Sapjin Port in Mokpo Takes First Step Toward National Fishing Port Designation...Government Includes Basic Design in Budget

Expectations for Dispersing Fishing Vessel Capacity at Mokpo Port
and Reorganizing Port Functions

Perspective view of Sapjin Port National Fishing Port Development. Provided by Mokpo City

The designation of Sapjin Port as a new national fishing port, which Mokpo City in South Jeolla Province has been pursuing, is becoming a reality.

Mokpo City announced that 900 million won has been allocated for the basic design costs related to the designation of Sapjin Port as a national fishing port in the 2026 government budget proposal.

Currently, Mokpo Port is already at full capacity due to a lack of berthing facilities for fishing vessels. In particular, when weather advisories are issued, vessels are forced to berth in stacks of eight or more, which has consistently raised concerns about the high risk of major accidents in the event of a fire or disaster.

With this budget allocation, the basic design will proceed, and if Sapjin Port is designated and officially announced as a national fishing port, it is expected to enable expanded capacity for fishing vessels, prevent safety accidents, and allow for systematic port management. In addition, it is anticipated that the functions of the inner and northern ports will be reorganized. Mokpo City plans to disperse fishing vessels through Sapjin Port, while the inner port will focus on passenger ferries, car ferries, and marina facilities as waterfront spaces, and the northern port will be specialized as a dedicated pier for small fishing vessels and Coast Guard patrol ships, thereby streamlining port functions.

The Sapjin Port development project will be carried out entirely with national funds. Approximately 96.8 billion won or more will be invested in the first and second phases, with additional funding to be provided in the third phase. Upon completion, a total of 116,824 square meters of hinterland will be secured, expanding not only berthing facilities for fishing vessels but also cold storage, freezing facilities, fishing gear drying and storage yards, and warehouses, thereby enhancing the fisheries infrastructure. Furthermore, distribution, tourism, leisure, and rest facilities will be established to develop the area as a hub for revitalizing the local economy in connection with the fisheries industry.

In particular, synergy effects are expected through linkage with the nearby Dae-yang Industrial Complex's seafood export zone, fish cake factories, and the laver industry. Mokpo City anticipates that the development of Sapjin Port will serve as a turning point for Mokpo to become a national fishing port equipped not only for the fisheries industry but also for tourism, marine leisure, and maritime traffic safety functions.

An official from Mokpo City stated, "Sapjin Port ranked first nationwide in the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries' preliminary candidate port evaluation last year," adding, "The inclusion of this project in the government budget proposal is the result of continuous persuasion of central government agencies and the National Assembly, together with National Assembly members Kim Won and Park Ji-won, and South Jeolla Province Governor Kim Young-rok."

The official emphasized, "Securing this budget is the first step toward resolving the overcrowding problem at Mokpo Port and transforming it into a national fishing port that encompasses the development of marine tourism and the fisheries industry."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.