Transportation in South Korea
Encyclopedia
Transportation in South Korea
is provided by extensive networks of railways, highways, bus routes, ferry services and air routes that criss-cross the country.
projects. Construction of the Gyeongbu Expressway
, which connects the two major cities of Seoul
and Busan
, was completed on 7 July 1970.
1970s saw increased commitment to infrastructure investments. The third Five-Year Development Plan (1972–76) added the development of airport
s, seaports. Subway system was built in Seoul, highway network was expanded by 487 km and major port projects were started in Pohang
, Ulsan
, Masan
, Incheon
and Busan.
Railroad network experience improvements in the 1980s with electrification
and additional track projects. Operation speed was also increased on the main lines. Though the railroad was still more useful for transportation of freight, passenger traffic was also growing. There was 51,000 kilometers of roadways by 1988. Expressway network was expanded to connect more major cities and reached a combined length of 1,539 kilometers before the end of the decade.
The largest railway operator is Korail
. Railway network is managed by Korea Rail Network Authority
.
Korea Train Express
began service in April 2004, at Korea's first high-speed service. Intercity services are provided by Saemaeul-ho
and Mugunghwa-ho
. Saemaeul-ho generally stops less than Mugunghwa-ho and provides more comfortable seats and service. Tonggeun
(commuter train, not to be confused with subway
s) serves some selected lines. They stop in all stations and seat reservation is not available.
New Nuriro-ho service was recently added between Seoul
and Sinchang Station
. Nuriro-ho serves commuters around Seoul Metropolitan Area, providing shorter travel time than Seoul Subway. The rapid trains have same cost and seat reservation as Mugunghwa-ho. Korail plans to expand the service area. There's also a plan to introduce Vitro-ho, which is supposed to replace Saemaul-ho.
, Busan
, Daegu
, Gwangju
, Daejeon
and Incheon
— all have subway systems.
Seoul's subway system
is the oldest system in the country, with the Seoul Station
– Cheongnyangni
section of Line 1
opening in 1974.
line in Seoul started operation between Seodaemun and Cheongnyangni in December 1898. The network was expanded to cover the whole downtown area (Jung-gu
and Jongno-gu
districts) as well as surrounding neighbourhoods, including Cheongnyangni in the east, Mapo-gu
in the west, and Noryangjin across the Han River
to the south.
The networks reached its peak in 1941, but was abandoned in favor of cars and the development of a subway system in 1968. Seoul Subway Line 1
and Line 2
follow the old streetcar routes along Jongno
and Euljiro
, respectively.
Within cities and towns, two types of city bus operate in general: jwaseok (좌석, "coach") and dosihyeong (도시형, "city type") or ipseok (입석, "standing"). Both types of bus often serve the same routes, make the same (or fewer) stops and operate on similar frequencies, but jwaseok buses are more expensive and offer comfortable seating, while doshihyeong buses are cheaper and have fewer and less comfortable seats. Many small cities and towns do not have jwaseok buses and their buses are officially called nongeochon (농어촌, "rural area" bus).
Some cities have their own bus classifying systems.
is served by an extensive network of high-speed buses from all parts of the country. Beginning in the late 1990s, many department stores operated their own small network of free buses for shoppers, but government regulation, confirmed by a court decision on June 28, 2001, have banned department stores from operating buses. However, most churches, daycare centres and private schools still send buses around to pick up their congregants, patients or pupils.
Highways in South Korea are classified as freeways (expressways/motorways), national roads
and various classifications below the national level. Almost all freeways are toll highways and most of the expressways are built, maintained and operated by Korea Expressway Corporation (KEC).
The freeway network serves most parts of South Korea. Tolls are collected using an electronic toll collection
system. KEC also operates service amenities
(dining and service facilities) en route.
There are also several privately financed toll roads. Nonsan-Cheonan Expressway
, Daegu-Busan Expressway
, Incheon International Airport Expressway
, Seoul-Chuncheon Expressway
and parts of the Seoul Ring Expressway
are wholly privately funded and operated BOT
concessions. Donghae Expressway
was built in cooperation between KEC and the National Pension Service.
Total length of the South Korean road network was 86,989 km in 1998. Of this, 1,996 km was expressways and 12,447 km national roads. By 2009, combined length of the expressways had reached approximately 3,000 km, it mostly equal to the whole area of South Korea
industries and an extensive system of ferry
services. South Korea operates one of the largest merchant fleets serving China
, Japan
and the Middle East
. Most fleet operators are large conglomerates, while most ferry operators are small, private operators.
There are 1,609 km of navigable waterways in South Korea, though use is restricted to small craft.
and Ulleung Islands are also served by ferry
. Major centres for ferry
service include Incheon
, Mokpo
, Pohang
and Busan
, as well as China and Japan.
, Incheon
, Gunsan
, Masan, Mokpo
, Pohang
, Busan
, Donghae
, Ulsan
, Yeosu
, Jeju
.
was founded by the government in 1962 to replace Korean National Airlines
and has been privately owned since 1969. It was South Korea's sole airline until 1988. In 2008, Korean Air served 2,164 million passengers, including 1,249 million international passengers.
A second carrier, Asiana Airlines
, was established in 1988 and originally served Seoul, Jeju
and Busan
domestically and Bangkok
, Singapore
, Japan
and Los Angeles
internationally. By 2006, Asiana served 12 domestic cities, 66 cities in 20 foreign countries for commercial traffic and 24 cities in 17 countries for cargo traffic.
Combined, South Korean airlines currently serve 297 international routes. Smaller airliners, such as Air Busan
, Jin Air
, Eastar Jet
and Jeju Air
, provide domestic service and Japan/Southeast Asian route with lower fares.
, was completed in 2001, in time for the 2002 FIFA World Cup
. By 2007, the airport was serving 30 million passengers a year. The airport has been selected as the "Best Airport Worldwide" for four consecutive years since 2005 by Airports Council International
.
Seoul is also served by Gimpo International Airport
(formerly Kimpo International Airport). International routes mainly serve Incheon
, while domestic services mainly use Gimpo. Other major airports are in Busan and Jeju.
There are 103 airports in South Korea
(1999 est.) and these may be classified as follows.
Airports with paved runways:
total:
67
over 3,047 m:
1
2,438 to 3,047 m:
18
1,524 to 2,437 m:
15
914 to 1,523 m:
13
under 914 m:
20 (1999 est.)
Airports with unpaved runways:
total:
36
over 3,047 m:
1
914 to 1,523 m:
3
under 914 m:
32 (1999 est.)
Heliports:
203 (1999 est.)
These pipelines are for petroleum products.
Additionally, there is a parallel petroleum, oils and lubricants (POL) pipeline being completed
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
is provided by extensive networks of railways, highways, bus routes, ferry services and air routes that criss-cross the country.
History
Development of modern infrastructure began with the first Five-Year Development Plan (1962–66), which included the construction of 275 kilometers of railways and several small highwayHighway
A highway is any public road. In American English, the term is common and almost always designates major roads. In British English, the term designates any road open to the public. Any interconnected set of highways can be variously referred to as a "highway system", a "highway network", or a...
projects. Construction of the Gyeongbu Expressway
Gyeongbu Expressway
The Gyeongbu Expressway is the second oldest and most heavily travelled expressway in South Korea, connecting Seoul to Suwon, Daejeon, Gumi, Daegu, and Busan. It has the route number 1, signifying its role as South Korea's most important expressway...
, which connects the two major cities of Seoul
Seoul
Seoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world...
and Busan
Busan
Busan , formerly spelled Pusan is South Korea's second largest metropolis after Seoul, with a population of around 3.6 million. The Metropolitan area population is 4,399,515 as of 2010. It is the largest port city in South Korea and the fifth largest port in the world...
, was completed on 7 July 1970.
1970s saw increased commitment to infrastructure investments. The third Five-Year Development Plan (1972–76) added the development of airport
Airport
An airport is a location where aircraft such as fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and blimps take off and land. Aircraft may be stored or maintained at an airport...
s, seaports. Subway system was built in Seoul, highway network was expanded by 487 km and major port projects were started in Pohang
Pohang
Pohang is a city in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, and a main seaport in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region. The built-up area of Pohang is located on the alluvium of the mouth of the Hyeongsan River...
, Ulsan
Ulsan
Ulsan , officially the Ulsan Metropolitan City, is South Korea's seventh largest metropolis with a population of over 1.1 million. It is located in the south-east of the country, neighboring Busan to the south and facing Gyeongju to the north and the Sea of Japan to the east.Ulsan is the...
, Masan
Masan
Masan was a formerly a municipal city in South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. The city was situated on Masan Bay , approximately 35 km west of Busan. It was known for its textile industry, and it was the site of Hite Brewery's production facilities.During the control of the Mongolians, the...
, Incheon
Incheon
The Incheon Metropolitan City is located in northwestern South Korea. The city was home to just 4,700 people when Jemulpo port was built in 1883. Today 2.76 million people live in the city, making it Korea’s third most populous city after Seoul and Busan Metropolitan City...
and Busan.
Railroad network experience improvements in the 1980s with electrification
Electrification
Electrification originally referred to the build out of the electrical generating and distribution systems which occurred in the United States, England and other countries from the mid 1880's until around 1940 and is in progress in developing countries. This also included the change over from line...
and additional track projects. Operation speed was also increased on the main lines. Though the railroad was still more useful for transportation of freight, passenger traffic was also growing. There was 51,000 kilometers of roadways by 1988. Expressway network was expanded to connect more major cities and reached a combined length of 1,539 kilometers before the end of the decade.
Railroad
Korail
Korea Railroad Corporation , promoted as Korail , is the national railroad operator in South Korea.Korail operates passenger and freight trains throughout South Korea...
. Railway network is managed by Korea Rail Network Authority
Korea Rail Network Authority
Korea Rail Network Authority is a railroad construction and management company in South Korea formed by the merger of KNR Construction Headquarter and Korean Express Railroad Construction Corporation. Its main clients are Korail and Seoul Metro....
.
Korea Train Express
Korea Train Express
Korea Train eXpress is South Korea's high-speed rail system, operated by Korail. Construction began on the first section of the high-speed line from Seoul to Busan in 1992. The project was later split into two phases and combined with conventional line upgrades, adding a second route from Seoul to...
began service in April 2004, at Korea's first high-speed service. Intercity services are provided by Saemaeul-ho
Saemaeul-ho
The Saemaul-ho or Saemaul is a class of train operated by Korail, the national railroad of South Korea. Saemaeul trains are distinguished from the more basic Mugunghwa trains by their larger and comfortable seats and absence of standing passengers...
and Mugunghwa-ho
Mugunghwa-ho
The Mugunghwa-ho or Mugunghwa is a class of train operated by Korail, the national railroad of South Korea. Mugunghwa trains are the cheapest class of trains to operate cross-country. Prior to the introduction of the KTX in 2004, they were the most common passenger train along most railroad lines...
. Saemaeul-ho generally stops less than Mugunghwa-ho and provides more comfortable seats and service. Tonggeun
Tonggeun
The Tonggeun is a class of short-run commuter trains operated by Korail, the national railroad of South Korea. On timetables, the name is always translated as "Commuter." They typically operate once or twice daily in each direction, along a few tens of kilometers of track...
(commuter train, not to be confused with subway
Subways in South Korea
Rapid transit subways operate in all of South Korea's seven major cities, except for Ulsan.* Seoul - Seoul Metropolitan Subway * Busan - Busan Metro...
s) serves some selected lines. They stop in all stations and seat reservation is not available.
New Nuriro-ho service was recently added between Seoul
Seoul Station
Seoul Station is a major railway station in Seoul, South Korea. The station is served by the Gyeongbu Line, its high-speed counterpart and the Gyeongui Line, with frequent high-speed, express, and local services to various points in South Korea.-Services:...
and Sinchang Station
Sinchang Station
Sinchang Station is a railway station on Seoul Metropolitan Subway Line 1 and the Janghang Line in Asan, South Korea. It is the southern terminus for metro trains on Line 1. Its secondary name is Soonchunhyang University Station, named for nearby Soonchunhyang University.- References :...
. Nuriro-ho serves commuters around Seoul Metropolitan Area, providing shorter travel time than Seoul Subway. The rapid trains have same cost and seat reservation as Mugunghwa-ho. Korail plans to expand the service area. There's also a plan to introduce Vitro-ho, which is supposed to replace Saemaul-ho.
Subways
South Korea's six largest cities — SeoulSeoul
Seoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world...
, Busan
Busan
Busan , formerly spelled Pusan is South Korea's second largest metropolis after Seoul, with a population of around 3.6 million. The Metropolitan area population is 4,399,515 as of 2010. It is the largest port city in South Korea and the fifth largest port in the world...
, Daegu
Daegu
Daegu , also known as Taegu, and officially the Daegu Metropolitan City, is a city in South Korea, the fourth largest after Seoul, Busan, and Incheon, and the third largest metropolitan area in the country with over 2.5 million residents. The city is the capital and principal city of the...
, Gwangju
Gwangju
Gwangju is the sixth largest city in South Korea. It is a designated metropolitan city under the direct control of the central government's Home Minister...
, Daejeon
Daejeon
Daejeon is South Korea's fifth largest metropolis and the provincial capital of Chungnam. Located in the center of the country, Daejeon had a population of over 1.5 million in 2010. It is at the crossroads of Gyeongbu railway, Honam railway, Gyeongbu Expressway, and Honam Expressway. Within the...
and Incheon
Incheon
The Incheon Metropolitan City is located in northwestern South Korea. The city was home to just 4,700 people when Jemulpo port was built in 1883. Today 2.76 million people live in the city, making it Korea’s third most populous city after Seoul and Busan Metropolitan City...
— all have subway systems.
Seoul's subway system
Seoul Metropolitan Subway
The Seoul Metropolitan Subway or Metropolitan Subway in Seoul, in Seoul, South Korea, is one of the most heavily used rapid transit systems in the world, with well over 8 million trips daily on the system's thirteen lines...
is the oldest system in the country, with the Seoul Station
Seoul Station
Seoul Station is a major railway station in Seoul, South Korea. The station is served by the Gyeongbu Line, its high-speed counterpart and the Gyeongui Line, with frequent high-speed, express, and local services to various points in South Korea.-Services:...
– Cheongnyangni
Cheongnyangni Station (underground)
Cheongnyangni Station is a station on Line 1 of the Seoul Subway network. All Line 1 trains departing north from Cheonan stop at this station. The underground Cheongnyangni Station will be merged with its above ground counterpart when the new Cheongnyangni Station building is completed...
section of Line 1
Seoul Subway Line 1
Seoul Subway Line 1 of the Seoul Metropolitan Subway, formerly known as the Korea National Railroad of Seoul, is an operation channel which links central Seoul, South Korea to Soyosan Station in the northeast, Incheon in the southwest, and Asan via Suwon in the south. This line covers a large part...
opening in 1974.
Trams
The first tramTram
A tram is a passenger rail vehicle which runs on tracks along public urban streets and also sometimes on separate rights of way. It may also run between cities and/or towns , and/or partially grade separated even in the cities...
line in Seoul started operation between Seodaemun and Cheongnyangni in December 1898. The network was expanded to cover the whole downtown area (Jung-gu
Jung-gu, Seoul
Jung-gu is one of the 25 gu which make up the city of Seoul, South Korea. It is located on the north side of the Han River, and is the historical center of the city .-Overview:...
and Jongno-gu
Jongno-gu
Jongno-gu is a gu, or district, in central Seoul, South Korea. It takes its name from a major local street, Jongno, which means "Bell Street". Jongno-gu has been the center of the city for 600 years, since where the Joseon dynasty established its capital city...
districts) as well as surrounding neighbourhoods, including Cheongnyangni in the east, Mapo-gu
Mapo-gu
Mapo-gu is a gu, or district, within Seoul, South Korea. It lies northwest of the Han River. Several universities and government buildings are located here. Mapo is especially well-known for the Hongdae club district around Hongik University. Seoul Metropolitan Subway Line 1, Line 5, and Line 6...
in the west, and Noryangjin across the Han River
Han River (Korea)
The Han River is a major river in South Korea and the fourth longest river on the Korean peninsula after the Amnok, Duman, and Nakdong rivers. It is formed by the confluence of the Namhan River , which originates in Mount Daedeok, and the Bukhan River , which originates on the slopes of Mount...
to the south.
The networks reached its peak in 1941, but was abandoned in favor of cars and the development of a subway system in 1968. Seoul Subway Line 1
Seoul Subway Line 1
Seoul Subway Line 1 of the Seoul Metropolitan Subway, formerly known as the Korea National Railroad of Seoul, is an operation channel which links central Seoul, South Korea to Soyosan Station in the northeast, Incheon in the southwest, and Asan via Suwon in the south. This line covers a large part...
and Line 2
Seoul Subway Line 2
Seoul Subway Line 2 is a circular line of the Seoul Metropolitan Subway. The line running clockwise is called the "inner circle line" and the counter-clockwise line is called the "outer circle line." This is Seoul's most heavily used line, and the longest circular subway line in the world...
follow the old streetcar routes along Jongno
Jongno
Jongno is one of the oldest major east-west thoroughfares in central Seoul, South Korea, connecting Sejongno to Dongdaemun. It remains one of Seoul's most important financial and cultural areas to this day...
and Euljiro
Euljiro
Euljiro is an avenue in Seoul named after Eulji Mundeok, the general who saved Korea from the invading Sui Dynasty Chinese. During Korea under Japanese rule's period, the street was known as Kogane-Cho .-Transportation links:...
, respectively.
Regional services
Virtually all towns in South Korea of all sizes are served by regional bus service. Regional routes are classified as gosok bus (고속버스, "high speed" express bus) or sioe bus (시외버스, "suburban" intercity bus) with gosok buses operating over the longer distances and making the fewest (if any) stops en route. Shioe buses typically operate over shorter distances, are somewhat slower, and make more stops.Local services
Some cities have their own bus classifying systems.
| Bus type | Seoul Seoul Seoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world... |
Busan Busan Busan , formerly spelled Pusan is South Korea's second largest metropolis after Seoul, with a population of around 3.6 million. The Metropolitan area population is 4,399,515 as of 2010. It is the largest port city in South Korea and the fifth largest port in the world... |
Daegu Daegu Daegu , also known as Taegu, and officially the Daegu Metropolitan City, is a city in South Korea, the fourth largest after Seoul, Busan, and Incheon, and the third largest metropolitan area in the country with over 2.5 million residents. The city is the capital and principal city of the... |
Daejeon Daejeon Daejeon is South Korea's fifth largest metropolis and the provincial capital of Chungnam. Located in the center of the country, Daejeon had a population of over 1.5 million in 2010. It is at the crossroads of Gyeongbu railway, Honam railway, Gyeongbu Expressway, and Honam Expressway. Within the... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jwaseok | Rapid: Gwangyeok (광역), red Trunk: Ganseon (간선), blue |
Rapid: Geuphaeng (급행) Coach: Jwaseok |
Rapid: Geuphaeng Trunk Coach: Ganseon jwaseok (간선좌석) |
Rapid: Geuphaeng, red Trunk: Ganseon, blue |
| Doshihyeong/Ipseok | Trunk: Ganseon, blue Branch: Jiseon (지선), green |
Regular: Ilban (일반) | Circulation: Sunhwan (순환) Trunk: Ganseon Branch: Jiseon |
Trunk: Ganseon, blue Branch: Jiseon, green |
| Village | Branch: Jiseon, green Circulation: Sunhwan, yellow |
Village: Maeul-bus (마을버스) | N/A | Branch: Jiseon, green Outer: Oegwak (외곽), green Village: Maeul-bus |
Other services
Incheon International AirportIncheon International Airport
Incheon International Airport is the largest airport in South Korea, the primary airport serving the Seoul national capital area, and one of the largest and busiest airports in the world...
is served by an extensive network of high-speed buses from all parts of the country. Beginning in the late 1990s, many department stores operated their own small network of free buses for shoppers, but government regulation, confirmed by a court decision on June 28, 2001, have banned department stores from operating buses. However, most churches, daycare centres and private schools still send buses around to pick up their congregants, patients or pupils.
Roads
National roads
National roads can refer to various roads in several countries:*National roads in Belgium: a specific road, see National Road No. 2: national roads, see Route nationale : national roads, see National Roads: Greek Highways, known as Greek National Roads, see List of Greek roads: national primary and...
and various classifications below the national level. Almost all freeways are toll highways and most of the expressways are built, maintained and operated by Korea Expressway Corporation (KEC).
The freeway network serves most parts of South Korea. Tolls are collected using an electronic toll collection
Electronic toll collection
Electronic toll collection , an adaptation of military "identification friend or foe" technology, aims to eliminate the delay on toll roads by collecting tolls electronically. It is thus a technological implementation of a road pricing concept...
system. KEC also operates service amenities
Rest area
A rest area, travel plaza, rest stop, or service area is a public facility, located next to a large thoroughfare such as a highway, expressway, or freeway at which drivers and passengers can rest, eat, or refuel without exiting on to secondary roads...
(dining and service facilities) en route.
There are also several privately financed toll roads. Nonsan-Cheonan Expressway
Nonsan-Cheonan Expressway
The Nonsan Cheonan Expressway is a freeway serving the South Chungcheong region in South Korea. It connects Nonsan on the Gyeongbu Expressway to Cheonan on the Honam Expressway. The freeway's route number is 25, which it shares with the Honam Expressway....
, Daegu-Busan Expressway
Daegu-Busan Expressway
The Daegu-Busan Expressway is an expressway in southeastern South Korea, connecting the cities of Busan and Daegu. It is 82 kilometers long, with two lanes of traffic in each direction and eight interchanges...
, Incheon International Airport Expressway
Incheon International Airport Expressway
The Incheon International Airport Expressway is a tollway in South Korea connecting Incheon International Airport to Seoul.-Exits and Junctions:* Sinbul * Airport Town Square...
, Seoul-Chuncheon Expressway
Seoul-Chuncheon Expressway
The Seoul-Chuncheon Expressway is an expressway in South Korea, connecting the cities of Seoul and Chuncheon. It is 62 kilometers long, with two lanes of traffic in each direction and ten interchanges...
and parts of the Seoul Ring Expressway
Seoul Ring Expressway
The Seoul Ring Expressway is a circular beltway or ring road around Seoul, South Korea. It connects satellite cities around Seoul, Ilsan, Namyangju, Hanam, Pyeongchon, Jungdong, Bundang, Pangyo, Sanbon and Gimpo...
are wholly privately funded and operated BOT
Build-Operate-Transfer
Build-own-operate-transfer or build-operate-transfer is a form of project financing, wherein a private entity receives a concession from the private or public sector to finance, design, construct, and operate a facility stated in the concession contract...
concessions. Donghae Expressway
Donghae Expressway
The Donghae Expressway, approximately meaning "East Coast Expressway", is a freeway in South Korea, connecting Sokcho to Donghae. It is numbered 65 and it is planned that this expressway will eventually extend all the way along the east coast to Haeundae in Busan...
was built in cooperation between KEC and the National Pension Service.
| Total | Expressways | National Roads | Paved | Unpaved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 86,990 km | 3,000 km | 12,447 km | 64,808 km | 22,182 km |
Waterways
Virtually cut off from the Asian mainland, South Korea is a seafaring nation, with one of the world's largest shipbuildingShipbuilding
Shipbuilding is the construction of ships and floating vessels. It normally takes place in a specialized facility known as a shipyard. Shipbuilders, also called shipwrights, follow a specialized occupation that traces its roots to before recorded history.Shipbuilding and ship repairs, both...
industries and an extensive system of ferry
Ferry
A ferry is a form of transportation, usually a boat, but sometimes a ship, used to carry primarily passengers, and sometimes vehicles and cargo as well, across a body of water. Most ferries operate on regular, frequent, return services...
services. South Korea operates one of the largest merchant fleets serving China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
and the Middle East
Middle East
The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
. Most fleet operators are large conglomerates, while most ferry operators are small, private operators.
There are 1,609 km of navigable waterways in South Korea, though use is restricted to small craft.
Ferries
The southern and westerns coasts of the country are dotted with small islands which are served by ferries. In addition, the larger offshore JejuJeju-do
Jeju-do is the only special autonomous province of South Korea, situated on and coterminous with the country's largest island. Jeju-do lies in the Korea Strait, southwest of Jeollanam-do Province, of which it was a part before it became a separate province in 1946...
and Ulleung Islands are also served by ferry
Ferry
A ferry is a form of transportation, usually a boat, but sometimes a ship, used to carry primarily passengers, and sometimes vehicles and cargo as well, across a body of water. Most ferries operate on regular, frequent, return services...
. Major centres for ferry
Ferry
A ferry is a form of transportation, usually a boat, but sometimes a ship, used to carry primarily passengers, and sometimes vehicles and cargo as well, across a body of water. Most ferries operate on regular, frequent, return services...
service include Incheon
Incheon
The Incheon Metropolitan City is located in northwestern South Korea. The city was home to just 4,700 people when Jemulpo port was built in 1883. Today 2.76 million people live in the city, making it Korea’s third most populous city after Seoul and Busan Metropolitan City...
, Mokpo
Mokpo
Mokpo is a city in South Jeolla Province, South Korea, on the southwestern tip of the Korean Peninsula. Mokpo has frequent train service to Seoul and is the terminus for a number of ferry routes serving islands in the adjacent Yellow Sea...
, Pohang
Pohang
Pohang is a city in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, and a main seaport in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region. The built-up area of Pohang is located on the alluvium of the mouth of the Hyeongsan River...
and Busan
Busan
Busan , formerly spelled Pusan is South Korea's second largest metropolis after Seoul, with a population of around 3.6 million. The Metropolitan area population is 4,399,515 as of 2010. It is the largest port city in South Korea and the fifth largest port in the world...
, as well as China and Japan.
Ports and Harbours
The cities have major ports JinhaeJinhae
Jinhae is a district in Changwon City, South Korea. This region is served by the Korean National Railroad, and is famous for its annual cherry blossom festival every spring....
, Incheon
Incheon
The Incheon Metropolitan City is located in northwestern South Korea. The city was home to just 4,700 people when Jemulpo port was built in 1883. Today 2.76 million people live in the city, making it Korea’s third most populous city after Seoul and Busan Metropolitan City...
, Gunsan
Gunsan
Gunsan is a city in North Jeolla Province, South Korea. It is located on the south bank of the Geum River just upstream from its exit into the Yellow Sea. Gunsan is served by frequent railway service on the Gunsan Line from Iksan. It is also connected to the Seohaean Expressway.Kunsan Air Base...
, Masan, Mokpo
Mokpo
Mokpo is a city in South Jeolla Province, South Korea, on the southwestern tip of the Korean Peninsula. Mokpo has frequent train service to Seoul and is the terminus for a number of ferry routes serving islands in the adjacent Yellow Sea...
, Pohang
Pohang
Pohang is a city in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, and a main seaport in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region. The built-up area of Pohang is located on the alluvium of the mouth of the Hyeongsan River...
, Busan
Busan
Busan , formerly spelled Pusan is South Korea's second largest metropolis after Seoul, with a population of around 3.6 million. The Metropolitan area population is 4,399,515 as of 2010. It is the largest port city in South Korea and the fifth largest port in the world...
, Donghae
Donghae City
Donghae is a city in Gangwon Province, South Korea. There are two major ports: Donghae Harbor and Mukho Harbor. The city is located on the Yeongdong Line railroad and the Donghae Expressway. Numerous caverns are found in the city, as in neighboring Samcheok...
, Ulsan
Ulsan
Ulsan , officially the Ulsan Metropolitan City, is South Korea's seventh largest metropolis with a population of over 1.1 million. It is located in the south-east of the country, neighboring Busan to the south and facing Gyeongju to the north and the Sea of Japan to the east.Ulsan is the...
, Yeosu
Yeosu
Yeosu is a city in South Jeolla Province, South Korea. Old Yeosu City, which was founded in 1949, Yeocheon City, founded in 1986, and Yeocheon County were merged into a new city in 1998....
, Jeju
Jeju City
Jeju is the capital of Jeju province in South Korea and the largest city on the island of Jeju. Its geographical location is . The city is served by Jeju International Airport ....
.
Merchant Marine
In 1999, there was a total of 461 merchant ships (1,000 GRT or over) totalling 5,093,620 GRT/. These are divisible by type as follows:- bulk 98
- cargo 149
- chemical tanker 39
- combination bulk 4
- container 53
- liquefied gas 13
- multi-functional large load carrier 1
- passenger 3
- petroleum tanker 61
- refrigerated cargo 26
- roll-on/roll-off 4
- specialised tanker 4
- vehicle carrier 6
Air travel
Korean AirKorean Air
Korean Air Lines Co., Ltd. , operating as Korean Air, is both the flag carrier and the largest airline of South Korea, with global headquarters located in Seoul, South Korea. Korean Air's international passenger division and related subsidiary cargo division together serve 130 cities in 45...
was founded by the government in 1962 to replace Korean National Airlines
Korean National Airlines
Korean National Airlines was the first air carrier in Korea. Established in 1946 and incorporated in 1948 in South Korea, and its first official passenger flight was from Seoul to Pusan on October 30, 1948...
and has been privately owned since 1969. It was South Korea's sole airline until 1988. In 2008, Korean Air served 2,164 million passengers, including 1,249 million international passengers.
A second carrier, Asiana Airlines
Asiana Airlines
Asiana Airlines Inc. is one of South Korea's two major airlines, along with Korean Air. Asiana has its headquarters in Asiana Town in Osoe-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul...
, was established in 1988 and originally served Seoul, Jeju
Jeju City
Jeju is the capital of Jeju province in South Korea and the largest city on the island of Jeju. Its geographical location is . The city is served by Jeju International Airport ....
and Busan
Busan
Busan , formerly spelled Pusan is South Korea's second largest metropolis after Seoul, with a population of around 3.6 million. The Metropolitan area population is 4,399,515 as of 2010. It is the largest port city in South Korea and the fifth largest port in the world...
domestically and Bangkok
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
, Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
and Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
internationally. By 2006, Asiana served 12 domestic cities, 66 cities in 20 foreign countries for commercial traffic and 24 cities in 17 countries for cargo traffic.
Combined, South Korean airlines currently serve 297 international routes. Smaller airliners, such as Air Busan
Air Busan
Air Busan Co., Ltd. is a regional airline with its headquarters in Beomcheon-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan, South Korea. It is a subsidiary of Asiana Airlines...
, Jin Air
Jin Air
Jin Air Co. Ltd, formerly Air Korea is a low cost airline originating from South Korea. It is a full subsidiary of Korean Air. Jin Air began operations in July 2008 with routes to regional destinations in Korea. In October 2009, Jin Air began flights to Macau, Guam and Bangkok. The name "Jin Air"...
, Eastar Jet
Eastar Jet
Eastar Jet is a low-cost airline with its headquarters on the second floor of Yangseo B/D in Banghwa 2-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, South Korea. On January 7, 2009, Eastarjet made its maiden flight from Gimpo International Airport to Jeju International Airport. Now, it operates services to regional...
and Jeju Air
Jeju Air
Jeju Air is an airline based in Jeju City, Jeju-do, South Korea, offering scheduled domestic services between Jeju and the South Korean mainland out of Jeju International Airport or Gimpo International Airport, Seoul. Also, a number of regular charter flights is operated-History:Jeju Air was...
, provide domestic service and Japan/Southeast Asian route with lower fares.
Airports
Construction of South Korea's largest airport, Incheon International AirportIncheon International Airport
Incheon International Airport is the largest airport in South Korea, the primary airport serving the Seoul national capital area, and one of the largest and busiest airports in the world...
, was completed in 2001, in time for the 2002 FIFA World Cup
2002 FIFA World Cup
The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. It was also the first World Cup held in Asia, and the last in which the golden goal rule was implemented. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0...
. By 2007, the airport was serving 30 million passengers a year. The airport has been selected as the "Best Airport Worldwide" for four consecutive years since 2005 by Airports Council International
Airports Council International
Airports Council International is the association of the world’s airports. It is a non profit organization, whose prime purpose is to advance the interests of airports and to promote professional excellence in airport management and operations...
.
Seoul is also served by Gimpo International Airport
Gimpo International Airport
Gimpo International Airport , commonly known as Gimpo Airport , is located in the far western end of Seoul and was the main international airport for Seoul and South Korea before it was replaced by Incheon International Airport in 2001...
(formerly Kimpo International Airport). International routes mainly serve Incheon
Incheon International Airport
Incheon International Airport is the largest airport in South Korea, the primary airport serving the Seoul national capital area, and one of the largest and busiest airports in the world...
, while domestic services mainly use Gimpo. Other major airports are in Busan and Jeju.
There are 103 airports in South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
(1999 est.) and these may be classified as follows.
Airports with paved runways:
total:
67
over 3,047 m:
1
2,438 to 3,047 m:
18
1,524 to 2,437 m:
15
914 to 1,523 m:
13
under 914 m:
20 (1999 est.)
Airports with unpaved runways:
total:
36
over 3,047 m:
1
914 to 1,523 m:
3
under 914 m:
32 (1999 est.)
Heliports:
203 (1999 est.)
Pipelines
- South–North Pipeline Korea
- Trans Korea PipelineTrans Korea PipelineThe Trans Korea Pipeline is a north-south petroleum pipeline in the Republic of Korea. Since 1970 the pipeline was used to transport petroleum products for United States Forces Korea and South Korea's oil refiners. The USFK originally owned the TKP and in 1992 it was transferred to the Korean...
These pipelines are for petroleum products.
Additionally, there is a parallel petroleum, oils and lubricants (POL) pipeline being completed
See also
- List of Korea-related topics
- Transportation in North KoreaTransportation in North KoreaThe standard route to and from North Korea is by plane or train through Beijing, People's Republic of China. Transport directly to and from South Korea has been possible on a limited scale from 2003 until 2008, when a road was opened...