Mokpo coastal area is connected to the adjacent a long river and two large basins. It is essential for port planning coastal zone management and environmental impact study to analyze the data related to the ship operation and variation of current and water quality due to the development of water area including dredging reclamation and estuary barrage. The Yongsan river estuary weir and Yongam-Kumho basins discharge much of water through water gates for the purpose of flood control and prohibit salt intrusion at the inland fresh water area. To meet this purpose discharge through the gates have been done at the period of maximum water level difference between inner river and sea level. This discharged water may cause the changes of current pattern and other environmental influences in the vicinity and inner area of semi-closed Mokpo harbor. In this study ADI method is applied to the governing equation for the analysis of the changes on current pattern due to discharged water. As the results of this study it is known that the discharging operation causes many changes including the increase of current velocity at the front water area at piers approaching passage and anchorages. Discussion made on the point of problems such as restricted maneuverability and the safety of morred vessels at pier and anchorage. To minimize this influence the linked gate operation discharging warning system and laternative mooring system are recommended.
