Walking through the market is akin to visiting an aquarium, as many fish are kept live in tanks. There’s also dried seafood and plenty of shellfish on offer, as well as dozens of seafood restaurants on the second floor—take your purchases to be cooked on the spot or order from a set menu instead. Most sightseeing tours of Busan include a walk through the fish market, although it can also be visited independently.
Jagalchi Fish Market is a must-visit for foodies, families, and first-time visitors.
Wear shoes with a good tread, as the wet floors of the market can get slippery.
Restrooms are available on each floor; accessible restrooms are on the second floor.
Not all shops take credit cards, so bring cash if you plan to make purchases.
The market is accessible to wheelchair users who are able to navigate narrow corridors and wet tile floors.
To get to the fish market, take the Busan Subway (Lines 1, 7, or 10) to Jagalchi Station. From there it’s about a 5-minute walk to the market. Alternatively, visit as part of a guided Busan walking or city tour.
The Jagalchi Fish Market is open daily from 5am to 10pm and closed on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. If you want to see the market at its most active, come early in the morning or in the late afternoon.
There’s plenty to satisfy your appetite at this seafood market, but the sheer variety can be overwhelming. Less adventurous eaters might opt for fried tuna (chamchi) or sashimi on rice (hoe-deopbap). Those looking to sample something more unique can try sea worm, commonly called a “penis fish” (gaebul), sea pineapple (meongge), or raw “live” octopus (sannakji), a market specialty.