Jagalchi Market: A Dive Into Korea’s Seafood Capital

One of the most fascinating aspects of daily life in Korea is their vibrant markets. Last year, I had the chance to visit Korea and took a train to Busan—much to my disappointment, there were no zombies in sight.

Jagalchi Market (자갈치시장), the largest seafood market in the country, was the highlight of my trip. Here, you can buy seafood as fresh as it gets—and better yet, have it prepared and served right on the spot. Simply choose your fish, and it’s cooked in the most authentic Korean style, offering an unforgettable culinary experience.

At the entrance of the market a man was hanging dried fish on his kart.

At the entrance of the market a man was hanging dried fish on his kart.

This kid saw I was taking pictures and yelled at me to show his fish. If you’re ever in Busan, you should definitely check out his stand.

This kid saw I was taking pictures and yelled at me to show his fish. If you’re ever in Busan, you should definitely check out his stand.

Running water keeps the animals alive.

Running water keeps the animals alive.

After cleaned out, the fish carcasses are left to dry.

After cleaned out, the fish carcasses are left to dry.

Inside the market a group of men talk and eat fresh seafood.

Inside the market a group of men talk and eat fresh seafood.

It was a rainy day, so the market wasn’t really busy. This man was watching TV while he waiting for customers.

It was a rainy day, so the market wasn’t really busy. This man was watching TV while he waiting for customers.

The market is usually wet, so many customers wear rubber boots.

The market is usually wet, so many customers wear rubber boots.

Freshly prepared seafood. It’s like the fish jumped from the sea into the pot.

Freshly prepared seafood. It’s like the fish jumped from the sea into the pot.

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Behind the market is where the fishermen prepare their fishing gear.

Behind the market is where the fishermen prepare their fishing gear.

These weird contraptions with hundreds of hooks are baited and used to fish.

These weird contraptions with hundreds of hooks are baited and used to fish.

A group of people inside these tents, hidden between the fish stands and the water, prepare the fishing gear for the next day’s work.

A group of people inside these tents, hidden between the fish stands and the water, prepare the fishing gear for the next day’s work.

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