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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better prices
Gijang Market Busan
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better prices

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Busan's premier market for fresh snow crabs and live seafood, offering a vibrant culinary adventure.
"Absolutely delicious and absolutely worth the trek for quality shellfish!"
🤝 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 .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
Market floor
Explore a dazzling array of live seafood, from oysters to lobsters. A true feast for the senses!
Upstairs Dining Experience
Restaurants above market stalls
Enjoy your freshly chosen seafood in a casual restaurant setting, often with delicious banchan (side dishes).
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Gijang Market
Crab Pricing & Selection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤝 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.
🦀 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.
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.
⚖️ Compare crab prices
Prices vary; compare vendors for the best value on snow crabs.
🦀 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.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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
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
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. 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
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.
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. Despite potential price variations, the quality and freshness of the seafood at Gijang Market are consistently praised by visitors.
Beyond the Crab: Exploring Gijang
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. For those interested in coastal scenery, the Cheongsapo Observatory provides panoramic views of the sea and the iconic lighthouses.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit