Masan, South Korea
Masan is a historic South Korean port city renowned for its industrial heritage and pivotal role in democratization.
Port Overview
Masan, located on the southern coast of South Korea within Changwon city, is a major port on Masan Bay, approximately 35 km west of Busan. Covering about 1,400 hectares along a 28 km coastline, Masan ranks among South Korea’s significant commercial ports. Its strategic position makes it a key gateway for trade with China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, serving both industrial and automotive exports. The port handles over 900,000 TEU annually, supporting the Changwon National Industrial Complex and facilitating regular liner services across Northeast and Southeast Asia.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Masan Port features multiple specialized terminals, including a dedicated container terminal with an annual capacity of around 500,000 TEU, bulk cargo and general cargo terminals, and an 80,000 m² car terminal yard. Facilities include approximately 2,500 meters of berth, modern gantry cranes, advanced cargo handling systems, and intermodal transfer infrastructure. The port is equipped with container cranes, bulk material handling equipment, and offers efficient rail and road connectivity. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are not specifically documented.
Container Terminals
Masan, South Korea’s container terminal features 4 berths with a total length of 980 meters and a water depth of 12 meters, supporting vessels up to 30,000 DWT. The terminal has an annual capacity of approximately 500,000 TEU. Automation is moderate, with modern gantry cranes and advanced handling equipment, but not fully automated. Major operators include Masan Newport Terminal Operation Co., Ltd. and Masan I-Port Co., Ltd.
Port Services
- Container handling: Facilities for loading and unloading containers, including mobile and fixed cranes, and dedicated container yards.
- Cargo operations: Handling of bulk, general, and project cargo with advanced stevedoring and wharf services.
- Ship services: Bunker fuel supply, fresh water provisioning, ship repair and maintenance, pilotage, tug assistance, and waste management.
- Warehousing: On-site storage for various cargo types, including large yards for vehicles and general goods.
- Customs: Streamlined customs clearance, documentation support, and efficient processing for imports and exports.
Global Connectivity
Masan Port in southeast South Korea offers direct connectivity to major Asian ports, including regular liner services to Japan, Southeast Asia, and Northeast Asia. It serves the Changwon National Industrial Complex and the wider Gyeongsangnam-do region, with efficient rail and road links to inland manufacturing centers. Shipping routes from Masan reach key global markets such as Los Angeles, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Tokyo, supporting both container and bulk cargo operations.
Port Statistics
Port of Masan, South Korea – Key Statistics
- TEU Throughput: Approximately 500,000 TEU annually
- World Ranking: Not ranked among the world’s top 100 container ports
- Number of Berths: Multiple dedicated berths; total berth length about 2,500 meters
- Port Area: Medium-sized coastal natural harbor
- Shipping Lines: Serviced by major regional and international shipping lines, supporting container, bulk, and general cargo operations
