Transshipment hub · South Korea
Port of Busan
Busan is a transshipment hub on the Korea Strait in South Korea (East Asia). Below: key facts, how it connects with Vietnam and what to prepare when shipping through it.
Key facts
- Country / territory
- South Korea
- UN/LOCODE
- KRPUS
- Port type
- Transshipment hub
- Region
- East Asia
- Waters
- Korea Strait
- Coordinates
- 35.08°N, 128.95°E
- Container throughput
- ≈ 23.0 million TEU (2023)
- Local name
- 부산항
- Sea distance from Vietnam
- approx. 1,810 nm
About the port of Busan
Busan is South Korea’s largest port and one of North-East Asia’s main transshipment hubs, most of it at Busan New Port. Many transpacific services connect here, which makes Busan a common relay point for Vietnamese cargo to North America.
Busan works as a transshipment hub, where a large share of containers is moved between mainline and feeder vessels rather than entering or leaving the country by land. Shipments to many secondary ports in the region are relayed here.
According to port authority reports and widely published rankings, Busan handled approximately 23.0 million TEU in 2023.
Role in trade with Vietnam
Trade between Vietnam and East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong) runs on one of the densest intra-Asia networks in the world, with many direct weekly services and short transit times.
Sea routes and transit times from Vietnam
Estimated port-to-port distances and transit times on typical routings. Actual schedules depend on the service and its port rotation.
| Route | Distance | Transit (direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Hai Phong → Busan | 1,810 | 4–6 days |
| Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) → Busan | 1,980 | 5–6 days |
Shipping lines
Carriers often associated with services through Busan that are relevant to Vietnam (indicative only — networks change every season):
Customs and documentation tips
- Make sure the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and customs declaration show consistent descriptions, HS codes, quantities and weights.
- Agree the Incoterms® rule and who arranges freight, insurance and destination charges before booking.
- Choose the bill of lading type (original, telex release or sea waybill) according to the payment terms with your buyer or supplier.
- Declare the verified gross mass (VGM) of each container before the carrier’s cut-off, as required by SOLAS.
- Check destination import requirements early: licences, product standards, labelling, fumigation or phytosanitary certificates where applicable.
Vietnam has free trade agreements with South Korea that may reduce import duties with a valid proof of origin: RCEP, AKFTA, VKFTA. Vietnam’s free trade agreements →
Frequently asked questions about Busan
Where is the port of Busan?
Busan is in South Korea, on the Korea Strait, in the East Asia shipping region.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Busan?
The UN/LOCODE commonly used for Busan is KRPUS. Check the exact terminal or location code required by the carrier when booking.
How long does sea freight take from Vietnam to Busan?
On a typical routing from Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City), the sea distance is about 1,980 nautical miles and a direct service takes roughly 5–6 days port to port. Services with transshipment take longer.
How big is the port of Busan?
According to published rankings, Busan handled approximately 23.0 million TEU in 2023.
What documents are needed to ship via Busan?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, plus any certificates required by the destination (origin, phytosanitary, fumigation, licences). Advance cargo filings may apply before loading.
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Busan?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Busan through our carrier contracts and agent network. Send us your cargo details for a quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking. Data as of October 2026.