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UN/LOCODE KRPUS · South Korea · IMO-designated crew-change hub
Busan is one of 115 ports named in IMO Circular MSC.1/Circ.1636 as a designated crew-change hub. Ports made the list on the basis of accessible international airports, established agent networks, welfare-centre infrastructure, and — during the pandemic — visa-facilitation frameworks that allowed sign-on and sign-off crew to transit without lengthy quarantine. That combination continues to make these ports the practical corridors most seafarers move through today.
Nearest major airport for crew changes is Gimhae International Airport (PUS), roughly 11 km from the port. Confirm the exact terminal handover point with the ship's agent — many hubs have multiple terminals with different immigration processes.
Busan, South Korea's principal port and one of the world's largest container hubs. Shore leave is granted to seafarers under the standard Korean port-call procedure with a seaman's book + shore pass. Welfare provision is run by Korea Seamen's Welfare Network plus Mission to Seafarers and Stella Maris in Busan. Crews change at Busan New Port (BNCT, HJNC, PNCT terminals) and Gamman / Sinseondae terminals in central Busan.