Dongwon Global Terminal plans further automation investment at Busan New Port
Dongwon Global Terminal Busan has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) covering a planned investment of approximately KRW 200 billion in automated port infrastructure at Busan New Port in South Korea.
The agreement was signed on 20 October during the 2026 Gyeongsangnam-do Investment Promotion Conference in Seoul, alongside representatives of the Busan-Jinhae Free Economic Zone Authority, Gyeongsangnam-do Province and Changwon City.
The planned investment will focus on expanding automated container transport equipment, cargo handling machinery and terminal operating systems at the western container terminal area of Busan New Port in Jinhae-gu, Changwon.
According to the Busan-Jinhae Free Economic Zone Authority, the investment is scheduled to be implemented by 2028 and is expected to create 88 new jobs.
Expansion of automated terminal operations
Dongwon Global Terminal Busan, a subsidiary of Dongwon Group, began operating South Korea’s first fully automated container terminal at Busan New Port in April 2024.
The facility uses automated guided vehicles (AGVs), automated container cranes and integrated operating systems to manage container handling, transportation and storage activities.
The terminal also incorporates electrically powered equipment as part of its operating infrastructure.
Under the new investment agreement, Dongwon plans to expand these systems and supporting equipment to strengthen automated operations at the port.
The proposed development forms part of wider efforts to modernise port logistics infrastructure within the Busan-Jinhae Free Economic Zone.
Wider investment agreements in Busan-Jinhae
Dongwon’s planned investment was announced alongside a separate agreement involving Young Chemical, a South Korean manufacturer of medical supplies.
Young Chemical intends to invest KRW 100 billion in a new manufacturing facility for medical products and cosmetics within the Ungdong hinterland development area in Jinhae-gu by 2029.
The proposed facility will occupy approximately 33,000 square metres and is expected to create 60 jobs.
Together, the two investment agreements represent KRW 300 billion in planned expenditure and a combined employment target of 148 positions.
The Busan-Jinhae Free Economic Zone Authority said it would work with regional and municipal authorities to support the implementation of the projects, including assistance with administrative procedures and permits.
The agreements establish the companies’ investment intentions, with the planned developments subject to subsequent implementation.
