk carriers, container ships, gas carriers, and ro-ro vessels.

Port Facilities Large-scale seaport infrastructure supports commercial shipping operations with appropriate berthing and mooring facilities for international maritime trade.

Global Connectivity

Kwangyang Port in South Korea is a major logistics hub with direct shipping connections to ports in China, Vietnam, Guam, Saipan, and the Indian west coast, and is expanding links to Europe, South America, and the US East Coast. It serves South Korea’s industrial heartland, especially steel and energy sectors, and is integrated with national rail and road networks, enabling efficient access to domestic and international markets along key East Asian trade routes.

Port Statistics

Port of Kwangyang, South Korea:

• TEU Throughput: 2.01 million TEUs in 2024
• World Ranking: Among top 60 container ports globally
• Number of Berths: 20 main berths for 20,000–50,000-ton vessels
• Area: Extensive yard space for over 123,000 TEUs; large-scale terminal infrastructure
• Shipping Lines: Served by major global carriers including Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, HMM, and others

Kwangyang is a key gateway for South Korea’s industrial and energy sectors, with modern facilities supporting mega-vessel operations.