Currently, 99.7% of Korea's exports and imports volumes are handled by maritime transport through the ports nationwide. And especially, 52% of nation's timber freight cargo volumes are treated in Incheon Port. Based on these facts, I tried to suggest ...
Currently, 99.7% of Korea's exports and imports volumes are handled by maritime transport through the ports nationwide. And especially, 52% of nation's timber freight cargo volumes are treated in Incheon Port. Based on these facts, I tried to suggest the development process of timber cluster around the Incheon Port, its components and key factors by summarizing implications and comparing with other examples.
This paper is focused on success possibilities of timber industry's clusterization by researching current status of timber industry around Incheon port including other ports in Korea and analyzing Korean timber cargo throughput. And by the survey targeted to companies and port operators in Incheon North Port, I tried to carry out real field's opinions and ideas.
60% companies of Incheon's timber industry are small-businesses with employees under 20, so there could be a synergy effect from moving in specialized enterprises such as Preservative companies. For example, due to increasing variety of handling products, each companies can establish its own complimentation and competition system, and by this, may have a growth chance as regionally specialized industry.
Incheon has higher possibilities than the other cities to become the hub center of timber industry because timber industry has long tradition in Incheon and the largest timber import port, Incheon Port, is in it. Furthermore, Incheon has lage-scale wood processing industry behind with massive demands market around Seoul metropolitan area.
Therefore, if timber cluster developed at Incheon North port hinterland site, and make synergy at overall timber industry with institutional supporting policies, timber industry will help not only to develop entire industry but to contribute at Incheon's regional economy as an Incheon Port's specialized cargo.