Contact us today for your Busan to Istanbul freight
South Korea
Turkey
The route from Busan to Istanbul offers significant advantages for transporting fresh produce and frozen food. Utilizing ocean freight ensures temperature-controlled environments, essential for maintaining the quality and safety of chilled and refrigerated items during transit. Additionally, the extensive maritime network allows for the efficient movement of large volumes, making it ideal for bulk shipments of perishable goods. This route also benefits from established trade agreements, facilitating smoother customs processes.
Both Busan and Istanbul are equipped with advanced logistics infrastructures that support the handling of fresh and frozen products. Busan's port features state-of-the-art cold storage facilities and efficient loading systems, ensuring quick turnaround times for perishable cargo. Istanbul's well-connected transport network, including rail and road links, provides seamless access to various markets across Europe and Asia. These infrastructure capabilities enhance the overall supply chain efficiency for chilled and frozen food distribution.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with South Korean strategic goods control regulations, especially for high-tech components.
Imports are subject to Turkish customs rules, including advance cargo information, proper valuation, and fully aligned HS coding.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Busan, South Korea to Istanbul, Turkey, expect significant delays due to the Western Pacific Typhoon Season (June-November) and North Pacific Winter Storms (November-March). Add extra buffer days to account for potential port closures and congestion, especially during peak periods like Chuseok (late September-early October) and the Christmas retail peak (October-December). Secure vessel space well in advance and coordinate closely with local agents to manage cut-off times effectively. Monitor weather forecasts and adjust routes as necessary to mitigate disruptions.
When shipping perishable goods, robust packaging Is essential to control temperature and moisture. Our team suggests using Insulated cartons with Gel packs for chilled beverages an...
Preserving the cold chain for fresh produce Requires tightly controlled handling. Reduce door-open time during loading and unloading so Reefer cargo does not warm or condense. We r...
For larger volumes of fresh produce, booking the correct container type is Essential. Our logistics team recommends Integrated reefer containers for mixed loads of Refrigerated foo...
Transporting refrigerated food often Requires additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need sanitary certificates, temperatu...
Before pickup, hold perishable goods at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for Refrigerated food and −18°C or below for Frozen food. Avoid storing Fresh produce directly on t...
Transporting perishable goods successfully Requires a continuous cold chain. Use thermal containers with the right amount of gel packs for Chilled food or dry ice for Frozen food, pre‑chill products before packing, and choose a time‑definite service. Clearly mark boxes as “Perishable” and specify the required temperature so carriers handle them as Reefer cargo.
Yes, frozen goods can in many cases be shipped with dry ice by air, but dry ice is regulated as a dangerous good. Airlines Set limits on how much dry ice is allowed per package and per shipment, and labels must show the net weight of dry ice and UN1845 markings. Our compliance team recommends checking carrier and destination rules in advance and combining dry ice with insulated packaging to keep Frozen food at temperature while staying within dry‑ice limits.
Standard cargo policies may restrict coverage for temperature-related loss on chilled food and Frozen goods. Insurance specialists generally recommend arranging a policy that specifically covers temperature deviation and spoilage, and declaring the full value of your Reefer cargo. Keep packing records and temperature logs; insurers often require proof that Proper packaging was used before honoring claims.
Most chilled beverages should stay between 0–4°C, while many frozen goods products must remain at −18°C or colder. Exact ranges depend on the product type and local regulations. Always Confirm requirements for each item and specify the target range on booking instructions and labels so your Reefer cargo is set correctly.
You can sometimes mix chilled food and frozen goods in the same load, but only if your container or vehicle can maintain separate temperature zones. Fresh produce typically needs temperatures above freezing, while Frozen goods must stay well below zero. If only one temperature setpoint is available, We recommend separating them into different Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.
Fresh and frozen food must be transported in temperature-controlled containers to maintain proper refrigeration or freezing throughout the journey. Special attention is required to monitor temperatures during loading and unloading at both ports.
Required documentation includes a bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and health certificates for food products to comply with customs regulations in Turkey. Additionally, import permits may be necessary for certain food items.
Our team manages coordinated delivery of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) for hotels, resorts, and new builds.
Our team delivers live map tracking with milestone updates, 24/7 access via SAMMIE, centralized shipment documents, and real-time exception alerts so you always know where your freight is and what’s happening with it.
Our approach reduces customs delays and risk through in-house brokerage, a digital-first customs process with automation, SAMMIE’s ability to flag potential delays before they happen, and continuous communication from your Client Success Officer.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Busan → Istanbul shipping needs.
Talk to a logistics expert
Our team specializes in the Busan to Istanbul trade lane.
1-786-949-7330Join hundreds of companies who trust DNA Supply Chain for their logistics needs. Transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and dedicated support.