Mokpo

1. Mokpo pilot boarding position No. 2 Pilot boards34°46.0′N 126°15.0′E
2. Mokpo pilot boarding position No. 1 Pilot boards34°27.7′N 126°04.4′E
3. Mokpo pilot boarding position No. 3 Pilot boards34°18.0′N 126°48.8′E

Size limits

Max LOA 366m, beam 48.2m, draught 11.0m and 140,565DWT.

Water density

1025, sometimes decreases to 1015 when Yong San Dam gates are opened at low tide.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Average range of tide 3.3m, spring range maximum 4.55m. Mean sea level 2.3m.

Tidal currents are rapid and subject to considerable diurnal inequality. Reported that in the autumn during spring tides, the current in this passage turns as soon as it is HW in Mokp’o Hang and flows W with the falling tide. The currents will then attain to a velocity of 6kts after the first hour and then 10kts after the second hour. On the other hand, one hour before LW the velocity is 6kts and will fall to 2-3kts after the next half an hour.

The W'y current is stronger than the E'ly current as the latter will attain a max velocity of 4kts at approx two hours after LW. It will then decrease to around 3kts one hour before HW to which it then decreases to 1kts. During the summer months when the Yongsan Gang is in flood, the W'ly current may attain a velocity of 13kts. In this event, vessels will proceed through the Mokp’o Gu with the E current.

After flowing through Mokp’o Gu, a section of the E current forms an eddy around the S of the shoals between Talli Do and Hosa Do, however it is worth noting that the major part of the current flows SE'ly. Approx three hours after LW the aforementioned eddy spreads out and the tidal currents along the E side of Talli Do and the W side of Hosa Do attain a velocity of approx 1kts. The current then runs N past Koha Do and attains a velocity of approx 2-3kts once rounding Yong Do and flows E'ly into Mokp’o Hang. Another branch of the E current sets N through the narrow channel E of Koha Do, with a max velocity of 2 to 3 knots, and enters the S side of Mokp’o Hang.

The W'ly current flows though the Yongsan Gang, and part of it sets S through the channel E of Koha Do.

Main section of the current is deflected NW along this coast at Koha Do at a max velocity of 3-4kts. Then at a max velocity of 3kts, the greater part sets W and then S along the E side of Changja Do. This branch then forms an eddy around the shoals W of Koha Do, gradually spreading out to the S, with the main current flowing SW to the S end of Talli Do and then through

Mokp’o Gu. There is an almost constant current running SW along the E side of Talli Do, and a N current up the W side of Koha Do due to the aforementioned currents.

In the middle of Mokp’o Hang, it has been observed that in the autumn at Spring Tides, the current turn about 50mins after HW and LW. It is worth mentioning that the time of the turn is influenced by the state of the Yongsan Gang, and at times it has occurred before high and LW.

Tidal currents SW of Samhak To are known to be irregular due to the water emptying out of the passage W of the island

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

The deepest approach to Mokpo is from the S, this can be made either through Maemul Sudo or through Chanjuk Sudo. Both routes lead into Chongdung Hae, which lies between Chin Do (34°27.0'N., 126°15.0'E) and the SE of Naju Gundo, 5.0nm NW then; they continue through Sia Hae, which lies between the mainland peninsula of Hwawon Bando and the E side of Naju Gundo, then; to the entrance channel leading into Mokpo.

A number of islands extend NNE from Hwawon Bando and restrict the approach to Mokpo from Sia Hae, there are 3 channels through them but only Mokpo-Gu channel (34°45.5'N., 126°18.4'E), the channel between the S island and the extremity of Hwawon Bando, is suitable for sea going vessels, the others are only suitable for small craft.

The route from Sia Hae leads in an ESE direction towards the entrance of Mokpo, (34°46.0'N., 126°18.0'E) and then in mid-channel. During the strength of the W going stream it is dangerous to close the N extremity of Hwawon Bando and when approaching from seaward a mid-channel course should be maintained.

At the E end of Mokpo Gu the route turns abruptly NNE to pass between the SE point of Talli Do and Lightbuoy No 2 marking the 4.6m shoal 0.5nm E. The E extremities of Chonchuk Pi and Pak Pi, (34°46.4'N., 126°19.8'E), in line bearing 016°, lead clear between Talli Do and the shoal water.

When entering during the strength of the flood stream care must be taken not to alter course around the point of Talli Do too suddenly, otherwise the check in the vessel's speed and the effect of the SW eddy may make it difficult to counter a swing towards that point.

The route then leads NE through the water area of Talli Bakchi, round the S point of Changjwa Do, (34°47.0'N., 126°20.4'E) and between that island and the shoal approx 0.3nm E.

During the flood stream, that part of the stream setting through Chung Gu will be encountered off the S point of Changjwa Do and may have the effect of swinging the vessel's head to starboard, this should not be countered by the helm as the effect is only felt over a width of approx 0.05nm and as the bows emerge from it there will be a tendency to swing back to port.

When Nam Gak, 34°46.7'N., 126°2.3'E, bears 115° and is open NE of Yongdu; the route turns E and passes N of No 6 Lightbuoy, marking the shoal between Changgjwa Do and Yongdu, then; between Yongdu and the 7.6m shoal lying 0.25nm E of that point. A shoal depth of 4.5m, lies 0.5nm of Yongdu.

During the ebb stream care must be taken not to be set on to Yongdu or the lightbuoy off the point.

A safety fairway 0.1nm wide then leads SE following the N coast of Koha Do, (34°46.0'N., 126°22.0'E) to enter Mokpo off that point.

Caution: Deep draught vessels need to pass Talipakji shoal (34°46.4'N., 126°22.8'E), depth 9.0m LW on high water, when depth is 12.5m.

Anchorages

Note: It is worth noting that vessels are not to anchor in the mid-channel where the tidal currents combine with the full strength of the river current. Vessel must also not anchor in the area NNE of Munha Som as the currents are strong and irregular.

During foggy weather vessels frequently anchor approx 1.0nm S of Kakhul To, (34°25.5'N., 126°05.2'E).

Tugs

The port has four tugs from 1,710hp to 3,200hp, available throughout 24 hours.

Charts and publications

BA 913, 1007, 1558, 3365, 3928. Korean Charts 221B, 301, 321. Admiralty Pilot NP32, NP286(6).

Port State Control here: Tokyo MOU.

Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.

Repairs

Although there are several shipyards in the area, these are mainly for the building of new vessels. Repairs are limited to deck and engine work.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available via pipeline at Daebul and New Port. For other berths, a 100t barge is available with 24hrs notice.

Bunkering: Available by barge from Yosu/Busan, 24 hours prior notice required, (Tax free bunkers not available from Mokpo).

Stores: Most provisions and stores can be supplied.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Mokpo-si Medical Center (3.45km).

Transport

Nearest airport: Muan International Airport (24.4km).

Nearest highway: The port has direct access to National Route 1. The route runs 1,068km from Mokpo in the S to Sinuiju in the N.

Nearest railway: Mokpo Station (3.5km).

Working hours

Normally 0800-2100hrs.

Where it is

Mokpo, also known as Mogpo, is situated on the SW tip of the Korean Peninsula.

The port

Since its opening in October 1897, the Port of Mokpo has been a cornerstone of maritime trade and industry in South Korea. The port is strategically located on the delta formed by the Yeoungsangang, Yeong-Am, and Geumho rivers, providing a natural shelter, ice-free harbour and year-round navigation.

The Port of Mokpo is versatile, handling a diverse array of cargo including both dry and liquid bulk shipments. Containers and reefer cargo are also handled at the port as well as forest products, steel, fish, and vehicles reflecting the port's integral role in supporting local and international trade.

In addition to its cargo operations, the Port of Mokpo houses HD Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries (HSHI); the world’s fourth largest shipbuilder. The shipyard boasts the highest competitiveness in building commercial ships including container vessels, LNG and bulkers. Furthermore, the Port of Mokpo also serves as a vital link for both international and domestic passenger vessels.

Traffic

Approx 75,000,000t of cargo, 4,800,000t of iron ore, 4,200TEU and 16,900 vessels are handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Mokpo?

The pilot boards at Mokpo pilot boarding position No. 2, 34°46.0′N 126°15.0′E. Mokpo has 3 pilot boarding places.

What time zone is Mokpo in?

Local time at Mokpo is UTC+9. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Mokpo?

The deepest berth listed is at Daebul Pier: 11.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Mokpo?

1025, sometimes decreases to 1015 when Yong San Dam gates are opened at low tide.

Which load line zone is Mokpo in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Mokpo?

Port State Control at Mokpo: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Mokpo?

The UN/LOCODE of Mokpo is KRMOK.

What crews who called at Mokpo say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.

Read and add tips for Mokpo →