The last time I was at a fish market was the famous one in Catania, Sicily. It was absolutely a highlight of my time there and so very interesting. That one was tiny compared to what I have found here in Korea. The unique & fascinating Jagalchi fish market in Busan is amazing and the largest one in South Korea!
Getting There
I took the metro, line #1 to the Jagalchi Station but Nampo will also work. From there it’s a seven-minute walk to the harbour. There are several parts to this large and sprawling market, so what you come across first, might be different from what I saw.
The Eatery
A huge enclosed space, must be four stories tall. This building is massive and you won’t miss it. On the bottom floor, is a wet restaurant. There are large plastic tables set up at various vendors who will create a meal from the live seafood they have available in the tanks that day. You will be seeing the most tourists here, of anywhere else in this market expanse.
This is where you can try live octopus, no joke, they simply cut him up, place on a plate and present it to you with dipping sauce. Its still jiggling and wiggling and will definitely be moving in your mouth and throat.
Walk around at your leisure, have a peak in the tanks and the menus to see what options there are. Come with an empty stomach and have the seafood feast of your life, if you aren’t on a frugal budget like myself. 🫣
Covered Prep Area
Another space you might find interesting and smaller in size, is a covered area between the two larger buildings. Beside the wet market where you may have just enjoyed a meal. Don’t be shy, have a wander in and watch the ladies cleaning and selling their catches of the day.
I’m not sure why these ladies are selling here, and not in the street market, perhaps because they don’t have a store front space in the sprawling streets. Never the less, there is running water splashing everywhere, you may get a little wet, but your eyes will be filled with some unusual sights.
Street Market
By far, the largest part of this fish market are the streets that begin at the end of the large ‘eatery’ building. Here visitors will find umbrellas and tarps, covering the space over the narrow road and protecting the fresh fish from the direct sunlight.
Marvel at the astounding variety of seafood, I can almost guarantee you will see something here you have never seen before. What in the wee willy Wonka are these things?? All the ones I saw were live, wiggling languidly in their small tanks.
Stands of dried fish and sting rays of all sizes, airing in the breeze, are numerous. You will even see dried frogs, bark, sticks, fungi and all sorts of other unique and interesting things!
Tanks filled with interesting creatures and always some kimchi for sale, no matter what type of market you are in here. 😂
The Harbour
If you need a little breather, or want to sit down and have a rest, right behind the large buildings, is the harbour. There is a wooden platform with seating, and you can enjoy the sounds of the fishing vessels. Watching the tug boats as they work their way in and out of the port is a beautiful way to watch life go by.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Busan if there wasn’t a sign for a photo op and some statues. 😁
The Jagalchi fish market is not to be missed if you want a real taste of Busan, its people and their culture. Watching these vendors chatting with the customers and seeing them sit and have a little snack during down time is lovely. Absorbing all the sights and smells is a delight that won’t soon be forgotten.
