• Journal of Korea Port Economic Association
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.175-194
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• 2014

Because the thawing of the Arctic ocean is slowly accelerating due to global warming, recently exploring resources in Arctic ocean and transporting resources by using the North Pole route have been getting spotlight. Since the original route transported by the Suez Canal from Korea to Europe could be shorten about 8,000km in distance(decreased about 38% compared to the original route), which means shortening about 10 voyage dates, it is expected to bring huge logistics cost reduction. Once the North Pole route is commercialized successfully, it would be one of the most important variables that affects future of Busan port and guides for economic development of Busan. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyze Busan port and the economic growth of Busan area by researching promising industry, based on the effect of freight transporting by the Northern sea route on the economy of Busan. For this study, questionnaire surveys and interviews were conducted for 64 people of experts in the shipping and port industry, relevant government, and academics. The survey finding shows that port logistics industry is a promising business in Busan in terms of its growth and competitiveness. It is necessary to develop feeder network facilities that prepare for commercialization of the Northern sea route as a short and medium term plan and provide professional manpower training in polar regions. Ship supply business would also play an important role. It is identified that revitalization of shipbuilding and ocean plant industry should be done in terms of Arctic business. With regard to the fishery industry it is found that modernization of fishery ship and development of fishery equipment used in polar areas should be carried out.