Garak Market Seoul
Seoul's premier wholesale market for fresh seafood, meat, and groceries, offering an authentic local culinary adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest catch, fewer crowds
Garak Market Seoul
Best Time
Freshest catch, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Seoul's premier wholesale market for fresh seafood, meat, and groceries, offering an authentic local culinary adventure.
"The freshest seafood in Seoul at prices that will make your jaw drop!"
💰 Bring Cash!
Many vendors at Garak Market operate on a cash-only basis.
⏰ Go Early for Best Buys
Arrive before noon for the freshest seafood and to avoid the biggest crowds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Seafood Extravaganza
5th Floor
Dive into a dazzling array of the freshest seafood imaginable, from vibrant fish to live octopus.
+1
Authentic Korean Eats
Restaurant Area
Savor incredibly fresh sashimi and other Korean delicacies prepared right before your eyes.
+1
Wholesale Grocery Finds
Ground Floor
Explore a wide selection of meats, produce, and other groceries at wholesale prices.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bring Cash & Go Early
Navigate Like a Local
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Bring Cash!
Many vendors at Garak Market operate on a cash-only basis. +1
⏰ Go Early for Best Buys
Arrive before noon for the freshest seafood and to avoid the biggest crowds.
📍 Explore the 5th Floor
This is where the main seafood action happens – don't miss it!
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking is available and affordable, with the first 2 hours costing around 1000 won.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Bring Cash!
Many vendors at Garak Market operate on a cash-only basis. +1
⏰ Go Early for Best Buys
Arrive before noon for the freshest seafood and to avoid the biggest crowds.
📍 Explore the 5th Floor
This is where the main seafood action happens – don't miss it!
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking is available and affordable, with the first 2 hours costing around 1000 won.
🚶♀️ Wander First, Buy Later
Take a stroll to see all your options before committing to a purchase.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Garak Market is celebrated for its incredibly fresh and affordable seafood, offering a genuine local market experience. Visitors appreciate the vast selection and the ability to have their purchases cooked on-site. Some find the sheer size overwhelming, and navigating the wholesale aspect can be a learning curve for first-timers.
"Got my meat from stall A25, nice young chaps that served me. Ordered rib eye and sirloin cuts (see photos).
The boss kindly showed me the way to the restaurant (not his; 一家 at the third floor). $7 fee per head.
Meats were delicious, juicy and well priced. Would come back again just to have my hanwoo beef and not fear of being fleeced/Robert chop (Singapore colloquial term)."
Lbr Spt
"A really authentic market where there were a lot of stores up front selling all kinds of spicy pickles and fermented food alongside the fresh seafood section further inwards. I enjoyed the walk and bought some ginseng pickles but didn’t buy too much as most of the store owners didn’t speak much English but Google translate and body language did get me pretty far to buy some stuff! Recommended if you like a local experience!"
Mabel T
"A large wholesale market with plenty of the freshest seafood, beef and pork. Alps Also a large selection of dried seafood. Pick your choice of meat and seafood and they can cook for you on the first floor. Interesting to visit if you love markets."
Mei Yong
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Garak Market is easily accessible via public transport. Take subway lines 3 or 8 to Garak Market Station. The market is also located along Tancheon, offering pleasant walking or running paths nearby.
Yes, Garak Market offers parking facilities. The fee is approximately 1000 won for up to 2 hours, making it convenient if you're arriving by car.
Garak Market has two primary entrances: one at the north gate and another at the south gate. These are useful to know if you're navigating by car.
Absolutely! Garak Market is situated along the Tancheon river. Heading north along the river offers good opportunities for running and sprinting.
Yes, the market is quite extensive, and walking is the best way to explore its various sections, from seafood to groceries. Wear comfortable shoes!
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission tickets required to enter Garak Market. It's a public market open to everyone.
Garak Market operates 24/7 for some sections, but the main seafood auctions typically happen early in the morning, and most stalls are open from around 6 AM to 10 PM. It's best to check specific stall hours if you have a particular vendor in mind.
While some parts of Garak Market may have limited operations, the fresh fish auction does not occur on Sundays. It's advisable to visit on other days for the full experience.
There's no need to book anything in advance for general entry. However, if you plan to dine at a specific restaurant, making a reservation might be a good idea, especially during peak hours.
Entry to Garak Market is free. You only pay for the goods you purchase or the food you eat.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Garak Market is famous for its incredibly fresh seafood. You can enjoy sashimi, grilled fish, seafood stews, and more. There are also stalls selling meat and other groceries.
For the freshest sashimi, head to the seafood section on the 5th floor. Restaurants like Dolgorae Sliced Raw Fish are highly recommended by locals.
Many visitors find Garak Market to be more affordable for fresh seafood compared to other markets in Seoul, with fewer tourists driving up prices.
While knowing some basic Korean phrases is helpful, many vendors are accustomed to tourists and may have English menus or be able to communicate with gestures.
Yes, this is a popular practice! You can purchase your desired seafood from a stall and then take it to a nearby restaurant to have it prepared for you.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant atmosphere of the bustling seafood stalls, the colorful displays of produce, and the lively interactions between vendors and shoppers. The sheer abundance of fresh seafood is a photographer's dream.
Generally, photography is allowed in most areas of Garak Market. However, always be respectful of vendors and ask permission before taking close-up shots of individuals or their products.
Early mornings offer dramatic lighting during the fish auctions and a less crowded environment for capturing the market's energy. Afternoons provide a lively, bustling scene.
Don't miss the chance to photograph the incredible variety of seafood, the skilled vendors preparing dishes, and the communal dining experience.
A versatile lens that can handle both wide shots of the market and closer details of the seafood is ideal. A fast lens can be helpful for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 It's a great opportunity to introduce children to different types of food and the bustling environment of a large market. Tip: Bring cash for smaller purchases and consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid overwhelming crowds. While the market is lively, it's generally safe, but keep a close eye on children in busy areas. Eating at one of the on-site restaurants can be a fun, shared family meal experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tip: Focus on purchasing seafood from the 5th floor and having it prepared at a restaurant. This often works out to be much cheaper than dining at a seafood restaurant elsewhere in Seoul. Don't forget to bring cash, as many vendors offer better deals for it.
🍣 Foodies & Seafood Lovers
+1Tip: Be adventurous! Try different types of fish, shellfish, and even live seafood like octopus. The experience of selecting your ingredients and having them expertly prepared on-site is unparalleled. Look for stalls recommended by locals or those with long queues for a sign of quality.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Seafood Paradise
When buying, don't hesitate to ask vendors about the freshness and origin of their products. It's common practice to purchase your seafood from a stall and then take it to one of the adjacent restaurants to have it prepared to your liking – a truly authentic and delicious experience.
+1For those interested in the wholesale aspect, the early morning fish auctions offer a glimpse into the market's bustling trade. While you might not be buying in bulk, witnessing the auction can be a fascinating cultural experience.
Beyond the Sea: Other Market Delights
Exploring these sections offers a different perspective on Korean commerce. You'll find everything from seasonal fruits and vegetables to various cuts of meat and pantry staples. It's a great place to discover local ingredients and perhaps pick up some unique Korean snacks or condiments to take home.
For a complete sensory experience, consider visiting during a time when all sections are fully operational. The sheer scale and variety of goods available underscore Garak Market's importance as a central hub for food distribution in Seoul.
Garak Market vs. Noryangjin Market
Noryangjin has a more established reputation as a tourist destination, which can sometimes lead to higher prices. Garak Market, on the other hand, feels more like where locals go for their fresh seafood and groceries, offering a more authentic, less commercialized vibe.
If you're looking for a more local experience and potentially better prices on fresh seafood, Garak Market is an excellent alternative to consider. Both offer fantastic culinary opportunities, but Garak provides a slightly different, perhaps more down-to-earth, flavor of Seoul's market culture.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit