Jeju Port welcomes first international containership in 57 Years via new China Route

SOUTH KOREA : Jeju Port in South Korea has marked a historic milestone with the arrival of its first international commercial vessel in 57 years.

The opening of a new regular shipping route between Jeju and Qingdao, China, is expected to significantly reduce logistics costs and enhance trade competitiveness for local businesses.

The inaugural vessel, the SMC Rizhao, operated by China’s Shandong Port Equipment Group, departed Qingdao on 16 October and arrived at Jeju Port on 18 October.

The 118-metre-long containership has a capacity of 712 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) and is fitted with 109 refrigerated outlets, allowing it to transport fresh and frozen cargo.

This is the first regular international container service since Jeju was designated a trading port in 1968. Previously, most containerised goods had to go through larger ports like Busan or Incheon.

The new schedule will see the vessel depart Qingdao every Monday, arrive at Jeju on Wednesday, and return to China on Saturday.

On its first voyage, the SMC Rizhao carried 40 TEU of imports, including furniture, machinery, and electronics, and loaded 10 TEU of Jeju exports such as seafood and Samdasu mineral water for the return journey. The route will also support exports of bottled water and cosmetics and imports of construction materials from China.

Jeju Province said the direct route will reduce logistics costs by up to 62%, reducing the cost per TEU from 2.04 million Korean won via Busan to 770,000 won, saving about 1.27 million won per container. Transit time will also be shortened by at least two days, improving supply chain efficiency for island-based businesses.

The new route is expected to create jobs in cargo handling, bonded warehouses, and port services, supporting Jeju’s economic growth. Officials said the project is part of efforts to strengthen Jeju as a logistics hub in Northeast Asia.

Jeju Governor Oh Young-hun called the launch historic, noting the island’s long maritime heritage dating back to the ancient Tamna era. He added that reopening the route revives Jeju’s trading spirit and opens access to Chinese and Southeast Asian markets.