S. Korea's major ports to operate around the clock through Chuseok holiday

South Korea's major ports will continue processing import and export cargo throughout the Chuseok holiday, with normal unloading services available on all days except Chuseok day itself — and even then, emergency handling will be provided for essential industrial cargo.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced Sunday that it will implement a "Special Chuseok Holiday Port Operations Plan" at major ports nationwide from Thursday through Sunday.

To support vessel arrivals and departures during the holiday, the ministry's PORT-MIS maritime logistics information system will remain fully operational. Staff will be on duty around the clock to handle any system failures or other emergencies. PORT-MIS is the government's information platform for processing maritime and port-related civil complaints, permit applications and approvals.

Essential port services required for vessel operations — including pilotage and towage, as well as fuel and supplies for ships — will also be maintained throughout the period.

Import and export cargo will be unloaded normally on all days except Chuseok day. Should unloading requests come in on Chuseok day for essential industrial resources critical to the national economy and industrial activity, the ministry plans to provide emergency support.

Pre-holiday safety inspections are also underway to prevent port accidents. The ministry is running a special port safety inspection period from Sept. 14 through Sept. 23, during which inspectors check whether workers are holding Toolbox Meetings — pre-shift briefings in which on-site workers review tasks, hazards and safety measures — and whether proper work procedures are being followed.

Port access control and security operations will also run normally during the holiday. The ministry said it will maintain coordination with relevant agencies to respond to security incidents including terrorism and maritime illegal entry.

Special situation rooms will be activated at each port. Contact information for port-related businesses will be posted on the websites of 11 regional maritime affairs and fisheries offices and four port authorities to handle emergencies and service complaints.

"I am deeply grateful to all port workers who remain at their posts during the Chuseok holiday to ensure the safety and smooth operation of our ports," said Kim Hye-jeong, director general of the ministry's Maritime Logistics Bureau. "We will do our utmost to ensure that the public and businesses can use our ports safely and conveniently throughout the holiday."