Gijang Market, Busan - Pentax lx 35mm film camera Cinestill 800T Korea, Daegu
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Gijang Market Busan

4
·9k reviews·, South Korea

Busan's premier market for fresh snow crabs and live seafood, offering a vibrant culinary adventure.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better prices

CrowdLow
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Gijang Market, Busan - Pentax lx 35mm film camera Cinestill 800T Korea, Daegu

Gijang Market Busan

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better prices

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Busan's premier market for fresh snow crabs and live seafood, offering a vibrant culinary adventure.

4
(9k reviews)

"Absolutely delicious and absolutely worth the trek for quality shellfish!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🤝 Go with a local if possible

Locals can help navigate pricing and ensure you get the best deal on fresh seafood .

⚖️ Compare crab prices

Prices vary; compare vendors for the best value on snow crabs .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Snow Crab Feast

Snow Crab Feast

Main market stalls

Indulge in fresh, succulent snow crabs, a local specialty. Pick your crab and have it cooked on the spot!

Live Seafood Selection

Live Seafood Selection

Market floor

Explore a dazzling array of live seafood, from oysters to lobsters. A true feast for the senses!

Upstairs Dining Experience

Upstairs Dining Experience

Restaurants above market stalls

Enjoy your freshly chosen seafood in a casual restaurant setting, often with delicious banchan (side dishes).

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Gijang Market

Gijang Market is a vibrant hub for fresh seafood, especially snow crabs. While it offers an authentic experience, be prepared for a bustling atmosphere. Visiting with locals can help navigate pricing and selection, as vendors may try to overcharge tourists.Reddit

Crab Pricing & Selection

Snow crab prices can vary, so it's wise to compare vendors. While some YouTube videos suggest prices around 60-70k KRW per kg, actual costs can differ.Reddit Look for concentrated areas of crab vendors for potentially more competitive pricing.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better prices
Crowd
Low
When
Lunchtime
Why
Vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Bustling, lively vibe
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The spot I was most excited to eat at and experience in South Korea, especially because Busan is so well known for their seafood! Jagalchi Market 52 Jagalchihaean-ro, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea I've been obsessed with Korean seafood recently, and what better place to get it than one of the largest seafood markets in one of the cities most famous for their seafood. #creatorsearchinsights #korea...
@itsjulianmu
155.2K likes • 1.1M views

🤝 Go with a local if possible

Locals can help navigate pricing and ensure you get the best deal on fresh seafood.Reddit

⚖️ Compare crab prices

Prices vary; compare vendors for the best value on snow crabs.Reddit

Here are my top recommendations for what you gotta see and do in Busan, South Korea 👇🏽🇰🇷 以下是我在南韓釜山推薦必看和必做的首選建議: - Gamcheon Culture Village 甘川文化村 - Jalgahci Market 扎嘎其市場 - Oryukdo Skywalk 五六島天空步道 - Haeundae Beach 海雲台沙灘 - Gwangalli Beach 廣安里海灘 - Dadaepo Beach 多大浦海水浴場站 - Cheongsapo Observatory 青沙浦 - Haedong Yonggungsa Temple 海東龍宮寺 - Blueline Sky Train 海雲台藍線公園 I recommend at least four days in Busan. ...
@ke.yingan
35.8K likes • 645.4K views
Things to Do in Busan That You Can’t Miss! 🇰🇷 From breathtaking coastal views to bustling markets, Busan is more than just Blue Line Park or Sky Capsule! Here’s what you need to add to your itinerary. Food spots: 📍THRILL ON THE MUG! 스릴온더머그 @Cassie | Travel & Food 📍Suwol Gyeonghwa 수월경화 @Cassie | Travel & Food 📍Bonjeon Dwaeji Gukbap 본전돼지국밥 📍Mushin 무신명품 민물장어 @Cassie | Travel & Food #Busan #things...
@cassakating
35.2K likes • 479.1K views

🦀 Pick your own crab

Choose your live crab directly from the stall before it's cooked for maximum freshness.

⬆️ Head upstairs to eat

Most stalls have accompanying restaurants upstairs for a complete dining experience.

beats gwangjang and jeju markets anyday. so many unique interesting dishes and it doesn’t feel touristy. everything was 10/10! 📍Gukje Market, Busan #gukjemarket #koreanfood #koreanstreetfood #busanfood #koreatravel #sweetpotatobread #shinemuscat #kimbap places to visit in busan, where to eat in busan, busan itinerary
@brandneweats
33.4K likes • 469.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🤝 Go with a local if possible

Locals can help navigate pricing and ensure you get the best deal on fresh seafood.Reddit

⚖️ Compare crab prices

Prices vary; compare vendors for the best value on snow crabs.Reddit

🦀 Pick your own crab

Choose your live crab directly from the stall before it's cooked for maximum freshness.

⬆️ Head upstairs to eat

Most stalls have accompanying restaurants upstairs for a complete dining experience.

💰 Be prepared for market prices

While fresh, market prices can add up, especially for larger crabs.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4
(9k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Gijang Market for its incredibly fresh seafood, particularly the snow crabs, and the unique experience of selecting your meal live. The vibrant atmosphere and the option to dine upstairs add to its appeal. However, some find the prices can be high, and navigating the market as a foreigner may require extra attention to avoid being overcharged.

"This was absolutely delicious and absolutely worth the trek. We went up to one random store at the main corner of the market (photo attached) and got a king crab. 65,000 won for 1kg. 2kg crab + fried rice (6k) + service charge for 2 people (6k) made it not the cheapest meal but an excellent value for money considering the price and quality of the meal. The crab was delicious. We went to their restaurant on the second floor where other locals were eating (look for this sign) and were served some delicious appetizers by a very friendly staff member. Amazing experience. For quality shellfish do be sure to make the trek out here."

Emily T

"Pretty cool outdoor market selling all kinds of seafood that you can eat at local eateries. You pick it and then eat it. Very fresh."

David Vogel

"If you want to enjoy cheap and delicious king crab, you definitely have to come here!"

Heath Yeh

What People Like

Incredibly fresh seafood
Vibrant market atmosphere
Unique live selection experience

What People Dislike

Can be expensive
Potential for overcharging

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

From Haeundae, you can take a bus or a taxi to Gijang Market. Buses like the 1001 or 181 are common routes. Taxis are also readily available and offer a more direct, though pricier, option. The journey typically takes around 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.TikTok

The closest subway station to Gijang Market is Gijang Station (Line 1). From there, it's a short taxi or bus ride to the market itself. This makes it relatively easy to reach via Busan's public transport network.

Many visitors opt for a combination of subway and taxi, or a direct bus. Consider the time of day and your budget when choosing your transport method. Some travelers find it convenient to combine a visit with other Gijang attractions.TikTok

Yes, there are parking facilities available near Gijang Market, which can be convenient if you are traveling by car. However, during peak hours, parking can become limited.

Gijang Market is located in the northeastern part of Busan. It's a bit of a journey from the city center, typically taking 45-60 minutes by car or public transport, making it a worthwhile day trip.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Gijang Market is an open-air market and does not require an entrance ticket. You can freely wander through the stalls and browse the seafood.

The market generally operates from early morning until late evening, but specific stall hours can vary. It's best to visit during daylight hours for the full market experience, especially for selecting live seafood.

There is no separate admission fee for the restaurants located above the market stalls. You pay for the seafood you select and any additional dishes or service charges.

Booking in advance is generally not necessary or common for the market restaurants, as they are casual eateries. However, during peak times, you might experience a short wait.

No, there are no entrance fees for individual seafood stalls. You pay for the seafood you purchase directly from the vendors.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Gijang Market is most famous for its snow crabs and king crabs. You can also find a wide variety of fresh oysters, scallops, abalone, octopus, and various fish. Many visitors rave about the quality and freshness.TikTok+1

You select your desired live seafood directly from the stalls on the market floor. Once you've made your choice, you take it upstairs to one of the accompanying restaurants, where they will cook it for you. Some vendors may offer recommendations.TikTok

Prices for snow crab can fluctuate daily and by vendor. While some sources mention 60,000-70,000 KRW per kg, it's essential to compare prices and negotiate. Visiting with locals can help secure better rates.Reddit

While seafood is the main focus, some restaurants may offer other Korean dishes. You can also find stalls selling side dishes like fried rice, which is often prepared with your chosen seafood.Reddit

Besides the cost of the seafood, expect additional charges for cooking services, fried rice (often made with crab innards), and sometimes a small service fee per person.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the vibrant atmosphere of the market floor with its colorful displays of live seafood. The close-ups of crabs and other shellfish are particularly striking. Don't forget to photograph your delicious meal being prepared and served.TikTok+1

Generally, it's acceptable to take photos of the market and the seafood. However, it's always polite to ask for permission before taking close-up shots of individual vendors or their faces.

Daylight hours offer the best natural light for photography. Mid-morning or early afternoon can provide a good balance of activity and light, though the market is lively throughout the day.

The main attraction is the sheer abundance and variety of seafood. Look for visually interesting displays of crabs, shellfish, and the bustling activity of shoppers and vendors.

A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm, is useful for capturing both wide market scenes and close-ups of seafood. A smartphone with good low-light capabilities will also work well.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Gijang Market can be an exciting, albeit sensory-rich, experience for families. The sight of live seafood can be fascinating for children, and the opportunity to pick their own crab can be a fun interactive element. However, the bustling environment and strong seafood smells might be overwhelming for very young children. Consider visiting during less crowded times, like weekday mornings, to make the experience more manageable.

When dining upstairs, look for restaurants that offer simpler preparations or side dishes like fried rice, which are generally kid-friendly. While the market itself is free to enter, the cost of seafood can add up quickly, so budget accordingly. For a more relaxed family outing, consider combining the market visit with a trip to a nearby beach or park in the Gijang area.

💰 Budget Travelers

Gijang Market offers the potential for delicious and relatively affordable seafood, especially if you're strategic. While prices can be higher than expected, especially for king crab, focusing on snow crabs and comparing prices across multiple vendors can help you find better deals.Reddit Visiting during off-peak hours, like weekday mornings, might also lead to slightly lower prices. Don't forget to factor in the cost of cooking fees and any additional dishes like fried rice.Reddit

To maximize your budget, consider sharing a larger crab with a travel companion or group. Some Reddit users suggest that visiting with locals can significantly help in negotiating prices and avoiding tourist markups.Reddit While it might not be the cheapest meal in Busan, the experience of fresh, market-to-table seafood can be well worth the cost if managed wisely.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Gijang Crab Experience

Gijang Market is renowned as one of Busan's premier destinations for snow crab and king crab. The experience begins on the market floor, where hundreds of vendors display their fresh catches. You'll see tanks brimming with live crabs, lobsters, oysters, and a variety of other shellfish. The sheer scale and vibrancy of the market are a feast for the senses.TikTok+1

When you've selected your desired crab, you'll typically take it to one of the many restaurants located on the floors above the market. These eateries specialize in preparing the seafood you've chosen. The most common cooking methods are steaming, which highlights the natural sweetness of the crab, or grilling. Many visitors also opt for fried rice, often made with the crab's flavorful innards, as a delicious accompaniment.Reddit

While the market offers an authentic and delicious experience, it's important to be aware of pricing. As with many markets, vendors may quote different prices, and it's advisable to compare and potentially negotiate. Visiting with someone who speaks Korean or has experience in such markets can be beneficial for securing the best value.Reddit+1 Despite potential price variations, the quality and freshness of the seafood at Gijang Market are consistently praised by visitors.

Beyond the Crab: Exploring Gijang

While Gijang Market is a major draw, the surrounding Gijang area offers more to explore. Visitors often combine their market visit with trips to nearby attractions, making it a full-day excursion. The Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a stunning Buddhist temple perched on the coastline, is a popular choice. Its dramatic setting overlooking the sea offers breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere.TikTok

Another notable spot is the Gijang Haenyeo Village, where you can witness the traditional work of female divers (haenyeo) and enjoy fresh seafood prepared by them. This offers a slightly different, more intimate seafood experience compared to the bustling market.Reddit For those interested in coastal scenery, the Cheongsapo Observatory provides panoramic views of the sea and the iconic lighthouses.TikTok

These complementary attractions allow visitors to experience the diverse offerings of the Gijang region, from its culinary delights to its cultural and natural beauty. Planning your itinerary to include these spots can enrich your visit beyond just the seafood market.

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