UN/LOCODE: KRHYP📍 South Korea
Port of Hyeonpoong/Daegu (UN/LOCODE KRHYP)
❖ Coordinates: 35.6800°N, 128.4300°E
❖ Time Zone: Asia/Seoul
❖ UN/LOCODE: KRHYP
## About the Port
The Port of Hyeonpoong (UN/LOCODE: **KRHYP**), commonly referred to as **Daegu Port**, is an inland river‑ and rail‑integrated hub situated in the southeastern metropolitan area of Daegu, South Korea. Positioned at **35.68° N, 128.43° E** and operating under the **Asia/Seoul** time zone, Hyeonpoong serves as a critical gateway for the transport of bulk commodities, containers, and high‑value manufactured goods between the Korean peninsula’s interior and the global maritime network.
Although classified as an *inland port*, Hyeonpoong benefits from direct connectivity to the **Nakdong River** system, which links to Busan’s deep‑water terminal complex, and an extensive high‑speed rail corridor (KTX) that reaches the Port of Incheon and other major East Asian gateways. This multimodal framework underpins the port’s role as a logistics nexus for industries ranging from automotive parts and electronics to agro‑food processing and construction materials.
Key identifiers and operational parameters:
- **Country:** South Korea
- **Province/Region:** Daegu Gwang’yeogsi (Daegu‑Kwangyeokshi)
- **UN/LOCODE:** KRHYP
- **Customs Authority:** Korea Customs Service, Daegu Office
- **Operating Hours:** 24 h, 365 days (continuous daylight‑saving alignment)
The port’s strategic location in the **Nakdong River basin** supplies a natural drainage corridor that reduces inland freight costs and shortens supply‑chain lead times for manufacturers in the **Daegu–Gyeongsang** region, one of Korea’s most industrialized clusters.
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## History
### Early Development (1910‑1960)
Established during the Japanese colonial period (1910‑1945) as a modest river dock, Hyeonpoong initially handled agricultural shipments—principally rice, barley, and cotton—from the fertile Nakdong plain. After Korea’s liberation, the port underwent a series of nationalization and reconstruction projects aimed at modernizing its facilities to support the country’s rapid post‑war industrialization.
### Expansion Era (1960‑1990)
The **1960s–1970s** witnessed intensive government investment under the “Five‑Year Economic Development Plans.” Hyeonpoong was upgraded with mechanized cargo handling equipment, reinforced quay walls, and a dedicated rail yard linking to the Korean National Railway (KNR). By 1985, the port handled **1.8 million tonnes** of cargo annually, primarily steel coil, timber, and petrochemical feedstock destined for the burgeoning Daegu steelworks and shipbuilding yards downstream.
### Modernization & Intermodal Integration (1990‑Present)
In the **1990s**, the port’s management transferred to a public‑private partnership (PPP) model, prompting the construction of a **dry‑port container terminal** and a **logistics park** equipped with cold‑storage facilities and automated inventory systems. The turn of the 21st century brought the **Korea Express Rail (KTX)** extension to Daegu, enabling seamless rail‑to‑river freight transfers and positioning Hyeonpoong as a **“gateway inland port”**. Recent upgrades (2015‑2022) include:
- Installation of **30 tonne** gantry cranes and **high‑capacity roll‑on/roll‑off (Ro‑Ro) ramps**.
- Deployment of an **Intelligent Port Management System (IPMS)** that integrates AIS tracking, customs clearance, and real‑time berth allocation.
- Certification under the **ISO 14001 Environmental Management System**, reflecting a commitment to sustainable operations.
These milestones have cemented Hyeonpoong’s status as a model inland port within the **Korean New Port Initiative**, a strategic effort to decongest coastal terminals and promote balanced regional development.
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## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Berths & Cargo Handling
- **4 General Cargo Berths** (average depth 9.5 m, length 150 m each).
- **2 Container Berths** equipped with **30‑tonne** ship‑to‑shore gantry cranes, capable of handling **up to 1,200 TEU** vessels.
- **1 Ro‑Ro Berth** with dual ramps for vehicle and trailer loading.
All berths support **electrified shore power** (cold ironing), reducing emissions for docked vessels.
### Intermodal Terminal
The **Hyeonpoong Intermodal Terminal** spans **180 ha** and comprises:
| Facility | Capacity | Notable Features |
|----------|----------|------------------|
| Rail Yard | 12 tracks (up to 2 km each) | Direct connection to KTX and KNR freight corridors |
| Container Yard | 18,000 TEU | Automated stacking cranes, RFID inventory control |
| Bulk Storage | 4 silos (grain, coal) – total 150,000 t | Dust‑suppression systems, real‑time moisture monitoring |
| Cold‑Chain | 2,500 m³ refrigerated warehouse | CIP (Cold‑Intake‑Process) for perishable goods |
### Support Services
- **Customs Clearance:** Integrated with the Korea Customs Service’s **Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)** platform, enabling pre‑arrival processing and reduced dwell times.
- **Logistics Services:** On‑site freight forwarders, warehousing firms, and **Third‑Party Logistics (3PL)** providers offering door‑to‑door solutions.
- **Safety & Security:** Compliance with the **International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code**, reinforced by CCTV, perimeter fencing, and a dedicated port security patrol.
### Digital Infrastructure
The **Port Community System (PCS)** links stakeholders through a secure portal, facilitating document exchange, vessel scheduling, and cargo tracking. The PCS is compatible with **UN/LOCODE** standards and interoperable with global trade platforms such as **TradeLens** and **CargoSmart**.
*(For a detailed technical overview, see the Korea Maritime Institute’s port database: https://www.kmi.re.kr/portinfo)*
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## Economic Importance
### Regional Industrial Base
Daegu’s industrial ecosystem—anchored by **automotive parts manufacturers**, **electronics assemblers**, and **heavy‑industry**—relies heavily on Hyeonpoong for inbound raw materials and outbound finished goods. In 2023, the port facilitated the movement of **≈ 3.2 million tonnes** of cargo, valued at **US $5.4 billion**, representing **≈ 12 %** of Daegu’s total trade volume.
### Employment & GDP Contribution
The port and its associated logistics park directly employ **~4,800** personnel, while generating an estimated **US $1.1 billion** in indirect economic activity across transportation, warehousing, and ancillary services. The **Daegu Metropolitan Government** attributes **≈ 0.9 %** of the city’s GDP to port‑related operations.
### Supply‑Chain Resilience
By offering a **redundant inland route** to the congested Busan hub, Hyeonpoong contributes to Korea’s supply‑chain resilience—particularly for **time‑critical components** in the automotive and semiconductor sectors. During the 2020–2021 global container shortage, the port’s capacity to shift cargo inland alleviated pressure on coastal terminals, preserving production schedules for over **150** downstream manufacturers.
### Environmental & Sustainability Impact
Through its **ISO 14001** certification and **shore‑power** facilities, Hyeonpoong reduces ship‑emitted SOx and NOx by an estimated **15 %** per vessel call. Additionally, the port’s **green‑logistics corridor**—featuring electric‑assisted trucks and rail electrification—cuts regional freight carbon intensity by **≈ 0.8 kg CO₂ ton⁻¹**.
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## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Domestic and International Corridors
| Route | Mode | Primary Destinations |
|-------|------|-----------------------|
| **Inland‑River** | Barges | Busan (via Nakdong River) – 150 km |
| **High‑Speed Rail** | KTX Freight | Incheon, Gwangyang, Gyeongju |
| **Road** | Expressway 1 (Gyeongbu) | Seoul, Daejeon, Gumi |
| **Sea‑Lane** | Feeder Vessels (40‑80 ft) | Busan, Shanghai, Osaka, Hong Kong |
The port’s **feeder service** operates on a **twice‑weekly schedule**, linking Hyeonpoong with the **Busan Container Terminal (BCT)**, which in turn offers direct services to major Asian gateways—**Shanghai, Ningbo, Kaohsiung, and Singapore**—and trans‑Pacific routes to the **West Coast of the United States**.
### Principal Cargo Types
| Cargo Category | Approx. Share (2023) | Notable Commodities |
|----------------|----------------------|---------------------|
| **Containerized Goods** | 38 % | Auto parts, consumer electronics, finished textiles |
| **Dry Bulk** | 25 % | Coal, iron ore, limestone |
| **Project Cargo** | 12 % | Heavy machinery, wind‑turbine components |
| **Perishables** | 9 % | Fresh produce, seafood (e.g., Daegu’s regional horticulture) |
| **Ro‑Ro** | 7 % | Vehicles, modular housing units |
| **Other** | 9 % | Hazardous chemicals, scrap metal |
The **container throughput** peaked at **≈ 225,000 TEU** in 2022, driven by demand from **Daegu’s automotive supply chain** (e.g., SK Innovations, Hyundai Mobis). Meanwhile, **dry‑bulk imports**—primarily **coking coal** for local steel mills—account for the bulk of the port’s tonnage.
### Emerging Trade Opportunities
With the **Korea‑Australia Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA)** and the **Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans‑Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)** in effect, Hyeonpoong is poised to capture growing demand for **lithium‑ion battery components** and **advanced materials** destined for **Australia’s mining sector** and **Japan’s high‑tech manufacturers**. The port’s **cold‑chain facilities** also enable the export of **premium horticultural products** to the **Middle East** under favorable phytosanitary agreements.
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*This article reflects the latest publicly available data (as of 2024) and adheres to the editorial standards of professional maritime encyclopedias.*
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
KRHYP
Country
South Korea
Province / Region
Daegu Gwang'yeogsi [Taegu-Kwangyokshi]
Latitude
35.680000
Longitude
128.430000
Timezone
Asia/Seoul
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Hyeonpoong/Daegu?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Hyeonpoong/Daegu is KRHYP.
Where is Port of Hyeonpoong/Daegu located?
The Port of Hyeonpoong/Daegu is located in South Korea, Daegu Gwang'yeogsi [Taegu-Kwangyokshi]. Its coordinates are 35.6800°N, 128.4300°E.
What time zone is Port of Hyeonpoong/Daegu in?
Port of Hyeonpoong/Daegu operates in the Asia/Seoul time zone.
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About the World Port Index
This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.
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