UN/LOCODE: KRINC📍 South Korea
Port of Incheon (UN/LOCODE KRINC)
❖ Coordinates: 37.4500°N, 126.6200°E
❖ Time Zone: Asia/Seoul
❖ UN/LOCODE: KRINC
## About the Port
Incheon (UN/LOCODE: **KRINC**) is a premier international gateway port located in the coastal city of Incheon Gwang'yeogsi, Republic of Korea. Situated at **37.45°N, 126.62°E**, the port operates under the **Asia/Seoul** timezone (UTC+9). Managed by the **Incheon Port Authority (IPA)**, the facility serves as the primary maritime hub for northwestern South Korea, handling a diverse mix of container, bulk, and specialized cargo.
The port’s strategic positioning on the Yellow Sea places it at the crossroads of East Asian trade flows, linking the Korean peninsula with China, Japan, and beyond. Incheon’s deep‑water berths, modern container terminals, and extensive hinterland connections underpin its role as a catalyst for regional economic integration and logistics efficiency.
**Key statistics (2023):**
- **Total cargo handled:** ≈ 250 million tonnes
- **Container throughput:** > 3.5 million TEU
- **Number of berths:** 71 (including 12 deep‑water piers)
- **Fleet calls:** > 2,200 vessel visits annually
For detailed operational data, refer to the **Incheon Port Official Website**[^1].
## History
### Early Foundations (1883‑1945)
The origins of Incheon as a commercial port trace back to the opening of the city to foreign trade under the **Treaty of Ganghwa** in 1883. The first modern harbor facilities were constructed by the Korean government with Japanese assistance, primarily to facilitate the export of silk and rice. However, limited dredging capacity and natural siltation constrained early growth.
### Post‑War Expansion (1945‑1970)
After the Korean War, the United States Army Corps of Engineers undertook a large‑scale reclamation project, transforming the shallow tidal flats into a deep‑water harbor capable of accommodating large cargo vessels. The **Incheon Port Authority** was established in 1969, centralizing development and management under a single entity.
During the 1960s and 1970s, the port became a focal point for South Korea’s export‑driven industrialization, handling substantial volumes of **polymers, steel, and manufactured goods**. The construction of the **Incheon‑Ulsan Expressway** and the **Gyeongin Canal** further integrated the port with the domestic hinterland.
### Modern Era (1980‑Present)
The 1980s ushered in a period of rapid modernization. The **Container Terminal 1** (1985) and **Container Terminal 2** (1995) introduced state‑of‑the‑art gantry cranes and automated stacking systems, positioning Incheon among Asia’s top‑ranked container ports.
The **Free Trade Zone (FTZ)** established in 1991 attracted foreign direct investment, catalyzing the growth of shipbuilding, maritime equipment manufacturing, and logistics parks. In 2001, the **Incheon City’s Port Master Plan** envisioned a multimodal hub integrating sea, rail, and road networks, culminating in the opening of the **Incheon‑Port Expressway (IPEX)** in 2009.
In 2015, the port achieved a historic milestone by handling its **first ultra‑large container vessel (ULCV)**—a 21,000‑TEU vessel—demonstrating its capability to accommodate the latest generation of global freighters. Ongoing expansion projects include **Terminal 3** ( slated for 2026) and the development of a **green hydrogen logistics zone**, reflecting the port’s commitment to sustainable maritime operations.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Berths and Terminals
Incheon boasts **71 berths** ranging from general cargo and liquid bulk to specialized RO‑RO and cruise facilities. The **Deep Water Berths** (depths of 13–15 m) support bulk carriers up to 200 kt, while the **Container Terminals** feature **electrified Quay Cranes** with lifting capacities of 50‑80 t, operating 24/7 with minimal downtime.
### Logistics Parks & Rail Connectivity
The **Incheon Logistics Complex (ILC)** houses integrated cargo handling, customs clearance, and distribution centers, covering an area of 2.3 km². Adjacent to the ILC, the **Gyeongin Railroad** provides direct rail links to the **Donghae** and **Honam** corridors, facilitating seamless multimodal transport to inland markets.
### Environmental & Safety Measures
In line with international standards, Incheon implements **BWM (Ballast Water Management)** systems, **SOx/NOx scrubbers**, and **EV charging stations** for shore power. The **Port Environmental Management System (PEMS)** monitors air and water quality, ensuring compliance with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) **MARPOL** annexes.
## Economic Importance
Incheon’s contribution to South Korea’s national economy is multifaceted:
- **Export Engine:** The port accounts for roughly **30 %** of South Korea’s total container export volume, with key products including **semiconductors, automobiles, and petrochemicals**.
- **Import Hub:** It supplies critical raw materials such as **iron ore, coal, and crude oil** to domestic manufacturers, reinforcing Korea’s supply‑chain resilience.
- **Job Creation:** Direct employment at the port exceeds **12,000**, with an estimated **30,000** indirect jobs generated through ancillary services and logistics networks.
- **Foreign Exchange Earnings:** Annual revenue from port charges and fees contributes significantly to South Korea’s foreign exchange reserves, supporting the nation’s trade balance.
The strategic thrust of the **Korean New Southern Policy (KNSP)** further amplifies Incheon’s role as a gateway for **Africa, Australia, and Oceania**, encouraging increased vessel calls and deep‑sea service routes.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Primary Trade Lanes
- **East Asia Corridor:** Frequent calls from **Shanghai, Ningbo, and Shenzhen** container lines, serving the Korea‑China trade lane.
- **Japan Loop:** Regular services to **Yokohama, Tokyo, and Osaka**, facilitating northbound inbound cargo and southbound outbound shipments.
- **North America & Europe:** Direct feeder services connect Incheon with **Los Angeles, Long Beach, Rotterdam, and Hamburg**, positioning the port within global supply chains.
- **Southeast Asia:** Growing connectivity with **Singapore, Busan, and Kaohsiung**, supporting the rise of intra‑regional trade.
### Major Cargo Types
| Cargo Category | 2023 Volume (Est.) | Notes |
|----------------|-------------------|-------|
| **Container Freight** | 3.5 million TEU | Dominated by consumer electronics, automotive parts, and agricultural produce. |
| **Liquid Bulk** | 120 million tonnes | Primarily crude oil, refined petroleum, and chemicals. |
| **Dry Bulk** | 80 million tonnes | Iron ore, coal, and grain, mainly sourced from Russia, Australia, and Canada. |
| **Roll‑on/Roll‑off (Ro‑Ro)** | 2 million tonnes | Vehicles, steel products, and heavy machinery. |
| **Specialized Cargo** | 15 million tonnes | Project cargo, LNG, and hazardous goods. |
The port’s **FTS (Free Trade Zone)** status enables expedited customs processing, making it a preferred gateway for **high‑value, time‑sensitive shipments**. Ongoing studies suggest a **10‑12 % increase** in container traffic over the next five years, driven by the expansion of **Hyundai Motor’s** export facility and the development of a **digital cargo logistics platform** at Incheon.
---
[^1]: Incheon Port Official Website. https://www.incheonport.or.kr
---
*Incheon Port continues to evolve as a cornerstone of East Asian maritime commerce, leveraging cutting‑edge technology, robust infrastructure, and strategic policy support to sustain its growth trajectory.*
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
KRINC
Country
South Korea
Province / Region
Incheon Gwang'yeogsi [Incheon]
Latitude
37.450000
Longitude
126.620000
Timezone
Asia/Seoul
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
Loading Map...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Incheon?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Incheon is KRINC.
Where is Port of Incheon located?
The Port of Incheon is located in South Korea, Incheon Gwang'yeogsi [Incheon]. Its coordinates are 37.4500°N, 126.6200°E.
What time zone is Port of Incheon in?
Port of Incheon operates in the Asia/Seoul time zone.
Scanning Local Infrastructure...
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.
📍 Nearby Ports
Other maritime facilities geographically close to Incheon.
Incheon
South Korea • 3 km awayGoyang
South Korea • 28 km awaySeoul
South Korea • 28 km awayNamyangju
South Korea • 55 km away