In today's globalized trade environment, ports serve as crucial nodes in maritime logistics. Pohang Port, an industrial harbor located in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, plays an indispensable role in both the national economy and international trade, thanks to its strategic location and advanced facilities. But what exactly makes Pohang Port stand out?
Pohang Port Overview
Internationally recognized in maritime circles, Pohang Port (with the five-letter code KRKPO) is situated at the mouth of the Seongcheon River in Yeongil Bay, along the southeastern coast of the Korean Peninsula near the Sea of Japan. The port boasts favorable natural conditions and transportation infrastructure.
Located approximately 60 nautical miles south of Ulsan Port and 89 nautical miles from Busan Port, Pohang maintains northern connections too—95 nautical miles to Mukho Port and 350 nautical miles to Chongjin Port in North Korea.
The port benefits from an extensive transportation network, with direct links to railroads and major highways that support coastal shipping along north-south routes. While Yeongil Bay doesn't offer optimal shelter conditions, southeast winds during summer months help maintain stable navigation. Notably, winter northeast winds can create significant swells that may affect smaller vessels.
Terminal Facilities and Operations
As a fully artificial harbor, Pohang Port features a total quay length of 7,850 meters with more than 30 berths, handling over 30 million tons of cargo annually. The port primarily imports raw materials like iron ore, coal, and limestone while exporting industrial products including steel and cement—serving as the lifeline for POSCO's steel complex. With an annual production capacity exceeding 15 million tons, this facility positions South Korea as a major player in the global steel market.
Through multiple expansion projects, Pohang Port now operates eight numbered terminals with specialized functions:
Terminal 1
Located at the base of the north breakwater, this 950-meter facility contains three berths capable of accommodating vessels with drafts of 14.5–16.5 meters. Equipped with unloaders handling 1,500 tons per hour, it primarily processes iron ore and coal imports.
Terminal 2
Stretching 950 meters with three berths (depth: 10.8–11.2 meters), this coal-specific terminal operates three unloaders with capacities ranging from 700–1,000 tons per hour.
Terminal 3
This 850-meter steel export terminal features water depths of 7.0–9.5 meters.
Terminal 4
A 420-meter general cargo terminal with 9.0–10.4 meter depths.
Terminal 5
This 750-meter pier structure (depth: 10–11 meters) contains five berths dedicated to steel and cement handling.
Terminal 6
Situated in the second harbor basin, this 400-meter general cargo facility maintains 5-meter depths.
Terminal 7
With four berths (depth: 9–11 meters), this versatile terminal handles various cargo types.
Terminal 8
This 500-meter facility (depth: 9.5–11.0 meters) serves the third harbor basin.
Pohang Port's shipping capacity and well-organized terminal structure give it strong competitiveness in meeting both domestic and international maritime demands. Through continuous infrastructure investment and technological innovation, the port demonstrates significant growth potential—positioned to further stimulate regional economic development and enhance South Korea's role in global trade.
