Korean ports handle 8.58 million TEU in Q3, up 8.5% — transshipment jumps 20.7%

Korea's trade ports handled 406.91 million tonnes in the third quarter, up 1.4% year on year, according to figures released by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries on October 29. Import and export cargo totaled 351.53 million tonnes (+2.9%), while coastal cargo fell to 55.38 million tonnes (-7.0%).

Container volume rose 8.5% to 8.58 million TEU. Transshipment accounted for most of the gain, climbing 20.7% to 4.19 million TEU, while import and export boxes dipped 1.1% to 4.34 million TEU. The ministry pointed to more ship calls at Busan and Gwangyang as typhoons congested Chinese ports, along with Busan's growing role as a hub.

By port, Busan handled 6.77 million TEU, up 11.2% (transshipment 4.09 million TEU, +20.3%). Incheon handled 0.86 million TEU (-2.1%), affected by delays and skipped calls caused by typhoons in southeastern China, and Gwangyang handled 0.499 million TEU (-1.0%) after carriers adjusted their routes. Non-container cargo fell 3.9% on lower volumes of petroleum gas and refined products.

Changes to vessel schedules can shift cargo arrival dates. For shipments booked with KALTSTART, we check vessel arrival schedules and let you know right away if anything changes. Cargo tracking and instant quotes are available on our website.

Sources: Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, "Q3 2026 trade port cargo volume" (Oct 29, 2026, via KDI Economic Information and Education Center) https://eiec.kdi.re.kr/policy/materialView.do?num=288701 Dailian (Oct 29, 2026) https://www.dailian.co.kr/news/view/1707757/