Seaport Network based on Change of Korean Liner Service Pattern

This paper evaluates ports from the network perspective and analyzes the network of Korean and Chinese ports based on the service pattern of Korean liner shipping companies. It uncovers their structural characteristics and centrality, and explores network centrality through the service pattern of shipping companies and port throughput in 2008 and 2015 using data from nine Korean shipping companies in the Korea–China route by using social network analysis. It reveals the impacts of port network centrality on port competitiveness. The results of analysis firstly indicate that the degree centrality in the throughput flow is changing from the Busan port in Korea to the Shanghai or Qingdao port in China. Second, the export volume of Korea is decreasing, whereas the trade volume of China is increasing. Third, as for the major ports in Korea and China, China may be in a favorable position compared to Korea owing to the increase in the number of service routes, fleets, and service liner shipping companies. Hence, the centrality of the Chinese port has been increasing because the liners intentionally design their service routes with focus on Shanghai port. By referring to the study's findings, port policymakers may better understand the dynamic Korea–China route port network changes to prepare the future port strategies.