7 Major Ports of North Korea

1. Port of Nampo: Gateway to Economic Development

The Port of Nampo, located on the western coastline of North Korea, is the largest and busiest port in the country. Its position near Pyongyang, the capital city, makes it an important hub for trade both inside and outside of North Korea. The port handles many types of cargo, such as coal, iron ore, grains, and some items in containers. With more than 70 ships visiting annually, the Port of Nampo plays a pivotal role in the export trade of North Korea.

The development of the Port of Nampo has significantly contributed to the nation’s economy. In addition to its commercial significance, the port serves as a fishing hub and houses crucial industries such as ship construction, automobile manufacturing, and steel production. The port’s infrastructural facilities have been continuously improved, allowing for the passage of ships weighing up to 50,000 deadweight tons (DWT). Despite its potential, the port still requires modernization and infrastructural development to meet global standards.

2. Port of Najin: A Gateway to Russia and Beyond

Located on the northeastern shore of North Korea, the Port of Najin is a vital link for trade between North Korea, Russia, and other neighboring countries. The port primarily exports coal, with a significant portion of it coming from Russia. Additionally, dried seaweed and various seafood products, including cuttlefish and mackerel crab, are exported through this port.

Najin Port has three shipping docks and two fishing ports. It is a valuable spot for both trade and fishing. In Najin, the Najin shipyard runs the main fishing port, and the Najin fishing station is in charge of the Anjuri fishing site. The size of these ports has grown so that bigger ships can fit. Pier 3 can now handle ships that weigh up to 2,000 tonnes. Even though international sanctions make things harder, Najin Port is still very important for trade and connecting people in the area.

3. Port of Chongjin: A Hub of Steel and Shipping

Chongjin Port, located on the northern shore of Cheongjin Hang, serves as a vital trade link between North Korea, Japan, and Manchuria. The port primarily exports iron, steel products, fish, and bean oil. It has a long history, dating back to its construction during the Japanese occupation of Korea in the early 1900s. A lot of wood and other forest goods from North Korean forests and Manchuria came through this port.

Chongjin is not only a significant port but also an industrial center known for its steel and fiber manufacturing industries. The city houses extensive steel plants and shipyards, contributing to North Korea’s ferrous metal sector. The port is naturally well-sheltered and divided into western and eastern sections, each serving different purposes. Chongjin Port’s connectivity to Russia via the railway network further enhances its trade capabilities.

4. Port of Rajin/Rason: Unlocking Potential with International Aid

Rajin Port, located in the Rason Special Economic Zone, represents a significant development in recent times. This ice-free port has witnessed substantial investments from China and Russia, leading to its growth and improved infrastructure. The port handles various cargoes, including coal, cement, fertilizer, cotton, steel, and wood.

With an extensive area of 380,000 square meters and three piers stretching over 2,515 meters, Rajin Port has the capacity to accommodate ships weighing between 5,000 and 50,000 tonnes. Pier one, with a length of 970 meters, can handle up to five ships weighing 10,000 tonnes each. Pier two, spanning 960 meters, has a cargo capacity of 1,400,000 tonnes per year. Pier three, measuring 580 meters, can handle 500,000 tonnes of cargo annually. The port’s deep-water capabilities and its strategic location make it a significant asset for China and Russia, although its full potential remains untapped due to international sanctions.

5. Port of Haeju: A Gateway to the Yellow Sea

Haeju, located in southwestern North Korea, is home to the Port of Haeju, which serves as the only port on the country’s western coastline that remains ice-free during winters. The port has a long history of trade with China and has developed as an important center for agricultural and marine goods.

The natural harbor of Haeju Port offers convenient access for loading and unloading operations. The port is equipped with limited facilities, including lifts, mobile cranes, and floating cranes. Adjacent to the port, numerous smelting industries, agricultural equipment units, glass manufacturing facilities, cement factories, and chemical plants contribute to the region’s economic activities. However, the port faces challenges due to its distance from power plants concentrated in the northern part of the country, which results in a lack of power supplies.

6. Port of Wonsan: Harnessing the Potential of the East Coast

Wonsan Port, located on the eastern coast of North Korea, is about 130 kilometers from the capital city of Pyongyang. With its natural harbor, Wonsan has been a significant center for trade and warehousing since ancient times. The port has direct train connections to Pyongyang and is very important for exporting goods like plumbago, gold, and cattle. It is also very important for importing goods like rice, wheat flour, salt, and mineral oils.

Wonsan Port can accommodate ships over 500 meters long, making it one of the most important ports in North Korea. The port’s entrance channel has a depth of 12.5 to 13 meters, while the cargo piers offer depths of 5 to 6.7 meters. The port is equipped with lifts, mobile cranes, and a ship repair facility. Wonsan is not just a port city; it is also a popular tourist destination known for its pristine white-sand beaches and diverse culinary offerings.

Inter-Korean Economic Liaison: Prospects for Cooperation

The major ports of North Korea, including Nampo, Chongjin, Najin, Rajin, Haeju, and Wonsan, present significant opportunities for inter-Korean economic cooperation. Unlocking the economic potential of these ports could foster regional connectivity and enhance trade relations between North and South Korea.

The development and modernization of port infrastructure, coupled with the removal or easing of international sanctions, could pave the way for increased trade activities and the establishment of joint ventures. This would not only benefit North Korea’s economy but also contribute to the overall stability and prosperity of the Korean Peninsula.

Predicting Future Cargo Volumes

A study on predicting North Korea’s cargo volume per port and per item using system dynamics provides valuable insights into the country’s future trade potential. The study forecasts cargo volumes for various items, including iron ore, oil, grain, cement, sand, coal, miscellaneous goods, and containers.

Based on expert interviews, the study predicts the distribution of cargo volumes among the nine major trading ports of North Korea. The Port of Nampo emerges as the largest in terms of cargo volume, expected to handle around 113,217 thousand tons by 2050. Chongjin Port and Najin Port rank as the second and third largest ports, respectively, in terms of throughput.

Key Trade Items: Containers and Cement

Among the predicted cargo volumes, containers and cement are expected to be the largest volume items handled by North Korean ports by 2050. Containers are projected to reach 72,454 thousand tons, while cement is estimated to reach 45,897 thousand tons.

These findings highlight the potential growth and development of North Korean ports in handling various commodities, fostering economic growth, and enabling regional connectivity.

Unlocking Economic Growth: Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the potential of North Korean ports, the country faces numerous challenges in realizing their full economic potential. International sanctions and geopolitical factors have limited trade activities and investments in port infrastructure. However, the gradual easing of sanctions, along with increased regional cooperation and foreign investments, could unlock significant opportunities for economic growth.

Developing and modernizing port infrastructure, improving logistical capabilities, and enhancing connectivity with neighboring countries would be crucial steps towards maximizing the economic potential of North Korean ports.

The major ports of North Korea, including Nampo, Najin, Chongjin, Rajin, Haeju, Wonsan, and others, hold immense potential for driving economic growth and fostering regional connectivity. These ports serve as vital gateways for international trade and have the capacity to transform North Korea’s economy.

Through strategic investments in port infrastructure, the gradual easing of international sanctions, and enhanced regional cooperation, North Korea can unlock its ports’ economic potential and establish stronger trade relations with neighboring countries. This would contribute to the stability, prosperity, and integration of the Korean Peninsula, benefiting both North and South Korea.

North Korea’s ports are ready to play a key role in driving economic growth and connecting countries in the region as the country moves toward a better future.