Gukje Market Busan
A sprawling, vibrant international market in Busan, famous for its diverse shopping, incredible street food, and lively atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, vibrant night market
Gukje Market Busan
Best Time
Fewer crowds, vibrant night market

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling, vibrant international market in Busan, famous for its diverse shopping, incredible street food, and lively atmosphere.
"Beats Gwangjang and Jeju markets anyday. So many unique interesting dishes and it doesn’t feel touristy."
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking! Gukje Market is huge, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring.
💰 Bargain Smart
Prices are generally reasonable, but don't hesitate to politely negotiate for better deals on souvenirs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Street Food Galore
Indulge in a culinary adventure with everything from spicy tteokbokki to sweet potato bread and fresh seafood.
Bupyeong Kkangtong Market
Adjacent to Gukje Market
Explore this vibrant night market known for global street food and energetic atmosphere. A must-visit for foodies!

Diverse Shopping Finds
Discover a vast array of goods, from clothing and home goods to unique souvenirs and local crafts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Bustle
Beyond the Souvenirs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking! Gukje Market is huge, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring.
💰 Bargain Smart
Prices are generally reasonable, but don't hesitate to politely negotiate for better deals on souvenirs.
🥢 Taste Everything!
Don't miss the incredible street food! Try the tteokbokki, sweet potato bread, and fresh seafood.
🗺️ Explore Bupyeong Kkangtong
Just next door, this market offers a fantastic night market experience with global flavors.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking! Gukje Market is huge, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring.
💰 Bargain Smart
Prices are generally reasonable, but don't hesitate to politely negotiate for better deals on souvenirs.
🥢 Taste Everything!
Don't miss the incredible street food! Try the tteokbokki, sweet potato bread, and fresh seafood.
🗺️ Explore Bupyeong Kkangtong
Just next door, this market offers a fantastic night market experience with global flavors.
📱 Use a Translation App
While many vendors are friendly, a translation app can help with communication for specific requests.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gukje Market is a vast and vibrant traditional market offering a huge variety of goods and delicious street food at reasonable prices. Visitors appreciate the authentic market experience and the opportunity to find unique items. However, some find it can be overwhelming and similar to other markets if not seeking specific items.
"Very large market located in Busan, selling a diverse variety of products and goods. Just from strolling here, you can buy blankets, clothes, pots and pans, and much more for very reasonable prices. I recommend coming here for a traditional market experience, since it had so many vendors selling very many products."
kat
"I enjoyed walking through the market. There are many stands selling all my bfs of things. The prices are good. It's worth going to this market to get better prices. It's a covered market so if it's raining it is a good place to get in out of the rain."
Hayes Weggeman
"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bupyeong Kkangtong Market and Gukje Market are two of Busan’s most famous traditional markets—and they’re right next to each other in Jung-gu, making it easy to explore both in one trip.
Bupyeong Kkangtong Market (aka. 깡통시장)
• address: 39 Bupyeong 1-gil, Jung-gu, Busan
• business hours: Open from 9:30 AM (Night market: 7:30 PM–12:00 AM)
• Known for its night market, with global street food like Vietnamese bánh xèo, Scotch eggs, grilled noodles, and Korean classics like pork belly kimbap
•Korea’s first night market, full of energy and flavors from around the world"
Silver C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gukje Market is easily accessible via public transport. Take the Busan Subway Line 1 to Jagalchi Station (Exit 7) or Nampo Station (Exit 1 or 8). From there, it's a short walk to the market. Many travelers find it convenient to combine a visit with Jagalchi Fish Market, which is nearby.
Yes, Gukje Market is located in the Nampo-dong area, which is a hub for many attractions. It's right next to Bupyeong Kkangtong Market and close to Jagalchi Fish Market, BIFF Square, and Busan Tower.
Gukje Market and Jagalchi Fish Market are practically adjacent, just a short walk across the street from each other. You can easily stroll between them.
Yes, numerous city buses stop near Gukje Market in the Nampo-dong area. Look for bus routes that serve Jagalchi Station or Nampo-dong. It's a well-connected area for bus travel.
Gukje Market is a very well-known landmark in Busan, especially in the Nampo-dong district. Follow signs for 'Gukje Sijang' (국제시장) or ask locals for directions to the market.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Gukje Market is a public marketplace, and there is no admission fee to enter. You can freely wander through the stalls and soak in the atmosphere.
Gukje Market generally operates from morning until late evening, with specific stall hours varying. The adjacent Bupyeong Kkangtong Market is particularly famous for its night market, which starts around 7:30 PM.
There are no entrance fees for the food stalls themselves. You pay for the food you order. Prices are generally very reasonable, making it a great spot for budget-friendly eating.
Parts of Gukje Market are covered, offering some protection from the elements, which makes it a good option even on rainy days. However, some sections are more open-air.
The Busan Pass typically covers attractions like observatories and museums. Gukje Market is a free-to-enter public market, so a pass isn't necessary for entry, though it might offer discounts at some nearby paid attractions.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
Gukje Market is famous for its vast variety of goods. You can find clothing, accessories, home goods, kitchenware, cosmetics, souvenirs, and even some electronics. It's a great place to find unique items.
Yes, bargaining is generally expected and accepted at Gukje Market, especially for non-food items like clothing and souvenirs. Be polite and offer a reasonable price.
Souvenir stalls are scattered throughout the market. Look for shops selling Korean crafts, traditional items, K-pop merchandise, and local snacks. The variety is immense.
Absolutely! Gukje Market has numerous clothing stalls offering a wide range of styles, from trendy fashion to more traditional Korean attire, often at very competitive prices.
Gukje Market is known for its general goods and souvenirs, while Bupyeong Kkangtong Market, located right next door, is famous for its vibrant night market and diverse international street food.
🍽️ 🍜 Food & Dining
You must try the tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), sweet potato bread, kimbap, and various fried snacks. The market also has stalls selling fresh seafood, fruit, and traditional Korean dishes.
Yes, there are restaurants located within and around Gukje Market, especially on upper floors or adjacent to the main market area. These often serve fresh seafood purchased downstairs.
Street food prices are very affordable. You can find items like kimbap for around $2, tteokbokki for a few dollars, and other snacks and dishes typically ranging from $3-$10.
Yes, Gukje Market is known for its fresh seafood, especially with Jagalchi Fish Market nearby. You can often buy seafood downstairs and have it prepared at a restaurant upstairs.
Shinemuscat grapes are a popular, large, and sweet variety of green grape. You can often find them at the fruit stalls within Gukje Market, though prices can vary.
📸 📸 Photography
Gukje Market offers a vibrant and dynamic environment for photography, with colorful stalls, bustling crowds, and diverse street food. Capture the energy of daily life.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds. However, the market truly comes alive in the evening, especially with the adjacent Bupyeong Kkangtong night market, offering great opportunities for vibrant shots.
Focus on the details: close-ups of the street food, the textures of the goods, the interactions between vendors and customers, and the overall maze-like alleys. The entrance areas and food sections are particularly photogenic.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is ideal for capturing both wide market scenes and details. A fast prime lens (like a 50mm f/1.8) can be great for low-light food shots.
Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged. However, always be respectful and ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially vendors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the sheer size might be overwhelming, the variety of goods can keep children engaged. Look for souvenir shops with toys or unique Korean trinkets. The adjacent Bupyeong Kkangtong Market's night market atmosphere can also be a fun evening outing for families, offering a lively and engaging experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
For shopping, Gukje Market is excellent for finding inexpensive souvenirs, clothing, and accessories. Remember to bargain politely to get the best prices. It's a fantastic place to pick up unique items and gifts at a fraction of the cost you might find elsewhere.
🍜 Foodie Explorers
Make sure to also explore Bupyeong Kkangtong Market for its international street food offerings and vibrant night market scene. The opportunity to buy fresh seafood at Jagalchi Market and have it prepared is another culinary highlight. This area is a true gastronomic hub.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Culinary Journey Through Gukje Market
Adjacent to Gukje Market is Bupyeong Kkangtong Market, which truly shines as a night market. It's renowned for its global street food offerings, including Vietnamese bánh xèo and Scotch eggs, alongside Korean classics. Travelers often recommend exploring both markets to experience the full spectrum of Busan's street food culture. The energy, aromas, and vibrant atmosphere make it an unforgettable culinary adventure.
For those seeking fresh seafood, the proximity to Jagalchi Fish Market is a major advantage. You can select your own fresh catch downstairs and have it prepared at one of the many restaurants located above the market stalls. This offers a unique dining experience where you can enjoy seafood prepared in various ways, from raw sashimi to steamed dishes.
Shopping Beyond the Ordinary
While it's a fantastic place to pick up gifts and mementos, remember that bargaining is part of the experience. Polite negotiation can often lead to better deals, especially for non-food items. The market's covered sections also make it a viable option for shopping even when the weather isn't ideal.
Beyond typical souvenirs, Gukje Market is a place to experience the local commerce. You'll find stalls selling everything from blankets and pots and pans to electronics and traditional Korean crafts. It offers a glimpse into the daily lives of Busan residents and a chance to find items you might not see elsewhere.
The Historical Roots of Gukje Market
This historical context is what gives Gukje Market its unique character. It wasn't just a place for commerce; it was a symbol of resilience and community rebuilding. While it has evolved significantly over the decades, the spirit of a vibrant, diverse marketplace remains. The market's location in Nampo-dong, often referred to as the old downtown area, further solidifies its historical significance in Busan's urban landscape.
Today, Gukje Market continues to be a vital part of Busan's identity, attracting both locals and tourists. It stands as a testament to the city's ability to transform and thrive, offering a rich cultural experience alongside its shopping and dining opportunities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit