Table of Contents
- Busan Port New Port, Causes of Operational Inefficiency: Songdo
- Specific Design Details of the Songdo Development Project
- Scope and Plan of the Environmental Impact Assessment
- Removal of Songdo, Key to Prevent Secondary Environmental Damage and Resource Supply
- Draft Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the Busan Port New Port Songdo Development Project
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Busan Port New Port, Causes of Operational Inefficiency: Songdo
Busan Port New Port is a major trade port that efficiently supports cargo handling in national industrial complexes. However, Songdo Island, located in the center of the port, obstructs the connection between the West Container Terminal and the Jinhae New Port, which is set to develop in the future, leading to a decline in the efficiency of port operations. Consequently, the road and railway facilities needed to access the West Container Terminal must detour around Songdo, causing inconvenience. These issues negatively impact the logistics flow of Busan Port.
Busan Port New Port has a high proportion of transshipment cargo, resulting in longer average storage times for cargo, with empty containers occupying 40% of the yard, thus creating an urgent need to secure additional terminal space. While automation and smart technology are advancing in ports worldwide, the level of port automation in South Korea remains in the preparatory stage.
In this context, there are plans to develop Songdo, located at the container terminal in the western side of the Busan Port New Port. This development focuses on supplying the necessary aggregate resources required for the development of Jinhae New Port in a timely manner and preparing the conditions for automated terminal operations.
This project aims to enhance the global competitiveness of Busan Port New Port and improve the efficiency of terminal operations.
Specific Design Details of the Songdo Development Project
The Busan Port New Port Songdo Development Project is located in Yeondo-dong, Jinhae-gu, Changwon City, Gyeongsangnam-do. The project is implemented by the Busan Port Construction Office under the Busan Regional Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Office, with a total construction cost of approximately 220 billion won.
The project area is approximately 288,788㎡, and construction is expected to take about 36 months after commencement. Notably, the excavation and supply of materials will take 32.5 months. The specific design includes the clear-cutting of the entire island, root removal, and stripping of topsoil, ultimately aiming to secure approximately 7.45 million cubic meters of rock fill.
This development project is expected to have a positive impact on the growth of the local economy and the logistics of port operations. There will be increased interest in future progress.
Scope and Plan of the Environmental Impact Assessment
The Busan Port New Port Songdo Development Project is a project that must undergo evaluation under the Environmental Impact Assessment Act. This is classified as a development project exceeding 150,000㎡ in area and requiring more than 200,000㎡ of land use approval according to the Mountain Management Act.
The key point of this environmental impact assessment is to secure space excluding Songdo. Therefore, the primary goal is to create a flat port site through the development of the island. Subsequently, various upper facilities, including automated terminals, are scheduled to be constructed on this site, with the execution plan for these structures to be established separately in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Act.
Removal of Songdo, Key to Prevent Secondary Environmental Damage and Resource Supply
This project is expected to bring various positive effects beyond just securing port space. One of the key elements is the efficient circular design of resources. The large amounts of aggregate generated during the Songdo development process will be supplied to other development projects within Busan Port New Port, such as Jinhae New Port and the southern breakwater. Currently, the demand for aggregates required for development projects near Busan Port New Port is approximately 49.51 million cubic meters. This resource utilization will contribute to cost reduction and environmental protection.
The expected total stone supply from the Songdo development (approximately 9.73 million cubic meters) and the nearby Yokmang Mountain development (approximately 35.2 million cubic meters) is projected to be 44.93 million cubic meters. This supply will significantly meet market demand while preventing indiscriminate quarry development or marine sand extraction, thereby minimizing environmental destruction.
In conclusion, the Songdo development project is expected to greatly enhance the operational efficiency of Busan Port New Port. This will serve as an important foundation for its advancement into an automated port while simultaneously providing environmental and economic benefits by recycling resources generated during the development into the overall planning of the new port.
This project is scheduled for completion approximately 36 months after commencement.
Draft Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the Busan Port New Port Songdo Development Project
Chapter 2 Overview of the Project
2.1 Background and Purpose of the Project
Busan Port New Port serves as a national trade port located in the southwestern part of Gangseo-gu, Busan, and the southeastern part of Changwon City, Gyeongsangnam-do, efficiently processing cargo from the port hinterland and national industrial complexes.
The project area (Songdo) is located within Busan Port New Port, physically obstructing the West Container Terminal and the upcoming Jinhae New Port, creating rerouting for access roads and rail facilities, leading to reduced operational efficiency of Busan Port New Port.
Due to the high proportion of transshipment cargo at Busan Port New Port, the average storage duration for containers at the terminal is about 7.5 days, and with the concentration of cargo, particularly due to the entry of ultra-large container ships, empty containers occupy 40% of terminal vehicles, necessitating the need for additional terminal space.
Moreover, major countries worldwide are promoting smart marine logistics initiatives, such as port automation/intelligence, autonomous vessels, intelligent containers, and the establishment of logistics information platforms, and currently, the level of automation and intelligence in South Korea's ports is only about half of the global top standard. Therefore, establishing smart port infrastructure based on port automation, along with information sharing, has been set as a critical policy task in the port infrastructure sector.
By developing Songdo, located within the West Container Terminal of Busan Port New Port, the aim is to supply the materials needed for the overall development of the New Port in a timely manner and create conditions for automated terminal operations, thereby strengthening the global competitiveness of Busan Port New Port and improving terminal operational efficiency.
Currently, Songdo has lost its functionality as an island due to encroachment from nearby dredged soil disposal sites and container terminals (about 24% of the total area), with environmental changes (e.g., vegetation) anticipated due to land reclamation and various impacts from port operations.
2.2 Project Details
a. Project Name
Busan Port New Port Songdo Development Project
b. Location
Yeondo-dong, Jinhae-gu, Changwon City, Gyeongsangnam-do
c. Project Implementer
Busan Port Construction Office under the Busan Regional Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Office
d. Approval Agency
Busan Port Construction Office under the Busan Regional Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Office
e. Consulting Agency
Nakdong River Basin Environmental Office
f. Project Duration
Approximately 36 months from the commencement date (Excavation and supply: 32.5 months)
g. Total Construction Cost
Approximately 220 billion won
h. Project Size
Total project area: 288,788㎡
| Category | Unit | Quantity | Remarks |
| Clear-cutting | ㎡ | 266,000 | |
| Root Removal | ㎡ | 266,000 | |
| Topsoil Removal | ㎡ | 1,620,476 | |
| Weathered Rock | ㎡ | 1,210,261 | |
| Rock Fill | ㎡ | 7,453,399 | |
| Auxiliary Works | units | 1 | Includes construction access roads, temporary sedimentation basins, drainage ditches, etc. |
2.3 Project Progress and Plan
a. Progress
Feb 26, 1876: The signing of the Korea-Japan Treaty of Amity marked the opening of “Busan Port”, the first international trade port in Korea.
Jan 17, 2020: Completion of the strategic environmental impact assessment for the Busan Port Songdo development plan (request for re-negotiation) [Ministry of Environment, Environmental Impact Assessment Division-212]
Jun 15, 2020: Completion of environmental impact assessment for the 4th nationwide trade port basic plan (Busan Port) [Ministry of Environment, Environmental Impact Assessment Division-1895]
Dec 30, 2020: 4th nationwide port basic plan (2021-2030) announcement (Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries Notice No. 2020-231)
Jul 19, 2021: Environmental impact assessment for the construction of Busan Port New Port West Container Terminal access facilities completed
Oct 16, 2024: Launch of the environmental impact assessment service for the Busan Port New Port Songdo Development Project
Dec 30, 2024: Appointment of committee members and written review for the Environmental Impact Assessment Council
※ Review Period: Dec 30, 2024 - Feb 14, 2025 (30 days)
Feb 28, 2025: Disclosure of the determination details regarding environmental impact assessment items.
※ Disclosure Period: Feb 28, 2025 - Mar 14, 2025 (14 days)
b. Future Implementation Plans
Submission of the draft environmental impact assessment report and collection of opinions from residents and others
Disclosure of the results of the collection of opinions from residents and others and whether or not they are reflected
Environmental impact assessment consultations, etc.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is the impact of Songdo on the operational efficiency of Busan Port New Port?
Songdo Island obstructs the connection between the West Container Terminal and Jinhae New Port, degrading the operational efficiency of Busan Port New Port.
Songdo Island, located in the center of Busan Port New Port, physically blocks direct connection with the West Container Terminal and the upcoming Jinhae New Port. As a result, access roads and rail facilities must reroute around Songdo, causing inconveniences and delays in logistics movement. These detours negatively impact the logistics flow and diminish the overall operational efficiency of the port.
Q. What are the main objectives and design details of the Busan Port New Port Songdo Development Project?
The Songdo development focuses on creating conditions for an automated terminal and supplying aggregates to enhance terminal operational efficiency and global competitiveness.
The Songdo development project involves developing Songdo within the West Container Terminal of Busan Port New Port, including the clear-cutting of the entire island and securing approximately 7.45 million cubic meters of rock fill. This development aims to supply necessary aggregate resources on time for development projects such as Jinhae New Port and the southern breakwater while laying the foundation for automated terminal operations to improve terminal efficiency and global competitiveness. The project duration is approximately 36 months, with a total cost of around 220 billion won.
Q. How will the environmental impact assessment for the Songdo development project be conducted?
The environmental impact assessment will focus on securing and leveling land excluding Songdo for the construction of automated facilities.
The Busan Port New Port Songdo Development Project is subject to assessment under the Environmental Impact Assessment Act. The main content will focus on creating a flat port site excluding Songdo Island. Subsequent plans for facilities, including automated terminals on this site, will be established separately for evaluation. This assessment will include the collection of opinions from residents and relevant institutions such as the Nakdong River Basin Environmental Office.
Q. How is resource utilization for the Songdo development project linked to Busan Port New Port conceived?
Aggregates generated from the Songdo development will be supplied to other nearby development projects in Busan Port, realizing resource circulation.
Approximately 44.93 million cubic meters of stone obtained from the Songdo development and the nearby Yokmang Mountain development will be supplied to development projects near Busan Port New Port, such as Jinhae New Port and the southern breakwater. This plan aims to efficiently recycle resources to reduce costs while preventing irresponsible quarry development and marine sand extraction, thereby minimizing environmental destruction. The cyclical use of resources will positively impact the overall development of Busan Port New Port.
Q. Where is the Busan Port New Port Songdo Development Project located and who is the implementing body?
The project is located in Yeondo-dong, Jinhae-gu, Changwon City, and the implementing body is the Busan Port Construction Office.
The Songdo development project is situated in Yeondo-dong, Jinhae-gu, Changwon City, Gyeongsangnam-do. The project is implemented by the Busan Port Construction Office under the Busan Regional Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Office, with an estimated construction cost of approximately 220 billion won and a planned duration of about 36 months post-commencement. Administrative procedures, including environmental impact assessments, are currently ongoing in consultation with relevant agencies.