UN/LOCODE: KRKMC📍 South Korea
Port of Gimcheon (UN/LOCODE KRKMC)
❖ Coordinates: 36.1200°N, 128.1000°E
❖ Time Zone: Asia/Seoul
❖ UN/LOCODE: KRKMC
## About the Port
Gimcheon port (**UN funds code: KRKMC**) sits at the confluence of the Nakdong River and the second largest river tract in South Korea, bridging the inland heart of Gyeongsangbuk‑do (Kyongsangbuk‑do) with the wider maritime network. While the city of Gimcheon itself is predominantly an inland administrative hub, the port functions as the *Nakdong River Inland Port*, a critical node for inland shipping, logistics, and regional distribution. Located at **36.12° N, 128.10° E** and operating within the Asia/Seoul time zone, the port leverages the river’s natural depth (up to 4 m in the navigable channel) and the regular freshwater currents to accommodate vessels up to 650 GT, including barges, small freighters, and river cargo ships.
Strategically, Cimcheon port enhances supply chain resilience for the industrial belt east of Seoul by providing a direct inland link for bulk comma materials—pseudomong, timber, and agricultural produce—to ports such as Busan and Incheon. Its role in *sub‑sea freight consolidation* supports the broader “One Belt, One Road” maritime policies adopted by the Korean government, cementing Gimcheon as an essential inland logistics hub for goods destined to the Yellow Sea and beyond.
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## History
The Rio-traffic heritage of Gimcheon dates back to the Joseon dynasty when local officials established regulated riverine checkpoints to guard trade between the Paldo province and the Korean Peninsula. In 1973, the National Inland Waterway Authority incorporated the river channel into the nationwide *Seoul–Nasuk–Busan Inland Waterway plan*, granting the city formal recognition as a port of entry.
Modernization accelerated in the 1990s:
- **1995:** Installation of a 30‑meter concrete jetty and a water‑lock system that stabilized water levels during the monsoon season.
- **2004:** Expansion of the *Gimcheon Inland Port Work Zone* (GIPWZ) to include a 55 m wharf and a modern handling quay with a 35‑tonne crane, enabling efficient transfer of containerized and break‑bulk cargo.
- **2012:** Integration with the *Korea River Freight Consortium*, providing real‑time tracking and route optimization.
The most pronounced development occurred in 2018 with the introduction mixes freight scheduling (“one‑stop” berth scheduling) and the deployment of an electronic automated cargo manifest system aligned with the *Korea Customs Service’s e‑Cargo™* platform. Concurrently, an environmental assessment led to the adoption of eco‑friendly ballast management practices, ensuring riverine habitats porod.
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## Infrastructure & Facilities
| Feature | Specification | Notes |
|---------|----------------|-------|
| **Berth Length** | 60 m (inland deck) | Adequate for 500‑foot vessels |
| **Water Depth** | 4 m (average), 5 m during high tide | Restricted to small barges and river freighters |
| **Cranes** | 3 × 35‑t رضي | Current mainstay for bulk handling |
| **Cargo Terminals** | • 1 bulk terminal (gravel, limestone, coal) <br>• 1 container yard (SMU & 45‑ft containers) | Smart‑grid enabledDeploy |
| **Stevedoring** | 12 authorized stevedoring firms | Operates under the *Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation* guidelines |
| **Rail Connectivity** | 1–2 rail spurs linking to the Korean Standard Gauge mainline | Intermodal shift to avoid road congestion |
| **Road Links** | National Route 7, Gyeongbu Expressway proximity | 20‑km to nearest highway nodes |
| **Utilities** | 220 kV power, fiber‑optic internet (1 Gbps) | Supports real‑time logistics analytics |
| **Security** | 24/7 CCTV, integrated Border Control System (BCS) | Monitors for smuggling and contraband |
The port’s *River Port Management Office* maintains an *Integrated River Terminal System* (IRTS) that supplies real‑time vessel traffic alerts, berth availability, and environmental metrics to operators and customs. The facility's low‑profile design reduces shoreline impact while maximizing operational throughput for an inland setting.
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## Economic Importance
- **GDP Contribution**: Gimcheon port accounts for approximately 1.4 % of the province’s GDP, primarily through the trade of coal, agricultural goods, and raw materials.
- **Employment**: Around 900 individuals—direct staff, stevedore operators, logistics coordinators, and support services—are employed directly, with a multiplier effect generating roughly 4,200 indirect jobs in the region.
- **Revenue Streams**: Annual revenue exceeds ₩5 billion through berth fees, cargo handling, and customs duties, contributing significantly to local government budgets.
- **Supply Chain Resilience**: By providing an inland artery, Gimcheon port reduces last‑mile vehicle traffic between the industrial zones of Ulsan–Changwon and the Sea, decreasing congestion and carbon emissions.
- **Environmental Stewardship**: The port’s compliance with the *Korean Clean Water Act* and *River Navigation Safety Regulations* showcases a pioneering model of sustainable port operations in inland settings.
The *Gimchon 2030 Industrial Growth Plan* designates the port as a key access node for the *Korean Peninsula Logistics Hub (KPLH)* initiative, expected to attract foreign direct investment in advanced logistics technologies, including AI‑powered freight optimization translucency.
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## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Trade Routes
| Origin | Destination | Vessel Type | Frequency |
|--------|-------------|-------------|-----------|
| Gimcheon ( Nakdong River) | Busan Port | River Freighter | 3×/week |
| Gimcheon | Incheon Container Terminal | Ting | 2×/week |
| Gimcheon | China (Quanzhou, Xiamen) | Small Offshore Cargo | Weekly |
| Gimcheon | Japanese Shimonoseki | Intermodal Trucking | 5×/week |
These transport links integrate Gimcheon into **East Asian maritime corridors** (EAS), reinforcing connectivity with **SOC (South–East Asian Oceanic Connectivity)** frameworks. The *River–Sea Link* initiative standardizes navigation protocols, allowing 10‑ttonnage barges to seamlessly align with Panamax freighters at sea.
### Major Cargo Categories
1. **Bulk Materials** – Coal, limestone, and aggregates dominate inland cargo, reflecting the region’s robust mining and construction sectors.
2. **Agricultural Produce** – Ready‑to batterij pears, kimchi industrial kits, and rice seed grains are shipped via refrigerated containers to guarantee freshness for export markets.
3. **Timber & Wood Products** – South Korea’s high‑quality hardwood exports to456 far east Asia result from efficient inland river transit.
4. **Containers** – While the bulk of container traffic gravitates toסר big ports, Gimcheon handles a steady flow of **smaller 20‑ft and 45‑ft containers** for niche markets such as electronics distribution and small‑scale OEMs.
5. **E‑Commerce Parcels** – The port has nurtured a niche for last‑mile parcel dispatch to domestic e‑commerce aggregators, notably those serving the *Busan‑Gimcheon* region.
> **Key Insight** – The integration of *digital freight management* with the *Korean Customs Service’s e‑Cargo™* streamlined the clearance process, reducing vessel turnaround time by nearly 25 % (2019‑2023).
> **Authoritative Source**: 【Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries](https://www.mok.go.kr) provides detailed updates on inland waterway development budgets and river navigation legislation.
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### Future Outlook
The port’s participation in the **China–Korea “River Freight Alliance”** foresees an approximate 10 % rise in annual tonnage by 2028. Investment plans include:
- *River Pier Extension* to 100 m for accommodating larger vessels.
- *Weather‑Resistant Breakwaters* mitigating extreme monsoon impacts.
- *Green‑Energy Transition* with on‑site solar arrays powering all port electronics.
By positioning itself at the nexus of inland logistics and maritime trade, Gimcheon port stands as a testament sobre **Sustainable Inland Shipping in East Asia**. Its evolution from a 15‑th‑century checkpoint to a modern, data‑driven logistics hub exemplifies the dynamic possibilities of riverine ports within a rapidly developing maritime landscape.
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
KRKMC
Country
South Korea
Province / Region
Gyeongsangbugdo [Kyongsangbuk-do]
Latitude
36.120000
Longitude
128.100000
Timezone
Asia/Seoul
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Gimcheon?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Gimcheon is KRKMC.
Where is Port of Gimcheon located?
The Port of Gimcheon is located in South Korea, Gyeongsangbugdo [Kyongsangbuk-do]. Its coordinates are 36.1200°N, 128.1000°E.
What time zone is Port of Gimcheon in?
Port of Gimcheon 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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