The Competitiveness of Korea’s Container Ports in the World: The Effect of Port Networks and Trade Environment

This study aims to evaluate the relative competitiveness of Korea’s container ports using a cross-country analysis. Specifically, we explore the dynamics of port networks as one of the key dimensions that explain container port performance. Further, trade environment is considered as an external contingency. Using 287 observations from 105 countries in the period of 2007-2012, we found that liner shipping connectivity and traffic volume per unit connect are positively related with the performance of container ports and that trade cost and trade-related infrastructure moderate the relationship. Overall, this research provides a meaningful insight into how to manage a seaport as a platform for international trade.