Busan Port: A Gateway to the World

The Origin of Busan Port

Busan Port, also known as Pusan Port or Fusan Port, is a major international port located in Busan, South Korea. The history of this port dates back to the early 14th century when the city served as a gateway for maritime trade between Korea and Japan. However, with the introduction of steamships in the 19th century, Busan Port gained more importance and became a vital trading hub for East Asia.

The Evolution of Busan Port Code

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) assigns a unique code to each port in the world, known as the UN/LOCODE. The code for Busan Port was initially KR PUS, reflecting the city's name and country code (KR for South Korea). However, in 2018, the Busan Port Authority (BPA) decided to change the code from PUS to KP BUS, following North Korea's request to rename the city's airport code from WONSAN to WON. This change caused some confusion among international shipping companies and logistics providers, but BPA clarified that both codes will be accepted until December 31, 2021.

Busan Port's Impressive Statistics

Busan Port is currently the fifth busiest container port in the world, handling over 21 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of cargo in 2020. It also ranks first in transshipment volume, accounting for 80% of South Korea's international maritime transshipment. In addition, the port has 33 terminals spread over three main areas: North Port, Gamman Port, and Gamcheon Port. These terminals are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technologies, such as automated cranes and electronic data interchange systems, to ensure efficient and safe handling of various types of cargo. In conclusion, Busan Port plays a crucial role in South Korea's economy and global trade. With its strategic location, cutting-edge infrastructure, and diverse services, it serves as a gateway to the world for Korean businesses and facilitates seamless connectivity between Asia and other continents.