Jagalchi Fish Market in Busan, South Korea

Jagalchi Fish Market is the largest seafood market in all of South Korea. It is located along the waterfront in the Nampodong District of Busan. The Jagalchi Market is a very popular attraction for people traveling to Busan, the second largest city in the country. It is also quite a major part of the culture and economy in Busan. You can find virtually everything that swims in the sea served at either the restaurants or the fish market in Busan South Korea. If you are a fan of sushi and sashimi, this is going to be some of the best you’ve ever eaten. Fresh may not even be the word to describe it, as the fish you can buy are many times literally grabbed from the water live, filleted, and served right there on the spot. It is a must-see attraction if you are making the trip to this southeastern city in South Korea.

The Jagalchi Fish Market is essentially a long and narrow lane that runs parallel to the waterfront. The easiest way to access the Jagalchi Market from Busan is to take the subway from Busan Station to Nampodong Station or Jagalchi Station. At this point, it is up to you as to whether or not you want to take a cab, but if you are really interested in seeing an authentic South Korean community and the activity in the busy bay and vibrant market, you are probably best served to just walk. It only takes about ten minutes of walking toward the sea to get to the fish market in Busan South Korea that is so widely recognized around the country as the best place to find a vast variety of fish.

On one side of the Jagalchi Fish Market, there is nothing but sashimi restaurants that display the fish they have available in large, freshwater tanks in front of the establishments. Enjoy a brilliant meal along with a glass of delicious Korean beer. Merchants located outside of each restaurant will also be more than happy to sell you fish to go. It is a truly fascinating scene, walking along the bay past restaurant after restaurant, each one featuring display stands and fish tanks with everything from common catches like snapper to much more exotic and colorful creatures like squid and octopus. Perhaps you’re in the mood for a fresh slab of whale meat, shrimp, or even sea cucumbers. No matter what your exotic fish hankering may be, you will find that it will be utterly satisfied at this expansive fish market in Busan South Korea.

On the other side of the lane where the market is located, you will find a wide variety of stands that sell fish. If you are staying at a vacation rental in Busan and you prefer to take the fresh catches back home to prepare yourself, this is the place to find all of the best, ready to take home fish.

Another attraction at the Jagalchi Market are the women who run the entire place, known as ‘ajumma.’ These are middle-aged women who don colorful outfits and big rubber gloves and boots. They are known for their aggressive nature and rigorous work ethic. You will see many such women yanking a large fish from the tank, hacking off the head, and beginning the process of filleting it to utter perfection. If you can make it to this vibrant market in Jagalchi, it will be something you never forget during your trip to South Korea.