Pohang, South Korea
Pohang is South Korea’s leading steel industry hub and major east coast port city.
Port Overview
Pohang is a major port city located on South Korea’s eastern coast, bordering the East Sea in North Gyeongsang Province. It ranks as the largest city in the province and has the third largest land area among South Korean cities. Strategically, Pohang is vital for its industrial base, notably hosting POSCO, one of the world’s largest steelmakers, and serving as a key shipping and fishing hub. The port’s annual container throughput is approximately 500,000 TEU, supporting regional trade and heavy industry.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Pohang Port features three main areas: Shinhang (New Port), Guhang (Old Port), and Yeongilmanhang. Key terminals include the Yeongilmanhang Container Terminal, with a 1,000-meter container pier and a general cargo pier. Facilities support steel, containers, sand, oil, and passenger traffic. Equipment includes container cranes, transfer cranes, reach stackers, top handlers, yard tractors, and chassis. The port is closely integrated with POSCO and offers modern cargo handling and transshipment services. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are not currently listed among its equipment.
Container Terminals
Pohang's container terminal at Yeongilmanhang opened in 2009 as the first container facility serving the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region. The terminal features 4 berths with 1,000 meters of quay length and 12-meter depth, accommodating vessels up to 20,000 DWT. Annual capacity reaches 260,000 TEU (1.5 million TEU port-wide). The facility operates with semi-automated equipment including 2 container cranes, 5 transfer cranes, reach stackers, and yard tractors. Pohang Yeongilman Shinhang Port Co. manages terminal operations, handling containers and general cargo.
Port Services
Main services at Pohang Port include:
- Container Handling: Advanced container terminals with modern intermodal capabilities.
- Cargo Operations: Specialized bulk cargo handling infrastructure for steel and industrial products.
- Ship Services: Comprehensive ship repair, maintenance, and bunkering services.
- Warehousing: Extensive storage yards and warehousing complexes.
- Customs: Efficient customs clearance and documentation support.
Global Connectivity
Pohang Port in South Korea offers direct connectivity to major transpacific and intra-Asian shipping routes, serving key regional markets such as Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do. It is linked to nearby ports including Ulsan and Onsan, and supports regular departures by carriers like King Ocean, CK Line, Samudera, and Namsung. The port handles bulk, container, and industrial cargo, facilitating efficient access to Northeast Asian and global markets through integrated road and rail networks.
Port Statistics
Port of Pohang, South Korea – Key Statistics
- TEU Throughput: Approximately 1.2 million TEUs annually.
- World Ranking: 534th in global port connectivity.
- Number of Berths: 24 berths.
- Port Area: Covers around 1.5 million square meters.
- Shipping Lines: Served by major carriers including Hyundai Merchant Marine, Sinokor, and Pan Ocean.
Pohang is a vital industrial port, closely linked to the steel industry and POSCO operations.
