
Yeosu, South Korea — Situated on the eastern coast of the Yeosu peninsula in southern South Korea, Yeosu Port occupies a strategic position near the Korea Strait and Yeosu Bay. Its geographic advantages provide competitive distances to major neighboring ports: 151 nautical miles west to Mokpo, 97 nautical miles east to Busan Port, and 108 nautical miles southwest to Jeju Island's ports.
Tidal Characteristics and Navigation
The port's maritime operations are significantly influenced by its tidal patterns. Yeosu experiences a semi-diurnal tidal cycle, with average spring tides reaching 3.3 meters at high tide and 0.4 meters at low tide. Neap tides measure 2.4 meters (high) and 1.3 meters (low). During spring and autumn, strong easterly winds often create swells that pose navigation challenges. Currently, the new port area's approach channel accommodates vessels with up to 19-meter drafts, while the inner harbor restricts access to 8-meter drafts.
Port Infrastructure
Yeosu Port comprises two distinct sections. The older inner harbor , located southeast of the city, features three major dry bulk terminals. Terminal 1 stretches 1,302 meters with 6.5-meter water depth, primarily serving coastal cargo operations and passenger vessels. Terminals 2 and 3 measure 120 meters and 623 meters respectively, handling 3,000-ton and 7,000-ton general cargo ships.
The new port area in Gwangyang Bay's northeastern sector has emerged as a critical petroleum hub. Its refinery complex includes a 370-meter crude oil terminal capable of berthing 250,000-ton tankers, complemented by an offshore crude oil platform of similar capacity. Five additional product oil berths facilitate efficient marine transportation.
Future Developments
A major container terminal project on the southern coast of Guryong Bay has received substantial government backing, with total investments projected at $3.7 billion. Phase one completion is scheduled for 1996, followed by phase two in 2000. Upon completion, the terminal's annual handling capacity will reach 2.4 million TEUs, positioning Yeosu as a significant player in container shipping.
As a multipurpose port serving diverse industrial needs, Yeosu continues strengthening its regional economic importance, with promising prospects for future growth in maritime trade and logistics.