SEA FREIGHT
Ocean Freight
Long-term contracts with 20 leading carriers secure space even in peak season.
- FCL
- LCL
- Reefer
- Break-bulk
Global Market · East Asia
Vietnam – South Korea Logistics
South Korea market information for importers and exporters: seaports, airports, economic size, trade preferences and growth potential.
Key facts
- Capital
- Seoul
- Region
- East Asia
- Population
- 52 million
- Area
- 100,210 km²
- Nominal GDP (2023)
- US$1.71 trillion
- GDP per capita
- 33,139 USD
- GDP ranking
- No. 14 worldwide
- 5-year GDP growth
- -0.1%/year
- Currency
- KRW (KRW)
- Languages
- Korean
- Distance to Ho Chi Minh City
- 3,583 km
Economic size
In 2023, South Korea’s nominal GDP reached US$1.71 trillion, ranking No. 14 in the world, with GDP per capita of around US$33,139. Over the past 5 years, GDP in US dollar terms grew by an average of -0.1% per year.
Growth potential
- Large economy, ranked No. 14 in the world by GDP.
- GDP in US dollar terms has fallen by an average of 0.1% per year over 5 years; watch for currency and purchasing power risks.
- Tariff preferences with Vietnam through RCEP, AKFTA, VKFTA.
- One of Vietnam’s top trading partners.
- High average income (about US$33,139 per capita), well suited to high-value consumer goods.
Trade agreements with Vietnam
Goods that meet the rules of origin may qualify for preferential duty rates with the appropriate C/O under the following agreements:
- RCEP Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
- AKFTA ASEAN–Korea Free Trade Area
- VKFTA Vietnam–Korea Free Trade Agreement
Shipping from Vietnam to South Korea
Ocean
5–12 days
from Cat Lai / Cai Mep, depending on destination port and transshipment
Air
1–3 days
from SGN / HAN, including handling time
Distance
3,583 km
straight-line distance
Transit times are indicative estimates, not commitments. Contact us for actual vessel and flight schedules.
Major seaports
The World Port Index lists 14 ports in South Korea. The table below shows the main cargo ports.
| Port | UN/LOCODE | Size | Channel depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Busan | KRPUS | Large | 12 m |
| Inchon | KRINC | Large | 11 m |
| Pyeongtaek Hang | KRPTK | Medium | 22 m |
| Mokpo | KRMOK | Medium | 22 m |
| Gwangyang Hang | KRKAN | Medium | 20 m |
| Ulsan | KRUSN | Medium | 19 m |
Port guides: South Korea
International airports
South Korea has 15 large and medium-sized airports. The main airports for cargo are:
| Airport | IATA | City |
|---|---|---|
| Incheon International Airport | ICN | Seoul |
| Seoul Gimpo International Airport | GMP | Seoul |
| Gimhae International Airport | PUS | Busan |
| Muan International Airport | MWX | Muan (Piseo-ri) |
| Yangyang International Airport | YNY | Gonghang-ro |
| Jeju International Airport | CJU | Jeju City |
Services for the Vietnam – South Korea lane
AIR FREIGHT
Air Freight
Weekly block space agreements and full charters for urgent, high-value cargo.
- Express
- Charter
- DG
- Pharma
ROAD & RAIL
Road & Rail Freight
Owned GPS-tracked fleet and Vietnam – China – Europe rail freight.
- FTL
- LTL
- Cross-border
- Rail
CONTRACT LOGISTICS
Warehousing & Distribution
International-standard distribution centers run on WMS and automated conveyor systems.
- Bonded
- Cold chain
- Fulfillment
CUSTOMS & TRADE
Customs & Trade Advisory
Licensed customs brokers and FTA specialists who optimize duty rates for FDI companies.
- VNACCS
- C/O
- EVFTA
- CPTPP
PROJECT CARGO
Project & Oversized Cargo
Route surveys, lashing plans and equipment transport for industrial and energy projects.
- OOG
- Heavy-lift
- Turnkey
Are you a logistics company in South Korea?
Join Global Logistic Group’s agent network to handle shipments from Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
Frequently asked questions
How long does ocean freight from Vietnam to South Korea take?
Estimated ocean transit time is 5–12 days, depending on the origin and destination ports, carrier and number of transshipments. Global Logistic Group provides exact sailing schedules with every quote.
What are the main seaports in South Korea?
The main cargo ports in South Korea include Busan, Inchon, Pyeongtaek Hang, Mokpo.
Which airports handle international air cargo in South Korea?
International air cargo to South Korea mainly arrives via Incheon International Airport (ICN), Seoul Gimpo International Airport (GMP), Gimhae International Airport (PUS).
What trade agreements do Vietnam and South Korea have?
Both countries are parties to RCEP, AKFTA, VKFTA. Businesses need the appropriate C/O to claim preferential duty rates.
Sources: World Bank (GDP for 2023, population), NGA World Port Index, OurAirports, mledoze/countries. Figures are for reference only.