14.4% Increase in the Amount of Cargo Handled by Ports in January 2000

The amount of cargo handled by ports in South Korea has experienced a
double digit increase, indicating a significant trend. According to t
he Korea Port Stevedore Association, during the month of January this
year, the amount loaded and unloaded in Korean ports reached 34,508,00
0 tons, up 14.4% from last year. The reported revenue from transaction
s was 61,691 million won, an 11.8% increase. By port, Busan port handl
ed the most, with 10,993,000 tons, a 16.1% increase, followed by Incho
n port with 5,637,000 tons and an increase of 11.7%, Ulsan port with 3
,408,000 tons and a 51.0% increase and Masan port with 1,819,000 tons
and an 8.1% increase. Mokpo port, which showed the most dramatic incre
ase, was up 68.7% compared to last year. By item, sea products and sal
t showed the greatest increases with 106,000 tons and an increase of 1
03.8% and 344,000 tons and a 109.8% increase respectively.