The Wonsan docks have played a significant role in the development of the city, primarily serving as a hub for trade with Japan. The Mangyongbong-92 ferry is a regular fixture at the docks, it once transported cargo and passengers between Japan and Korea but is now very rarely in use.
Today, the docks have become a popular spot for fishermen to cast their line. In addition to their commercial importance, the docks also hold a military historical significance, having endured over two years of shelling during what became the longest siege by the US Navy. This siege, which lasted from March 1951 to July 1953, almost completely flattened the city.
Since then, the docks have seen relatively little activity, primarily hosting naval drills as Wonsan is a significant naval base for North Korea. Monuments of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Un stand prominently near the docks, overlooking the East Sea and Jangdok Islet.