UN/LOCODE: KRKUM📍 South Korea
Port of Gumi (UN/LOCODE KRKUM)
❖ Coordinates: 36.1200°N, 128.3300°E
❖ Time Zone: Asia/Seoul
❖ UN/LOCODE: KRKUM
## About the Port
Gumi Port (UN/LOCODE: KRKUM) represents a strategically significant inland port facility located in the Gyeongsangbuk-do province of South Korea. Positioned at coordinates 36.12°N latitude and 128.33°E longitude, this port operates within the Asia/Seoul timezone and serves as a critical node in South Korea's inland waterway logistics network.
The port's inland positioning places it approximately 150 kilometers east of the primary coastal seaport of Pohang, connected through an extensive network of navigable rivers and artificial waterways. This strategic location enables Gumi Port to function as a vital distribution hub for inland South Korea, facilitating efficient cargo movement between coastal maritime facilities and the interior regions of the country.
## History
Gumi Port's development emerged from South Korea's broader post-war economic reconstruction efforts during the 1960s and 1970s. The facility was established to address the growing limitations of Korea's coastal ports and to support the rapid industrialization of the country's inland regions. Initially functioning as a modest river port along the Nakdong River system, Gumi Port underwent significant expansion throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
The port's evolution coincided with South Korea's integration into global maritime trade networks following the establishment of diplomatic relations with major international partners. Government investment in infrastructure development transformed Gumi from a regional river port into a sophisticated inland logistics center capable of handling diverse cargo types including bulk commodities, general cargo, and containerized freight.
During the 2000s, Gumi Port experienced modernization initiatives aimed at enhancing its competitiveness within the East Asian maritime corridor. These developments included deepening navigation channels, installing modern cargo handling equipment, and establishing integrated customs facilities to streamline international trade operations.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
The physical infrastructure of Gumi Port comprises multiple specialized terminals designed to accommodate various cargo types and vessel sizes. The port features dedicated bulk cargo terminals with capacities exceeding 2 million tons annually, serving coal, mineral, and agricultural commodity handling operations. These facilities include advanced loading systems, conveyor networks, and storage yards optimized for efficient cargo processing.
Containerization operations represent a cornerstone of Gumi Port's modern infrastructure. The port maintains rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes, ship-to-shore gantry cranes, and automated yard systems enabling rapid vessel turnaround times. Container handling capacity reaches approximately 800,000 TEUs annually, supported by direct rail connections to major Korean ports and industrial centers.
Specialized facilities include liquid bulk terminals equipped with tank farms and loading arms for petroleum products, chemicals, and specialty liquids. The port's chemical handling capabilities adhere to international safety standards, featuring secondary containment systems, vapor recovery equipment, and emergency response infrastructure.
Navigation infrastructure includes dredged channels maintaining minimum depths of 12 meters, accommodating vessels up to 8,000 tons deadweight. The port's approach channels connect to the broader Nakdong River system, providing access to ocean-going vessels through coordinated navigation with upstream locks and water control structures.
## Economic Importance
Gumi Port serves as an economic catalyst for the Gyeongsangbuk-do region, generating substantial employment opportunities and supporting industrial development throughout the inland corridor. The port's operations directly employ over 1,200 personnel while indirectly supporting thousands additional jobs in transportation, manufacturing, and service sectors.
The facility's strategic location positions it as a critical logistics node for major industrial centers including Daegu, Busan, and Ulsan. This connectivity enables efficient movement of raw materials to steel plants, automotive facilities, and petrochemical complexes while facilitating export of finished manufactured goods.
Regional economic impact extends beyond direct port operations to encompass supporting industries including equipment manufacturing, transportation services, and logistics providers. Annual economic contribution to the regional GDP exceeds $800 million USD, demonstrating the port's significance in South Korea's broader economic development framework.
Investment in port infrastructure receives support from both national and provincial government initiatives aimed at enhancing inland logistics capabilities. Public-private partnerships have facilitated modernization projects, technology upgrades, and capacity expansion programs aligning with evolving maritime industry requirements.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
Gumi Port's cargo operations focus on several key trade routes connecting inland Korea with major maritime gateways. Primary route connections facilitate cargo transfer between ocean-going vessels at coastal ports and inland distribution networks. Key maritime partners include Busan Port, Pohang Port, and Incheon Port, enabling seamless cargo flow throughout the Korean peninsula.
Bulk cargo volumes remain substantial, with coal imports representing the largest category, followed by mineral ore exports and agricultural product shipments. Steel products, lime, and fertilizer constitute major bulk cargo categories, supporting Korea's heavy industry sectors and agricultural communities.
Containerized cargo operations emphasize manufactured goods exports including automotive components, electronics, and textile products. Import activities focus on raw materials, finished consumer goods, and industrial equipment supporting Korea's manufacturing economy. Major trading partners include China, Japan, United States, and European Union member states.
Liquid bulk cargo movements primarily involve petroleum products imports, including refined fuel oil, naphtha, and LPG. Chemical imports support Korea's extensive petrochemical industry, while specialty chemical exports serve global markets through efficient port-to-industry connections.
Specialized cargo operations include project cargo handling for heavy machinery, wind turbine components, and oversized industrial equipment requiring coordinated logistics solutions. These operations demonstrate Gumi Port's adaptability to complex international trade requirements and infrastructure capabilities.
The port's integrated approach to cargo handling, supported by modern facilities and skilled workforce, positions it as a reliable logistics partner within South Korea's inland waterway system and broader East Asian maritime network.
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
KRKUM
Country
South Korea
Province / Region
Gyeongsangbugdo [Kyongsangbuk-do]
Latitude
36.120000
Longitude
128.330000
Timezone
Asia/Seoul
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Gumi?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Gumi is KRKUM.
Where is Port of Gumi located?
The Port of Gumi is located in South Korea, Gyeongsangbugdo [Kyongsangbuk-do]. Its coordinates are 36.1200°N, 128.3300°E.
What time zone is Port of Gumi in?
Port of Gumi 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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