PORT OF BUSAN
Topic: PORT OF BUSAN
WORLD HARBOUR SERIES — EPISODE 05
PORT OF BUSAN — Asia’s Premier Logistics Hub
Located on the southeastern coast of South Korea, the Port of Busan is one of Asia’s most important maritime gateways. Its strategic position connects Northeast Asian markets with international shipping routes across the Pacific and beyond.
With modern container terminals, extensive shipping connections and efficient transshipment operations, Busan plays a vital role in international trade and global supply chains.
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PORT PROFILE
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Port Name: Port of Busan
Country: South Korea
Region: Northeast Asia
Opened: 1876
Port Authority: Busan Port Authority (BPA)
Major Port Areas: Busan North Port, Busan New Port, Gamcheon Port and Dadaepo Port
Official Website: https://www.busanpa.com/eng/
Busan has developed from a historic trading harbour into a major international logistics centre serving hundreds of ports around the world.
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2. PORT PERFORMANCE — 2025
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Busan achieved a record container throughput in 2025:
24.88 million TEUs in total container throughput.
14.10 million TEUs of transshipment cargo.
Approximately 57% of total container throughput came from transshipment.
Total container throughput increased by 2% compared with 2024.
These figures demonstrate Busan’s importance not only as a gateway for South Korean imports and exports, but also as a transfer point for cargo travelling between international shipping routes.
TEU means Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit, a standard measurement for container capacity.
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3. MAJOR PORT AREAS AND TERMINALS
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Busan New Port
A modern port development designed to accommodate large container vessels and growing international cargo volumes. Its terminals use advanced handling equipment and automated gate systems to support efficient operations.
Busan North Port
One of Busan’s historic port areas, with established container facilities and an ongoing transformation of parts of the waterfront for urban, commercial and maritime tourism uses.
Gamcheon Port
An important part of Busan’s wider port system, supporting cargo and maritime activities alongside the major container terminals.
Dadaepo Port
Another component of the wider Busan port area, contributing to the city’s broader maritime and port operations.
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4. WHAT CARGO MOVES THROUGH BUSAN?
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Busan supports a wide variety of shipping and logistics activities, including:
Containerised manufactured goods
Electronics and machinery
Automotive vehicles and parts
Industrial materials
Consumer goods and retail products
General cargo and project cargo
Transshipment containers moving between vessels
The port’s transshipment business is particularly significant. Containers arriving on one vessel can be transferred to another vessel for onward delivery to destinations throughout Asia and other regions.
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5. WHY IS BUSAN IMPORTANT TO GLOBAL TRADE?
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Strategic location:
Busan sits near major international shipping routes linking the Pacific and the Asian continent.
Global connectivity:
The port connects with hundreds of ports across approximately 100 countries.
Transshipment strength:
A large share of its container traffic consists of cargo transferred between vessels, supporting international shipping networks.
Industrial support:
Its logistics infrastructure helps South Korean manufacturers and exporters connect with overseas markets.
Regional distribution:
Shipping, road, rail and logistics networks help move goods between maritime terminals and inland destinations.
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6. SMART PORT TECHNOLOGY AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
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Busan continues to develop port facilities and logistics systems to handle rising cargo demand and improve operational efficiency.
Key areas include:
Advanced container-handling equipment
Automated terminal gate systems
Digital logistics and operational coordination
Improved connections between terminals and inland transport
Expansion of Busan New Port
Development of smarter and more sustainable port operations
These investments aim to strengthen Busan’s position as a competitive international logistics hub.
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9. OFFICIAL PORT AUTHORITY CONTACT
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Busan Port Authority (BPA)
Address: 122, Daegyo-ro, Jung-gu, Busan 48943, Republic of Korea
Telephone: +82-51-999-3000
Official Website: https://www.busanpa.com/eng/
These are the authority’s general contact details. For cargo bookings and specific terminal operations, contact the relevant shipping line or terminal operator directly.
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