South Korea Port Master Plan 2026-2030: Capacity, Hydrogen, and Investment - News and Statistics

Aug 9, 2026

South Korea’s government is preparing to convert key seaports, such as Busan, Gwangyang, and Ulsan, into major distribution centers and entry points for energy, specifically for the import and supply of hydrogen, ammonia, and liquefied natural gas (LNG). The strategy involves strengthening port hinterland zones, rail links, and road networks to create seamless connections between the ports, industrial zones, and inland freight systems.

Port Capacity Growth

According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries’ Revised Fourth National Port Master Plan, unveiled on the 27th, the country’s yearly port cargo throughput is set to climb by roughly 270 million tons, moving from 1.28 billion tons to 1.55 billion tons by 2030. The plan aims for a 21.3 percent boost in handling capacity by reorganizing facilities, with a focus on central ports like Busan, Gwangyang, Ulsan, Incheon, and Pyeongtaek-Dangjin.

To reach this target, 27 cargo berths that are currently being built will be finished, and work will start on 83 additional planned berths. Meanwhile, 54 current berths are slated for closure, which will adjust the total number of cargo berths from 832 to 888. Over 60 percent of the new berths will be situated at the main hub ports, including Busan, Gwangyang, Ulsan, Incheon, and Pyeongtaek-Dangjin.

Hinterland and Logistics Expansion

Behind the docks, logistics infrastructure is set for expansion. Around Busan, Incheon, and Pyeongtaek-Dangjin, an extra 11.55 million square meters of port hinterland—an area roughly four times the size of Yeouido—will be made available, along with 70.8 kilometers of new hinterland roads. Rail access will be added at Pyeongtaek-Dangjin (7.5 kilometers) and Donghae-Mukho (3.6 kilometers) to support an integrated logistics network.

Energy Hub Development

Beyond logistics, the ports are expected to take on a broader role in clean energy. Facilities for importing, producing, and storing hydrogen and ammonia will be set up at Daesan, Pyeongtaek-Dangjin, Busan, Ulsan, and Donghae-Mukho. LNG terminals and docks will be enlarged at Gwangyang and Pohang, and bunkering infrastructure for supplying LNG fuel to vessels will be developed at Busan, Gwangyang, Pohang, Pyeongtaek-Dangjin, and Incheon. Notably, the LNG bunkering terminal at Busan Port will be upgraded and transformed into a multi-purpose energy terminal that also manages hydrogen and ammonia, while the cargo docks at Pyeongtaek-Dangjin will be repurposed as liquid docks for handling eco-friendly fuels.

Investment and Climate Resilience

Investment in safety measures to address climate change will run alongside these developments. The government plans to allocate 1.3 trillion won for reinforcing outer structures like breakwaters and 900 billion won for upgrading disaster-prone areas, including Pyeongtaek-Dangjin, Busan, and Heuksando.

The total investment for the 2026–2030 period is set at 21.4 trillion won, with 8.3 trillion won coming from government funds and 13.1 trillion won from private investors, local governments, and port authorities. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries estimates the plan will spur 43 trillion won in production, 18 trillion won in value-added output, and create 230,000 jobs.

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