Jagalchi Market & Busan Seafood: The Complete Guide
How to actually enjoy raw fish, snow crab, and grilled shellfish at Korea's largest seafood market — how the 2nd-floor system works and pricing tips.
“Oiso, boiso, saiso” — the local dialect greeting Jagalchi Market vendors call out to passersby is practically a symbol of a Busan trip. At Korea’s largest seafood market, eating seafood that was caught just hours ago, at market prices, is an experience you really can’t have anywhere else.
How Jagalchi Market Works
The market is split into a first-floor seafood sales area and a second-floor dining area. You pick and buy your raw fish or seafood downstairs, then head upstairs and pay a table fee to eat it on the spot with side dishes included. If it’s your first time, telling the vendor how many people you’re feeding and your budget upfront — and letting them recommend — cuts down on guesswork. 📍 View on map →
What to Order
- Modeum-hoe (assorted sashimi): A small-plate sampler of several white fish varieties — a good beginner pick.
- Steamed snow crab / king crab: Prices shift with the season, so it’s worth checking current rates before you buy.
- Grilled shellfish: Plenty of stalls around the market grill a variety of shellfish to order.
- Maeuntang (spicy fish stew): A hearty, spicy soup made from the fish bones left over from your sashimi — a popular way to close out the meal.
Tips for First-Timers
- State your budget upfront: Something like “2 people, around ₩100,000” helps the vendor put together the right amount.
- Prices vary with the season: Rates shift with the catch, so comparing a few stalls before deciding isn’t a bad idea.
- The upstairs table fee is separate: Beyond the cost of the seafood itself, expect a separate per-person dining fee upstairs.
- Not into raw fish? The alleys around Jagalchi Market are full of restaurants serving fried food, noodles, and fish cakes, so there’s no need to worry.
Good to Combine With
Jagalchi Market is within walking distance of Nampo-dong and BIFF Square, so it pairs well with ssiat hotteok and other street food after your market visit. Staying in Nampo-dong puts you within walking distance of the market. For the bigger picture on Busan food, check our What to Eat in Busan hub.
📌 One last thing before you book: before booking flights, hotels, or tour tickets, check our latest discount codes for anything you can use.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any point going to Jagalchi Market if I don't eat raw fish?
Absolutely — there's plenty to enjoy even if raw fish isn't for you. Steamed crab, grilled shellfish, spicy fish stew, and fried seafood are all widely available.
What kind of prices should I expect?
Prices shift with the season and catch, but the typical setup is: buy raw fish downstairs, then pay a per-person table fee upstairs to eat it there. It's worth asking the price upfront and adjusting the amount to your group size.
Can I get by in English or Chinese?
It varies by vendor, but given how many tourists visit, basic communication usually works fine with gestures or a translation app. Pointing at the fish you want or showing a photo works well too.
💰 Check before you book
Before you go, check the latest KKday discount codes — one code can shave a meaningful amount off your booking.
See the latest discount codes →💡 Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you complete a booking through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate Disclosure