Container Free Time, Demurrage & Detention in South Korea (2026) — Carrier Comparison

In South Korea, published demurrage free time for a 40ft import container is 10–14 calendar days, across Maersk, Yang Ming and ZIM. After free time, demurrage charges accrue per container per day; detention terms are compared below.

Published demurrage and detention free time for import containers to South Korea, compared across 3 carrier(s), based on tariffs covering 9 port(s). Free days = the calendar days before D&D charges begin.

Carrier	Demurrage (40ft)	Detention (40ft)	Demurrage (20ft)	Demurrage (40HC)
Maersk	10	—	10	10
Yang Ming	11–14	—	11–14	11–14
ZIM	10	—	10	—

Free days shown as a range where they vary by port within South Korea. “—” = not published in our dataset for that combination.

📦 Track your South Korea shipments with TrackingMCP — live carrier events, vessel positions, and automatic demurrage & detention alerts before free time runs out. Or look up a specific carrier & port →

Demurrage vs detention — what's the difference?

Demurrage: Charged when a full import container stays inside the terminal past its free days — you haven't picked it up in time. Billed per container per day once free time runs out.
Detention: Charged when you keep the container outside the terminal — being unpacked or awaiting its empty return — longer than allowed. Also billed per container per day.
Free time: The calendar days a carrier lets you hold the container before either charge begins. It varies by carrier, port, container type, and import vs export — the figures on this page are the published import free days.

Frequently asked questions

How many demurrage free days does Maersk give in South Korea?
Maersk publishes 10 free day(s) of demurrage for a 40ft import container in South Korea before charges begin.

How many demurrage free days does Yang Ming give in South Korea?
Yang Ming publishes 11–14 free day(s) of demurrage for a 40ft import container in South Korea before charges begin.

How many demurrage free days does ZIM give in South Korea?
ZIM publishes 10 free day(s) of demurrage for a 40ft import container in South Korea before charges begin.

How we compile this

Figures are taken from each carrier's own published demurrage & detention tariffs and normalised to free days. Terms vary by contract, equipment, and port, and change over time — always confirm with your carrier or BCO contract. Informational only, no warranty. Last updated 2026-07-14.

By carrier in South Korea

Maersk → · Yang Ming → · ZIM →

Free time in other countries

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