It is well known that simulation study in the preliminary design stage of harbors or berths is of great use, since it can provide helpful informations to the designer from the view point of ship navigations. In this paper, a brief review is made in the safety assessment of ship navigation for a 320,000 DWT VLCC entering Yecocheon harbor area, which is carried out by shiphandling simulator system. The geographic data base for the harbor as well as the mathematical models of the ship and environmental effects are designed and developed. Based in the on-site inspections and interviews with pilots in Yeocheon area, basic maneuvering plans and consistence with real operation conditions. Berthing and deberthing maneuvering simulations as well as approaching and departing simulations are carried out by 3 experienced navigators according to the maneuvering plans and environmental scenarios. The simulation results are analysed in various ways to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative maneuvering difficulties and thereby to assess the safety of ship navigation in that area.