Approximately 4 hours ride from Seoul, you can reach the city of Busan. Being the second most populous city in Korea, there are so many things to see and do around Busan.
Busan may or may not be in your itinerary when you are traveling to Korea. But if you happened to be there or finding a reason to visit Busan, then check out Jagalchi Market. There is more to it than just being a seafood market. And we are here to break it down for you.
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As mentioned earlier, Jalgalchi Market is located in Busan. Tucked in between two train stations, Nampo and Jagalchi Stations, it is only 5 minutes walk from either station. Nampo Station is just 2 stations away from Busan Station, thus making it accessible to get from Seoul via the Korea Train Express (KTX).
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Being accessible to public transports makes Jagalchi Market a recommended place to visit when in Busan. It is the largest and oldest seafood market in South Korea, with huge varieties of fresh edible sea creatures. Apart from living seafood, you can also find dried ones.
Jagalchi Market is notable for its five-story building. The outdoor section already gives you a glimpse of seafood available. The ground floor of the building is no different. Most people will purchase their seafood here and head one level up to get them prepared and cooked at any one of the restaurants. As Jagalchi Market is also located just a few walks away from Nampo-Dong Shopping District, your trip here will be worthwhile and fulfilling!
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Heading down to Jagalchi Market wouldn't limit yourself to only the seafood market itself. Some said that if you happened to visit Jagalchi Market, you would be able to experience what Nampo-Dong has to offer you.
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It is a waste to leave Jagalchi Market without trying any of the fresh seafood. It is a heaven for all seafood lovers. You can shop for any kind of seafood available at the ground level and bring them up to any restaurants on the second floor. The downside is that there are no Halal eateries available here.
Please dine at your own discretion, ensuring that the dishes are not prepared with alcohol despite alcohol being served at premises.
If Jagalchi Market happens to be the last location for the day, how about bringing the seafood haul home and savor it in your accommodation? Provided you have proper storage for it, I'm sure you can still enjoy them! Also, a plus point if your accommodation has a basic necessity for cooking your own meal.
Who would have thought that a seafood market would have an observatory deck? Located on the rooftop of the Jagalchi Market, the observatory deck, also known as the sky terrace, is free! All you need to do is to take the elevator to the top level and climb up the stairs. Enjoy the panoramic view of Nampo port and also, you can spot Busan Tower from the sky terrace.
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If you happened to alight at Jagalchi Station and take exit 7, you would be able to see BIFF Square. BIFF is short for Busan International Film Festival and you may have guessed it right. Similar to Hong Kong's Avenue of Stars and Hollywood's Walk of Fame, BIFF Square housed the handprints of famous celebrities. It is also the main venue for the BIFF event. This street has transformed from just 2 movie theaters to a shopping complex and leisure facilities.
BIFF Square is also famous for its street food. As there is no known Halal street food available here, we wouldn't leave you starving from all the walking and exploring. There is an Indonesian restaurant called Bakso Bejo, and it is Muslim-Owned! If you have yet to settle your meal throughout the trip, you can savor on their Bakso and Nasi Goreng.
Address: 4, Nampo-gil, Jung-gu, Busan
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"Yongdu" in English means Dragon's head, and Yongdusan mountain is named as such to protect the area from foreign sea invaders. It is one of the three famous mountains in Busan. Every nook of this park is picturesque, not only because of the symbolic Busan Tower. You can also find the statue of the Great Admiral Yi Sun-Sin, Bell of the Citizens, Dragon sculpture, and Flower Clock.
Address: 37-55, Yongdusan-gil, Jung-gu, Busan
As the name suggested, Gwangbokro Fashion Street is Busan's Myeong-Dong. It is easy to spot Gwangbokro Fashion Street from the entrance of Yongdusan Park. Stroll down its beautifully decorated streets and find clothing items and cosmetics, from bargained products to renowned brands. So, fill up your shopping bag and bring home some momento from Busan!
Shops at Gwangbokro Fashion Street close until late at night so you would have the luxury of your time to stroll around and find things that you fancy. And if you happened to get hungry from all the walkings, head down to Warung Jaya Mba Tia, another Indonesian restaurant in the area. You will definitely get energized to continue your day!
Address: 72-1, Gwangbok-dong, Jung-gu, Busan
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You would be familiar with the Lotte Department Store when in Korea. Ranging from local brands to international luxury brands, you can find them all in the Lotte Department Store. But Lotte Department Store is not just limited to shopping. If the Myeong-Dong Branch has Star Avenue, the Gwangbok Branch has plenty to see too! Your trip to the Lotte Department Store wouldn't be a wasted trip!
Not only the Gwangbokro Fashion Street caters to youth fashion, but the Gwangbok Branch is also the largest youth-oriented shopping complex. Being the first seaside department store in Korea, the surrounding scenery is stunning. Enjoy the view of the entire city of Busan from the Rooftop garden, which seems to be the largest in Korea too! If you happen to be here at the right time, you may be able to witness the lifting of Yeongdo-daegyo (bridge), allowing ships to pass between the south and north ports. You can also watch the World's largest musical fountain in the mall, as recorded in the Guinness World Records.
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Just about 15 minutes bus ride from Jagalchi Market lies Gamcheon Cultural Village. Known as the Machu Picchu of Busan and the Santorini of South Korea, the Gamcheon Cultural Village is a neighborhood of colorful houses and quirky artworks. Either you are doing it for the 'gram or just appreciating the beauty, you will love every single photo spots in Gamcheon Cultural Village. It is also homed to cafes and small museums. The only thing you might need to brace for is the crowd. Also, as this is a residential area, do be respectful when visiting and exploring the area.
Address: 203, Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, Busan
Jagalchi Market is open every day, from 8 am to 5 pm. If you want to experience the daily and local life of the vendors, you can head down by 5 am or 6 am to watch them set up the stalls.
Address: 52 Jagalchihaean-ro, Nampo-dong, Jung-gu, Busan
