Jagalchi Market (Jagalchi Fish Market / 자갈치 시장)

Jalgalchi Market is one of the biggest and the most well-known fish markets here in Korea.

Though I am Korean living in Busan, I still think that Jagalchi Fish Market is very touristy, exotic and different.

General Information

History: Jagalchi combines two words, jagal meaning gravel and chi meaning a place. Geographically speaking, South Korea is surrounded by water, making fish a staple dish.

After the Korean War ended, vendors reportedly gathered on this graveled area and started selling fish. The men went fishing and the women sold their catch. This is believed to be the beginning of Jagalchi Market.

Location: Jagalchi Haean-ro 52, Jung-gu District, Busan

Hours: 5 am to 10 pm (closed on the first and third Tuesday of each month).

Parking: Parking is available for 700 won per 10 mins in the basement of the building called “Busan Jagalchi Market.”

What to Expect

1.Fresh Fish: You can find a variety of fish products including raw, dried, fried, cooked, and fermented catch. If you wish to purchase fresh fish, you can check out the vendors located inside the market. The name of one of these buildings is Jagalchi, and the other is called Shindonga (신동아). Most vendors also run a restaurant near their shop if you are just interested in sampling their seafood.

Personally, I thought that the inside of Jalgalchi market was very clean and did not smell.

2. Tough Ajummas: It was challenging dealing with these ajummas (ladies in her 40s, 50s or above). After you enter the building, these ladies would shout at you to buy their fish! Since I hate bargaining, I decided to just go to a regular restaurant in the market that specialized in raw fish.

The restaurant I visited was called Namhae Hoit-jib (남해 횟집), meaning Namhae raw fish. I ordered “모듬회 (assorted sliced raw fish),” and two “생선구이 정식 1인s (grilled fish meal For 1 person).” Their prices ranged from 10,000 to 90,000 won.

Like a typical Korean restaurant, a variety of side dishes (aka Banchans) were provided. At the end of the meal, “매운탕” (meaning spicy fish stew) was also provided for free.

How to Get There

Jagalchi Market is very close to the Nampo Subway Station, Line #1. Use 2nd exit and walk about 5 minutes.

Conclusion

Jagalchi Fish Market is more than just a fish market to many people in Busan. So, I recommend checking this place out, even if you are not a fan of seafood.

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