Container Port Selection in the ASEAN Region from Korean Shipping Companies Perspectives: Connectivity Between Southeast Asia and South Korea

Ports are vital to maritime and inland logistics. Selecting optimal ports is crucial in the competitive container shipping market, especially with South Korea’s growing trade with Southeast Asia. Despite Korean firms’ significant investment in the region, limited research exists on their port selection. This study identifies key factors influencing port choice using expert input and a fuzzy-AHP-TOPSIS method. The frequency of port calls, charges, crane capacity, and proximity to routes and markets were key. While port connectivity was vital, it ranked low for SMEs due to nearby manufacturing. Findings contribute to understanding regional integration and strategic port selection.