The best markets in Busan are great for not only purchasing goods at affordable prices, but also for experiencing the local culture. Many of the city's traditional marketplaces have been around for decades, all serving as a prominent gathering spot for farmers and fishermen to sell their fresh produce.
Most Busan markets are centrally located, so you can easily get there via public transport. You can find dozens of vendors selling interesting items, including authentic Korean clothing, herbs and spices and local handicrafts and souvenirs. Check out this guide to the best places to go shopping like a local in Busan.
- 1
Gukje Market
Hundreds of vendors in one place
- Shoppers
Gukje Market is one of the largest markets in Busan. Hundreds of vendors occupy this outdoor shopping venue, where you can buy clothes, food items, handicrafts and even industrial goods. Whatever it is you’re looking for, you’re bound to find it here.
One of the best places to go shopping in Busan, the market is also connected to several smaller markets in the area, including Bupyeong Market and Kkangtong Market. Getting to Gukje Market is relatively easy: take Subway #1 to Jagalchi and get out at Exit 7.
Location: Sinchang-dong 4-ga, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea
Open: Daily from 9 am to 8 pm (closed every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month)
Phone: +82 (0)51-245-7389
Map - 2
Jagalchi Market
- Couples
- Group
- Single
Jagalchi Market is a traditional Busan market in Busan's Jung-gu district. Its name combines the Korean word for pebbles, jagal, and fish, chi. As you explore this seafood market, you'll be welcomed by the heart-warming smiles of the elderly female vendors, affectionately nicknamed Jagalchi ajimae.
Jagalchi Market is an excellent place to purchase live fish and shellfish, as well as dried seafood products. You can pick up raw fish and seafood from the Raw Fish Centre, before taking them to an onsite restaurant to have them cooked or prepared sashimi-style. The market also hosts the Jagalchi Festival every October. You can take the subway line No. 1 to Nampo-dong station, and the market is about a 5-minute walk away.
Location: 52 Jagalchihaean-ro, Nampo-dong, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea
Open: Market: daily from 5 am to 9 pm. Restaurants: daily from 9 am to 10 pm. (Closed on 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month)
Phone: +82 (0)51-713-8000
Mapphoto by Kok Leng Yeo (CC BY 2.0) modified
- 3
Busanjin Market
Market filled with great clothing and fabrics
- Shoppers
Busanjin Market is an indoor shopping centre with hundreds of small shops selling clothes, textiles and souvenirs at reasonable prices. It’s one of the best places in the city to shop for ready-made traditional Korean clothing called hanbok. Many locals also visit the centre for materials like silk, rayon, cotton and satin in various patterns. You might even find a tailor happy to create a special item just for you.
The best way to get to Busanjin Market is by taking the Metro Line No.1 to Bumil-dong Station and take Exit 1.
Location: 290 Beomil-dong, Dong-gu, Busan, South Korea
Open: Monday–Saturday from 7 am to 7 pm (Closed Sunday)
Phone: +82 (0)51-646-7041
Mapphoto by Republic of Korea (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
- 4
Bupyeong Kkangtong Market
A lively night market with delicious food
- Couples
- Group
- Single
Bupyeong Kkangtong Market is one of Busan's most popular street markets, along with Jagalchi Market and Gukje Market. This traditional market is located in Bupyeong-dong, Jung-gu, Busan.
Bupyeong Kkangtong Market offers a wide range of goods, including vegetables, fruits, seafood, side dishes, clothing and general merchandise during the day. It's busiest at night, as you can enjoy a variety of Korean dishes at affordable prices. Must-tries include spicy glass noodles called bibim dangmyeon and fried tofu stuffed with glass noodles called yubu jumeoni.
Location: 39 Bupyeong 1-gil, Bupyeong-dong, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea
Open: Daily from 9 am to 8 pm
Phone: +82 (0)51-243-1128
Mapphoto by Steve Butterfield (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
Start planning your trip
Where to stay in Busan
Ananti at Busan Cove
Paradise Hotel Busan
Signiel Busan
Shilla Stay Haeundae Beach BEXCO
L7 HAEUNDAE by LOTTE
Hotel Nongshim
Grand Josun Busan
Lotte Hotel Busan
NEWCZ HAEUNDAE RESIDENCE
